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n the early fall of 2020, while travelling be interested in finding out about the 4000 products in over 40 countries, MiTek
Isouth from the Barrie area on Hwy 400, challenges and rewards of building and is a major player in the structural truss
it was apparent that the pandemic was still opening during a pandemic. connector plate industry. A gentleman
affecting travel as the traffic was light on Rick arranged for me to meet with David by the name of Cal Juriet invented and
this usually busy route. Passing the turnoff Cattapan, MiTek’s Canadian President, and patented the first Gang-Nail connector in
to Bradford, I could not help but notice a Justin Neil, their VP of Operations. When 1955. Through acquisitions and mergers,
new construction site being built with a sign the company expanded to include Gang-
proudly announcing, “New Home of MiTek”. Nail, Hydro-Air, Panel Clip, Tee-Lok and
MiTek is a long-standing member of the "It was like building a new Jager companies. In 1982, the company
LBMAO. What a challenge to put up a new reorganized to be the parent of these
state of the art facility during the COVID-19 airplane while trying to fly it!" acquisitions under the corporate name of
pandemic! I thought that they must have MiTek. With distribution centres in Surrey,
some interesting insights into building BC; Calgary, AB; Laval, QC; and Dieppe, NB,
during this unprecedented time. asked about the challenges of a new build this company is well positioned to service
I contacted Rick Ward, whom I have during the pandemic, David commented, “It the Canadian marketplace.
known for several years, to inquire about was like building a new airplane while trying Up until the acquisition of USP
the new build. Rick is the Regional Sales to fly it!” Connectors in 2011, MiTek had been
Manager, Eastern Canada, Supply Channel. First, a few details about MiTek. With focused on selling structural truss connector
I suggested to Rick that our readers would 6500 employees worldwide selling over plates, truss manufacturing equipment,

Pictured opposite: Rick Ward, Regional Sales Manager, Ontario; Justin Neil, VP Operations and David Cattapan, President, christen their new
board room while being interviewed by David Campbell, LBMAO President. Above: Stamping and manufacturing equipment freshly installed
in this pristine new environment.

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