Manufacturing

Manufacturing is a major contributor to Kamloops’ local economy. With more than 120 fabrication and manufacturing companies operating in the Kamloops area, over 7.1% of the population is employed in this sector. Kamloops manufacturers have traditionally been tied to the resource sector, and in recent years, have experienced growth in smaller, niche-oriented companies.

 

Kamloops manufacturers, until recently, have been operating in a strong business climate where businesses reported 10% to 30% growth during the past 3 to 5 years. Most manufacturers, particularly those servicing the construction trade, forestry, mining and alternative health sectors have been able to continue to expand their operations. Steel and wood fabrication sectors have been a steady and solid sector as institutional and commercial real estate projects in the region have been solid.

 

Approximately 75% of Kamloops’ manufacturing companies are exporting to the international market. Most companies service both a local market and a broader regional market, which includes Western Canada, the U.S., Europe and Asia.

 

Kamloops’ Competitive Advantages for the Manufacturing Services Industry

 

Kamloops’ Location: One of Kamloops’ advantages is its geographic location in the province of British Columbia. As a transportation hub with trucking, rail and air cargo access, the ability to move products from Kamloops to other locations in a cost-efficient method is ideal.

 

Strong Infrastructure: Kamloops has over 2,200 acres of affordable land zoned for industrial use, much of which is vacant. There are eight industrial parks; some with both rail and highway access and the city enjoys a reliable supply of affordable power and telecommunications.

 

Local Resources and Support: There are more than 125 fabrication and manufacturing companies operating in the city and businesses enjoy extensive research and development support by the Interior Science and Innovation Council, FORREX, Nexterra and Thompson Rivers University. In terms of raw materials, wood species, lumber grades, fibre supply and wood waste are available at competitive prices.

 

Skilled & Educated Labour Force: The city enjoys a diverse pool of trades, forestry specialists, contract loggers, truckers and silviculture workers. Additionally, Kamloops is home to Thompson Rivers University (TRU). With over 1,200 graduates annually from a wide variety of diploma, undergraduate and graduate programs, TRU works closely with community and industry organizations, and all levels of government. Since 1996, TRU faculty and students have worked with over 200 manufacturing and technology businesses to develop and implement commercial applications of new and existing technologies and innovations. Projects including consulting for wood products and other manufacturing companies, equipment automation projects for industry, technology commercialization, business start-up and marketing advice, and applied research and development to regional and provincial businesses and industries. 

 

Lifestyle: Kamloops has a vast landscape with plenty of room in which to play and engage in an array of recreational opportunities, all while enjoying over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually. Housing is affordable and the cost of doing business is competitive, plus the area boasts exceptional schooling options and healthcare services. Employee retention is high in Kamloops with employees citing an affordable, quality of life in the region as a major plus.

 

Incentives for the Manufacturing Industry

 

Machinery and Equipment Investment: Purchase of eligible machinery and equipment is exempted from Provincial Sales Tax (PST). Eligible expenditures include machinery and equipment used in manufacturing, software development, mining and mineral exploration, petroleum and natural gas production and logging.

 

FortisBC Heavy-duty Natural Gas Vehicles Incentive Program: Following the Government of B.C.’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction regulation announcement, FortisBC has an incentive funding program to assist qualifying heavy-duty fleet operators to purchase natural gas vehicles which will allow companies to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions and see fuel savings. 

 

Manufacturing Resources

 

Thompson Rivers University (TRU) Research: Thompson Rivers University is developing a vibrant and collaborative research and innovation culture, with a focus on curiosity-driven research, community-based research, applied research, technology transfer, and knowledge translation. The research excellence is supported through a commitment to research infrastructure, research facilities, internal research funding, research chairs, knowledge mobilization resources, and student research. 

 

 

Manufacturing Organizations

 

The British Columbia Business Network: Find suppliers quickly and conveniently through the British Columbia Business Network (BCBN), and learn more about importing from British Columbia, Canada. The B.C. Business Network is a resource provided by the Government of British Columbia, Canada that helps you identify exporters and suppliers with goods and services for sale.

 

 

Testimonial

Gordon Leschyson“CanDig Mini Excavators Inc. chose to be incorporated in Kamloops, B.C. in August, 2002 after considering various other options, including Kelowna and Calgary. Kamloops was chosen due to the lower cost of establishing a manufacturing business, and generally lower cost of living. In Kamloops, there has been an impressive amount of support for our business from the Chamber of Commerce, Venture Kamloops, Community Futures, local banks, and the National Research Council of Canada. Kamloops also provides spectacular outdoor experiences for its residents, including skiing, hiking, and other recreational activities. Collectively, Kamloops is a very attractive place to locate new business venture.”

 

— Gordon Leschyson | CanDig Mini Excavators Inc.