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Kitchener is Home to New Canadian Subsidiary of Schöck Group
For Immediate Release
Canada’s Technology Triangle, Waterloo Region, August 11, 2009 – Innovative building solutions company, Schoeck Canada Inc., commenced formal operations in Kitchener, Ontario on April 1, 2009.
Schoeck Canada Inc. is an independent subsidiary of the German structural building products manufacturer Schöck AG. Schoeck Canada Inc's mission is the local selling of the products of the parent company, especially their Schöck ComBAR GFRP rebar system, their engineering and detailing, their customization, the local quality assurance, the onsite support regarding handling and safety installation aspects and finally the proper packaging and delivery of the products to their final destination. This is a unique product that replaces traditional steel rebar in construction. The Schöck ComBAR GFRP system was first installed in Canada in 2007, when the bars were built into the barrier walls of the Irvine Creek Bridge near Fergus, Ontario.
There is significant demand in North America for this product and others of this company especially with a number of new government funded infrastructure projects. In the winter of 2008/2009, ComBAR was also installed in the approximately 600 m2 raft foundation on the ground floor of the new Quantum-Nano Centre at the University of Waterloo. The new centre will be the first nano technology research facility of its kind in the world. The fact that ComBAR is nonmagnetic was the deciding property for this project, in addition to its superior bond properties (crack width limitation requirements) as well as its durability characteristics.
As the Canadian market continued to grow, which represented a major opportunity for this technology, Schöck recognized the importance of being close to its Canadian customers. “During our market investigation in 2008, we identified 4 key aspects when choosing the right spot for our new company. The location had to be central, ideally connected to one of the main highways with focus on minimized traffic congestion, relatively close to GTA and a place with good established German companies. Kitchener fulfilled all 4 aspects entirely,” says Christian Witt Baquero, Vice-President, Manager Sales & Engineering ComBAR Schoeck Canada Inc. “In addition, during this time of important decision making, we received the best and most professional assistance and support from Canada's Technology Triangle Inc. My opinion today after 4 successful months of business in the area: Waterloo Region is one of the most beautiful areas in the world and an ideal place for business and living. The region has welcomed us in the most extraordinary manner.”
"I am happy to welcome Schoeck Canada Inc. to Kitchener," says Mayor Carl Zehr. "As our manufacturing industry evolves with the new economy, it is extremely encouraging to see companies from abroad choosing to establish a local base from which to operate and serve the engineering needs of our community
Several further bridge rehabilitation and new bridge projects in Canada using ComBAR as reinforcement in the barrier walls and parapets, as well as the approach slabs, will commence soon or are in the planning phase. Also in planning are projects where not only the barrier walls, but the entire bridge deck and the bridge curbs are to be reinforced with ComBAR.
“Schöck Bauteile is another example of a highly innovative and entrepreneurial SME company from Germany,” notes Bill Elliot, Vice President Business Development, Canada’s Technology Triangle Inc. “They are realizing the opportunity and benefit of localizing their North American headquarters in Waterloo Region, and we are hopeful that the success of Schöck products and services will lead to the construction of a Canadian manufacturing plant.”
