“Getting laid off was the best thing that ever happened to me,” say John Stead, Vice-President of JSW Manufacturing in Bracebridge. That happened back in 1994. His long time friend Steve Whitworth, (now President of JSW) was also laid off at the same time, so they decided to pool their resources and start their own company. They haven’t looked back.

  Originally producing waste handling equipment – roll-off containers for the waste management industry -- they have since branched out to become a custom steel fabrication shop, providing structural steel for buildings and docks.

  “We are licensed welders for structural steel buildings,” John points out, adding that they try to stay as local as possible, not wanting to go out of the area.

  John mentions that JSW has provided the structural steel for many local products including The Pines new addition in Bracebridge and the James Street Retirement Home’s expansion, also in Bracebridge.

  John’s background is in welding and steel fabrication, something he has worked in since finishing high school. Steve was a butcher before he was laid off, and has applied his business experience to help build JSW.

  Recently they have taken part in a new venture, producing the structural steel for Pavillion, a company that fabricates equipment storage buildings, arenas and similar structures.

  “These are the big fabric-covered buildings you see out in the fields,” John says, explaining that JSW produces the structural steel part for these and then Pavillion erects them at locations all over the province.

  “They are way cheaper to build than a conventional building,” John continues, adding that they can be made any size. “The smaller ones can be portable, too,” John says.

  “We’re busy,” John states, adding that JSW now has 22 employees.

  JSW Manufacturing is located at 1091 Manitoba Street, just before the High Falls Rd.

Call 705-646-2984 or visit their website at www.jswmfg.com.