Page 14 - LBMAO - Reporter - Mar-Apr 2024 - web optimized

INDUSTRY NEWS

opportunities in the region.
Brian began his career as the 4th
generation operator of George Warr Ltd,
in Springdale, NL, where he spent 28 years
operating Warr’s Castle Building Centre.
Throughout his tenure as a Castle Dealer,
Brian had the opportunity to serve on the
Board of Directors and was highly respected
by his member and industry colleagues.
Brian left the industry for close to a decade
to pursue his passion in politics holding
various positions within the Government of
Newfoundland. Although Brian enjoyed much
success in politics, his true passion lies in the
LBM industry, and Castle is very pleased to
welcome Brian back into the family.
Please join Castle in welcoming Brian to
the Business Development Team.

Castle Growth Continues in Quebec
Castle announced February 7 the addition
of another new member location, this time in ad canada 2023 financial results
the Province of Quebec. Boréal Rive Nord Inc.
in Chertsey, Quebec is the first independent
retailer in the region to join the Castle group do sell, many others are buying and
this year. expanding, adding new locations, and
Boréal Rive Nord is located in the attracting great people to their teams
southwestern region and is the newest branch who value working at nimble, people-
and expansion for existing Castle member oriented companies. We are proud to
Produits Boreal. Pierre Girard, Sylvain Cloutier, partner with our owner/member led
and Audrey Coulombe are the new owners of boards and committees, our industry-
this location and their experience as part of AD owner/members set new sales record leading suppliers, and a team of fantastic
the Castle group helped to propel their ability AD is reporting a record result for 2023 AD associates who are passionate about
to expand. in owner/member sales, which increased our mission in support of independents.”
“We have worked with Castle for almost a 5% over the prior year to $78.9 billion.
decade, and they are an important part of our Purchases by member companies from About AD
success. The power of Castle as a major buying AD supplier partners were $19.8 billion. AD is the largest contractor
group helped us take advantage of the best Net distributions to owner/members were and industrial products wholesale
programs and maintain our independence. $1.4 billion. buying group in North America. AD
It was an easy decision to go with Castle for AD welcomed 49 new members to provides independent distributors and
our new branch.” Audrey Coulombe, Vice its community of independents in 2023 manufacturers of construction and
President through a combination of organic growth industrial products with support and
The addition of this new location is an and the merger with the groundwater- resources that accelerate growth. Our
integral part of the Produits Boreal growth focused Baron Group in AD’s PVF – U.S. 850-plus independent owner/members
strategy. This expansion will allow the group Division. This count does not include the span 14 divisions in the U.S., Mexico and
to serve a wider scope of customers in the members joining AD as part of the merger Canada with annual sales exceeding
Quebec region with specialty services such with The Edge Group in AD’s Electrical $78 billion. AD’s 14 divisions cover
as millwork and Pre-Fab Home Kits. The – U.S. Division, which became effective industries including electrical, industrial,
management team plans to build a brand-new on January 1, 2024. In addition, existing safety, bearings and power transmission,
store and retail showroom in late 2024. members acquired 41 non-AD companies plumbing, PVF, HVAC, decorative brands
“Castle’s business model is proven and 20 fellow members. 34 of AD’s 860 and building materials. For more
successful. Supporting our members and members sold their business outside the information, visit www.adhq.com.
staying focused on their future success is what group.
we do, and this gives them the confidence to AD Chair and CEO Bill Weisberg
take advantage of growth opportunities and commented, “The independent distributor
expansion. Congratulations and welcome to community is strong and growing in each
the Castle family.” Ken Jenkins, President & of our industries in the U.S., Canada, and
CEO
Mexico. Even though some independents

14 LBMAO Reporter - March-April 2024 www.lbmao.on.ca