This past year the BRC group of companies joined WMCO: Woodlore International, Tayco Inc., and BRC Manufacturing. They are large office furniture and cabinetry manufacturers, with a new IMA cabinet line at the Woodlore location. They have 600 employees across the three locations.
Why did they join?
Best practices, sharing ideas, build new and strong relationships. While WMCO had a small funding program for digital investments, that was not the main reason. BRC group is building to transform their company, and being part of the cluster to help them be exposed to new ideas is key to their growth.
BRC group employees have attended plant tours in other WMCO member plants smaller than them, and their take-aways have been huge. Best practices occur in all shapes and sizes, and there is always something to learn; if you are ready to transform your business to be successful in todays marketplace.
WMCO members explore process excellence and automation in action
On Oct. 29, WMCO members gathered at Woodlore International in Brampton for an exclusive plant tour and focus group event. The morning began with a warm welcome from Mike Baker, WMCO CEO, who thanked attendees for their participation and emphasised the value of peer-to-peer learning within Ontario’s wood manufacturing community.
The event drew more than 50 industry professionals, representing a wide range of companies and segments across the value-added wood industry. The strong turnout highlighted the engagement and collaborative spirit within Ontario’s wood manufacturing community - showcasing the value of shared learning amongst WMCO members.
Participants were given a behind-the-scenes look at Woodlore’s world-class laminate case good operation - a facility recognised for its precision, flexibility, and automation. Spanning more than 150,000 square feet, the Brampton plant demonstrates Woodlore’s commitment to process excellence through advanced machinery, integrated workflow systems, and disciplined quality practices. Guided by Woodlore’s principle of Complete. Correct. On-Time, attendees saw firsthand how the company achieves exceptional consistency and efficiency in every stage of production.
Throughout the tour, members gained valuable insight into Woodlore’s manufacturing strengths and operational philosophy, observing material flow, integration, and process control systems designed to support both volume and customization.
Following the walkthrough, the group gathered for an engaging discussion session - sharing observations, asking questions, and reflecting on lessons learned that could be applied in their own operations. The exchange was lively and insightful, highlighting the strength of WMCO’s collaborative learning network.
WMCO extends sincere thanks to Robin Rooker (VP operations & business development) and Farhad Mansouri (managing director) of Woodlore International for hosting the tour and providing open access to their impressive operations.
A special thank you as well to Murat Dogan, president of IMA Schelling Group Canada, who sponsored and provided the networking lunch, enabling members to connect and exchange ideas in a relaxed setting.
WMCO plant tours continue to be one of the most impactful ways for members to learn, connect, and share best practices across the cluster. Thank you to all who attended. See you at our next event!
Get involved now with the only cluster for the wood industry in Canada.
You can learn more here: www.wmco.ca, or contact us at mbaker@wmco.ca
