Scholarship Donor - AIT

Donor Since: 2002
Number of Scholarships: 3
Websites: Waiward Steel Fabricators Ltd
Scholarship Information: Waiward Steel Fabricators Ltd. Scholarship (3)

History:
W.S.F. is an industrial steel fabricator specializing in the oil and gas, pulp and paper, and petro chemical industries. Its services include the fabrication and installation of structural and miscellaneous steel, equipment components, hoppers, vessels, plate work, material handling equipment, and bridge girders.

In 1971, Donald Oborowsky and his business partner, Ted Degner, began operations in a 2,500 sq. ft. shop as a miscellaneous steel fabricator.

In 1989, W.S.F. purchased three specialized CNC controlled pieces of equipment. This marked the first purchase of highly sophisticated and advanced technology in the Alberta steel industry.

In 1992, W.S.F. relocated to its existing facility, invested over $2.5 million in additional automated equipment and increased its shop and crane capacity by 8 times. W.S.F. was recognized in 1993 by Profit Magazine as one of Canada's fastest growing companies. This accomplishment came at a time when many fabricators were downsizing or closing business due to the slow movement within the industry. Today, W.S.F. is one of the largest and most automated steel fabrication facilities in Canada, operating in a 210,000 sq. ft. facility and employing over 300 people.

W.S.F. continues to invest heavily in the latest technology for the shop and office. Increased shop and crane capacity, modern automation, plant upgrades and technology enhancements together with successful diversification within the various industrial sectors has resulted in W.S.F. being awarded many high profile projects, including Project Millennium at Suncor and the Genesee Power Plant.

In 2000, W.S.F. expanded its shop and covered craneway capacity an additional 30,000 sq. ft. to accommodate the continued growth of the company. Completed in March 2001, W.S.F. constructed a state of the art, three-story office building, which more than doubled the existing office facilities.

With the growing Alberta economy, Waiward is equipped to take advantage of the expanding market. Size, innovation, and quality are key aspects that will allow Waiward to maintain its competitive advantage in the industry. W.S.F. commitment to safety and a recognized quality program provide one of the strongest assurances of production/service quality available to our customers.