Bins being manufactured in Hat
Partner companies see growth potential
It’s not as quite as big or sexy as garbage trucks, but metal is again being bent, welded and formed at the former home of Wittke Waste Equipment, and in the same vein.
New commercial-scale recycling bins are fresh from the shop floor at Red Arc Manufacturing in Brier Park, for use by Can Pak Environmental.
The partnership, dubbed Can Arc by the two entities, produced a small initial order of heavy gauge bins for Can Pak’s expanding recycling and waste disposal business, including some for customers here in the Hat.
Officials with both companies say they are only in the exploratory stage of larger-scale production in Medicine Hat, but see potential in the partnership and are particularly proud of stamping the bins “Made in Medicine Hat.”
“It’s preliminary, we’re getting up and running and we’ll see where it goes,” said Ryan Hazelaar, a partner in Red Arc.
So far, only 17 medium-sized commercial pick up bins — like those typically seen behind stores and businesses — have been built in Medicine Hat.
He said properly scaling production is the key how economical local endeavour could be.
Larger orders cut the per unit price of the bins that aren’t particularly intensive or difficult to produce. They are rudimentary compared to some of Red Arc’s other work.
However, large orders, if it comes to that, could be a sound money maker, said Hazelaar, whose firm currently employs 10 and produces custom metal work, parts and structures for oilfield, military or industrial purposes.
“(The bins) aren’t anything a welder couldn’t do — there’s nothing really special about them — but doing one or two isn’t worth while,” said Hazelaar.
“You have to do large volumes to make it a profitable business... It could be huge, but it all depends
Last year, Red Arc was formed between the two when Dustin Ziegenhagel, of Red Arc Welding, joined with Hazelaar to add machining and computer controlled cutting to manufacturing capability.
The pair set up shop in the former Wittke location, where garbage trucks were built until 2006, when it was shut by new owners, Leach North America, and 350 workers were laid off.
Last spring Can-Pak Environmental won a city bid to operate curbside recycling in the city that will be launched in mid 2018.
Those will be plastic bins similar to black and green municipal containers for trash and yard waste, but the company will also offers a variety of bins for commercial customers.
Containers range from a twoyard bins for small business to large construction dumpsters that can hold up to 40 yards of material.
The owners of the company, based in Alix, Alberta, near Red Deer, have said they will seek out commercial contracts here as well as other municipal contracts.
Can Pak already operates the municipal drop off service in Olds and commercial pick up services in Edmonton, Calgary, and Drayton Valley.