On April 25, 2024, in Chemainus, BC Minister of Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation Brenda Bailey announced that the province is allocating up to $2 million to support the expansion of Ron Anderson & Sons Ltd. (RAS), a Chemainus-based prefabricated wood framing company through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund. This fund, which will invest up to $180 million in manufacturing projects throughout BC, aims to bolster high-value industrial and manufacturing projects across Vancouver Island, ensuring the creation and preservation of well-paying jobs.
RAS specializes in constructing and installing prefabricated wood-frame buildings for residential and commercial purposes. Founded in 1994 and officially incorporated in 1998, RAS has grown by adding services such as concrete foundations, prefabricated walls, floor and stair supply and installation, and precision-cut floor systems. They are affiliated with the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA), an organization serving the construction community across Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and other coastal regions of British Columbia.
The $2 million grant awarded to RAS will fuel an ambitious expansion project aimed at leveraging automation and advanced manufacturing techniques to diversify the company’s product range. From prefabricated floors and roof panels to stairs, RAS is poised to revolutionize the construction industry. The expansion plans include the establishment of a new plant on an existing site. This strategic move is expected to generate 35 new full-time positions, ramp up production, and align with the Province’s objective of accelerating housing construction through streamlined construction methods.
Jack Downing, President and CEO of RAS, expressed his gratitude for the funding, emphasizing the company’s commitment to local job creation and sustainable construction practices:
“By expanding and modernizing our facility in Chemainus, we are not only creating new local jobs but also increasing supply and accelerating the installation of much-needed wood-frame housing across BV, efficiently and in a sustainable manner.”
As RAS embarks on its expansion journey, it stands as a shining example of how investment in the manufacturing sector can drive positive change and prosperity within the Cowichan region.