OK Frozen Dough is a family-owned enterprise that has been supplying high quality frozen-dough merchandise to western Canadian impartial bakers, eating places, meals companies and main grocery retailers since 1994
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That tasty crusty bun you get pleasure from at this time was in all probability constructed from frozen dough shipped from Armstrong, B.C., however the firm is increasing its operations into Calgary, that means we will boast one other native product.
OK Frozen Dough (OKFD) is a family-owned enterprise that has been supplying high quality frozen-dough merchandise to western Canadian impartial bakers, eating places, meals companies and main grocery retailers since 1994. It has grown to grow to be a trusted provider of greater than 100 merchandise made with premium components, and the demand means the corporate has to extend manufacturing capability.
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The 30,000-square-foot plant in Armstrong was constructed 30 years in the past and the devoted group of fifty staff who work there proceed to serve OKFD effectively. However CEO Bruce Glaicar says progress of market share from Vancouver Island to Manitoba meant he wanted a brand new manufacturing facility.
After scuffling with transportation issues getting product to Alberta and Manitoba on the opposite facet of the Rockies — hampered by building delays and diversions on the Trans-Canada Freeway east of Golden, B.C. — Calgary was a straightforward alternative.
It’s additionally the place the grain comes from.
Glaicar has accomplished the acquisition of a constructing alongside Wagon Wheel Manner within the industrial space of Balzac.
The primary quarter of 2024 will see the opening of a 36,000-square-foot plant when renovations are accomplished and OKFD’s new tools is put in, which can allow it to grow to be an SQF-certified facility validating the corporate’s stringent meals security program. It can embody mixers and forming tools, and spiral and blast freezers to quick-freeze the merchandise.
At opening the ability could have educated a employees depend of round 15, however that determine will develop — abiding by the corporate motto of “Present up, and take a look at onerous.”
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OKFD was based by companions Philip Thornton and Kevin Fors. Over time, tools was added, product growth occurred and manufacturing procedures had been fine-tuned. It solidified its popularity within the Okanagan, Inside and Kootenay areas of B.C., and with the rising reputation of frozen dough, in-store bakeries had been switching from scratch to frozen and its shopper base was expanded to serve grocery retailers throughout Western Canada.
Below the management of Glaicar, who assumed the position of CEO in 2016, the corporate has seen vital progress whereas sustaining its constant high quality and 100 per cent fill charges for patrons.
Commenting on the growth, Glaicar says: “Whereas our roots and dedication to the Okanagan/Spallumcheen will at all times stay robust, this marks a brand new chapter for OKFD that can enable us to proceed our dedication to assembly the rising wants of our clients throughout the prairies.”
The corporate’s growth right here with the acquisition of a constructing and trucking yard in Balzac is an thrilling resolution, one that can improve its capacity to help continued progress, and permit it to increase its bun and bread choices sooner or later.
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And it’s good for this space with the creation of latest jobs.
Notes:
Inbuilt 1911, the No. 1 Hearth Corridor is among the many most admired historic buildings within the metropolis. Though dwarfed at this time within the shadow of The Bow, it nonetheless stands as a fantastic instance of Edwardian brick and sandstone structure, boasting its 5 arched doorways. It served its goal as the house of the downtown hearth brigade till 1973 and has been vacant since September 2019, when 30-year tenant Price range Hire A Automotive selected to not renew its lease. Situated on an angle on the nook of 6th Avenue and 1st Steet S.E., the constructing was best for hearth vehicles speeding out in all instructions.
Owned by town, it has launched a brand new expression of curiosity to reimagine each the hearth corridor and its neighbour, the North-West Travellers Constructing — in-built 1912 as an workplace and membership for the North-West Travellers’ Affiliation of Canada.
They’ve been marketed earlier than with few responses, however now they’re being launched as a attainable venue the place arts and tradition organizations, partnering with personal enterprise, may create an area the place visible and performing arts teams are supported by way of reasonably priced lease house and live-in artist studios.
Responses to the expression of curiosity shut on Jan. 12.
David Parker seems recurrently within the Herald. Learn his columns on-line at calgaryherald.com/enterprise. He may be reached at 403-830-4622 or by e-mail at [email protected].
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