For ETM Industries, location truly is everything.
The precision manufacturing firm was founded in 1977, setting up shop in Renfrew County to be close to one of its biggest customers – Arnprior Aerospace, formerly known as Boeing Arnprior.
Fast-forward 40 years and ETM has grown to become a major international player, supplying precision-crafted parts to the aerospace, space, defense, military, mining and telecommunications industries, among others.
Though the scope of the company’s work has expanded over the years, its location in the Ottawa Valley continues to be one of its major strengths. With a large customer base in both Toronto and Montreal, ETM operates in relatively close proximity to several of its key markets.
“Being in between these major cities has worked out well for us,” says Steve Goulet, a business development officer with ETM. “And we have quite a few customers in the Ottawa area.”
Close to customers
To this day, Boeing continues to be one of ETM’s largest customers. ETM has manufactured parts from the firm’s Renfrew plant on board every Commercial Boeing aircraft currently in use.
Home, work & play
Being in Renfrew County also benefits ETM’s team of hard-working employees.
Goulet says the company has very low staff turnover. He’s based at ETM’s Montreal office, where staff will occasionally be poached by other machine shops in the city. In contrast, the staff in Renfrew typically have long tenures with the firm, providing ETM with an experienced and skilled workforce.
It helps that ETM staff enjoy an exceptional quality of life. Many of ETM’s Renfrew employees also enjoy hunting and fishing, and benefit from the close proximity to sanctioned game areas. Other activities locals enjoy close to home include hiking, camping, skiing, golf and all types of boating.
Additionally, home prices on average are 40 per cent lower than in Ottawa, says David Wybou, the Business Development Officer with the County of Renfrew.
“You can enjoy a higher standard of living in Renfrew County,” he adds.
