Hats off to a good corporate citizen

A mid stories of economic woes in Canada, and abroad, and the tales of need in our community over the holiday season, you can’t blame residents for focusing on the negative.
So, it’s time to recognize some of the stalwart positives in a community that really does okay. Among those are our good, long-term corporate citizens.
Among the corporations who call Huntsville home, Canusa-CPS is one such private-sector contributor, injecting a significant amount of money into the local economy, while supplying equipment that is used across the globe.
Unless you work there, you might take the company for granted. With a total of about 180 employees, the company is undoubtedly a significant part of our economy.
Locally, Canusa, a subsidiary of the Rexdale-based Shawcor Ltd., produces a product that protects the joints of pipelines from damage and corrosion. Amid pipeline debates around the world, here in our backyard a company is manufacturing the very key elements that ensure the longevity of the lines that ship water, gas and oil throughout countries around the world. About 87 per cent of the products manufactured here are shipped outside of North America – whether through supply distribution companies, or directly to companies building pipelines. For 47 years, at the Huntsville manufacturing plant, and at a 70,000-square-foot global distribution centre in Burk’s Falls, the hands of our friends and neighbours have crafted and handled that equipment.
So, not only is Huntsville home to a company recognized around the world within a very important industry, but it is home to a company that puts great emphasis on community. Canusa remains competitive against manufacturers in countries where the cost of labour can be alarmingly low, by continuously focusing on improvement programs towards achieving the greatest possible efficiency. The company also maintains focus on providing good employment locally. As the ebb and flow of demand fluctuates, Canusa holds weekly meetings to inform staff of sale levels and demand for its products, according to manager Gary Mostrey. When more staff is needed, those who once worked for the company when sales peaked and demand was high, are always the first to be invited back.
Beyond that, Canusa contributes thousands of dollars to the community in which its employees live, including a recent $18,000 to a long list, which includes the Child’s Voice Foundation, Almaguin Special Olympics, the Burk’s Falls, Armour and Ryerson winter festival and summer rodeo, Canadian Cancer Society, Run for the Cure, Terry Fox runs, Huntsville chapter of the Canadian Cancer Society, Christina’s Place, Friends of Fairvern, Hospice Huntsville, local agricultural societies, community choir, student scholarships, hospital foundation, local youth lacrosse, hockey, baseball and soccer clubs, Rotary Club, the Legion and more.
And over Christmas, the company gave employees $25 gift cards. Then, Canusa and union representatives offered to match the value of any cards donated to the local Salvation Army. The result? A total of $4,700. One example of why we’re fortunate to have such employers in our midst.
So while we may not say it enough, we are indeed grateful to have good corporate citizens in our community.
J.T.

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