In order to survive 35 years in business you need to be able to adapt, evolve, and capitalize on opportunities that can help move the business forward. For both the former and current ownership group at O’Brien Fabrications, that has meant embracing change with an eye to the future.
This year marked the 35th anniversary of O’Brien Fabrications, a multi-divisional local operation offering a variety of industrial and residential services since July, 1989. The company recently went through a change of ownership, as former owner Bill Green and founder Mike O’Brien passed the torch to a new collective that includes Matt Wickie, Dan Mohle, Scott Brookes, and Bryce Ferris.
And according to the new group, the current plan is to build on the strong reputation O’Brien Fabrications has in both the industry sector and the community.
“Right now, we’re looking not so much at expansion as we are becoming more efficient. We hope to build on the strengths of the company and continue to improve, leveling up the technology of our company and moving forward.”
With approximately 30 staff providing their expertise through the various divisions and an 8,000 square foot shop that houses the welding, HVAC, and metal roofing and siding departments, O’Brien Fabrications Ltd is a fully-insured, WSIB certified company that has clients as diverse as school boards and universities, as well as large commercial clients and high-rise residential developments.
One thing that won’t change under new ownership is the ongoing focus of the services offered by O’Brien Fabrications. As a full-service metal contractor serving Guelph, K/W, Cambridge and surrounding areas since first opening, O’Brien’s has continued to grow its capacity in welding and structural steel fabrication, steel roofing and siding, and commercial HVAC services.
According to co-owner Matt Wickie, educating potential customers on the company’s full menu of services is one of the ongoing objectives for management.
“I talk to clients on a daily basis, and the biggest thing they don’t know about O’Brien Fabrications is the diversity of services that we do offer,” he said. “I hear things like you guys do HVAC, I’m looking for a roofer, I’m looking for someone to do siding, or do you know any structural steel guys. We do all of that and more. I usually get ‘we never knew that.’
Wickie says despite some lingering challenges in the industry after COVID and higher interest rates causing some ripple effects in some industry sectors, the outlook for the future of O’Brien Fabrications and the industries it serves is positive. Company ownership has high expectations for the next 35 years and beyond.
Whatever the project, O’Brien Fabrications is committed to meeting and exceeding the needs of its customers.
For more information, visit O’Brien Fabrication online.