As a City Council we are very proud of and passionate about our local businesses and we want to do all we can to support them as they grow and thrive. A great way for us to get to know our businesses and their needs better is through our new Business Spotlight Series. This week, the Spotlight was on an Abbotsford institution: Columbia Cabinets.
On April 9, Mayor Siemens and Councillors Driessen, Gibson, Loewen and Ross toured the local cabinet company, which marks its 55th anniversary this year. CEO Ryan Loewen, grandson of Columbia Cabinets founder Peter Loewen, showed Council around the 100,000-square foot facility and explained the manufacturing process, from cutting and sanding the lumber to laminating and painting it.
Columbia Cabinets has more than 200 employees, mostly from Abbotsford, and many of their craftspeople have more than 20 years of cabinetmaking experience.
It’s exciting to learn that Columbia Cabinets is undergoing a facility and machinery upgrade, meaning they will be able to double their production capacity in upcoming years. They’ll also be expanding their product lines within the cabinetry industry, but their bread and butter will always be kitchens.
After the tour we got the chance to chat with Ryan Loewen about operations and issues facing the industry. We touched on topics including permitting, employee retention and transportation. On the subject of US tariffs, Ryan Loewen mentioned that Columbia Cabinets has been able to weather the current instability as they comply with the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement on trade (CUSMA) and source a lot of machinery from Europe.
Columbia Cabinets is a shining example of a homegrown Abbotsford success story. Not only are they recognized industry leaders with numerous awards for business excellence, but they also give back by contributing to local and international charities and missions work around the world.
Thank you to Ryan Loewen and the whole Columbia Cabinets team for inviting us for a tour of your facility. It was an informative and engaging experience and we wish you continued success in the future.
Abbotsford City Council
