With an estimated 700 plus home builds this year in Fort McMurray, those working in the construction industry are working at full capacity to get their family, friends and neighbours back into their repaired and rebuilt homes as quickly as possible. To recognize the determination and dedication of those on the front lines of the rebuild, CertainTeed has announced its search for Fort McMurray’s Rebuild Heroes.
The new CertainTeed campaign contrasts with the controversy caused when the company complained last year — and succeeded — in convincing the Canadian government that US drywall producers were “dumping” their gypsum board in Canada, resulting in punitive duties that caused angst, especially among contractors with fixed-price agreements.
However, The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT), after responding to an outcry of complaints from builders and drywall contractors, recommended that anti-dumping duties in western Canada be temporarily eliminated, then replaced at a significantly lower rate than they had been applied provisionally and CertainTeed agreed with these revised duties, which reduced the pressure on the Fort McMurray rebuilding process.
In its most recent news release CertainTeed says the “Rebuild Heroes” it seeks to recognize and reward include contractors, foreman, drywallers, plumbers and others that are working countless hours to build homes and/or complete repairs. CertainTeed is calling for residents to nominate the Rebuild Heroes that are getting people back in their homes.
To kick off the contest and help drive nominations, a CertainTeed Rebuild Hero truck visited local partners and constructions sites October 4 amd 5, delivering homemade snacks and hot drinks to more than 100 people at 10 construction sites around the city.
“CertainTeed has had a strong building material manufacturing presence to Western Canada for many decades and we have remained committed to maintaining our presence despite economic pressures and challenges,” said Wayne Edgecombe, CertainTeed Gypsum Canada’s vice-president of sales. “We recognize the resilience and fortitude of Fort McMurray, after the terrible impact of the wildfires of May 2016, and that the rebuild is a massive effort.”
“We want to take this opportunity to recognize and support the incredible community spirit to come back stronger than ever and recognize all the Rebuild Heroes that are bringing Fort McMurray Strong to life.”
Earlier this year CertainTeed (responding to increased demand because of the anti-dumping duties) increased its drywall production capacity at several facilities in Western Canada, saying it has created more 50 new jobs, to ensure local supply for the building material needs of the Western Canadian construction industry and to ensure that there would be an adequate supply of drywall for Fort McMurray construction. While drywall was the key product focus, the company is also prepared to support with insulation and ceilings should the need arise.
“When our team decided to do something to recognize those on the frontlines of the rebuild, we engaged with numerous local contacts to start pulling this program together,” said Edgecombe. “We’ve engaged key local partners such as Kenroc and FBM – both which have strong local distribution that is key to getting our products to local contractors.
“We’ve had such a positive response with several people donating their time because they share our desire to celebrate all those that are making this re-build a reality.”
Fort McMurray residents are encouraged to visit www.CertainTeed.com/RebuildHero from Oct. 4 through Nov. 3 to nominate their Rebuild Heroes.
While the contest intends to honour all those who are working so hard to rebuild the city, five heroes randomly selected from all the submissions will each receive a $2,000 gift card. CertainTeed will also make a $2,000 contribution in each winner’s name to a local Fort McMurray charity of his/her choice.
Since 1929, CertainTeed says it has maintained a strong commitment to Canada, and is the only manufacturer to have kept its six Western Canadian manufacturing plants and mining operations open. As Canada’s only remaining manufacturer of drywall in Western Canada, CertainTeed has hired additional staff and increased production at its western facilities in order to meet demand for its drywall product, the company said in its news release.
“Demonstrating a strong commitment to investing in people, innovation and customers. CertainTeed Gypsum Canada has plants in Vancouver, Calgary and Winnipeg, and at two gypsum quarries in B.C. and Manitoba,” the news release said.
CertainTeed’s Rebuild Hero winners will be announced on Nov. 9.
