On the grounds of the Calgary Stampede, the BMO Centre’s new outdoor plaza is a hub of summer activity. With a sweeping metal canopy that towers over the space, it’s become a site for musical performances, art installations, and shady spots to enjoy carnival food.
At the centre of the space are two “feet” with dramatic aluminum panelling—produced by local business Grant Metal Products. This unique metal structure is what Grant Metal does best. Based just outside of Northeast Calgary, the company supplies medium to light gauge metals for the exteriors of buildings, making them look sleek and exciting.
“We supply materials for the ‘building envelope,’” says Todd Hunchak, President at Grant Metal. “These are the components that enclose the building around the structure. If you live in Calgary, for example, we supplied metal paneling for Rocky Ridge Recreation Centre. Or in Edmonton, we provided metal for the control tower at Edmonton International Airport.”
Grant Metal was founded in 1980 by the Grant family. Today, the company has grown to 42 employees, and co-owners Todd Hunchak and Sean Philipiew have big ambitions for the future. Last year, Grant Metal applied for $1,000,000 from ERA’s Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI) program to upgrade their punch and shear machine, the Prima Power Shear Genius.
The Shear Genius automatically picks up a flat sheet of metal, adds tags and holes, and cuts it to the exact size necessary. The resulting panel is used in exterior building designs like the BMO Centre. Beyond aesthetics, it can help keep structures warm in winter and cool in the summer.
“30 years ago, the punch and shear process would’ve been done by hand,” says Sean Philipew, Operations Manager at Grant Metal. “Now it’s time for us to innovate that process again. SEMI is helping us invest in the best equipment so we can be more productive and reduce our carbon footprint.”
The current Shear Genius uses 32 kilowatts per hour, while the upgraded version will only use 8 kilowatts. The machine is expected to achieve energy cost savings of $24,414 per year.
Sean and Todd are also interested in the Energy Management Information Systems (EMIS) activity in the SEMI program to help them monitor their energy consumption and identify high-intensity areas. They’re currently weighing a customized system to fit their needs.
“Right now, we measure our energy consumption by looking at the bills, which is not a unique experience for business owners,” says Todd. “Adding an EMIS system will help us collect data and understand the equipment we need to be energy efficient.”
Thanks to financial incentives from the SEMI program, Grant Metal can streamline their operations, purchase better equipment, and reduce their carbon footprint. Plus, they can keep making products that bring character and beauty to Alberta’s cities.
Quick Facts
- Grant Metal Products is a custom metal fabricator serving clients across Western Canada, including commercial and light industrial building contractors, the glazing industry and signage industry.
- ERA’s SEMI program provides industrial and manufacturing facilities with funding support, expertise, and training in energy management.
- SEMI is a $70 million program, with funding provided by the Government of Alberta and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). It is designed to help the province’s industrial and manufacturing sectors increase competitiveness, improve energy efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
