ECM unveils “first ever” made-in-Ontario e-house

Mar. 8, 2016 – Elias Custom Metal (ECM) has announced what it says is the “first ever” electrical house custom-engineered and manufactured in Ontario, along with a $2-million investment that it says will help grow the economy and strengthen advanced manufacturing.

The utility grade electrical house (or e-house) was built for Enersource Mississauga, and designed and engineered in partnership with ABB Canada using 50-per-cent recycled materials. The parties describe the e-houses as pre-fabricated structures that are a key component of the energy chain as they help “create distribution efficiency and enhance safety” in the energy, mining, gas and oil sectors.

The e-house weighs more than 60,000 lbs, occupies 1,100 sq. ft., and measures 56 ft. long, 13 ft. high and 17 ft. wide. It boasts leak-proof construction and “indestructible roof integrity” to withstand transportation, says ECM.

“We are pleased to deliver this sophisticated e-house to our local partners. This e-house innovation, in addition to our $2-million investment in state-of-the-art equipment, will allow us to enhance our best-in-class advanced manufacturing to clients all across North America,” said Fadi Emeid, president and CEO of Elias Custom Metal. “Previously, Canadian companies often had to purchase e-houses from abroad. Now ECM has brought the capacity and skilled knowledge home to be manufactured here in Ontario.”

“Enersource is pleased to be a part of this important milestone for our community, which provides an economic and industrial capacity boost for manufacturing in Ontario,” added Chris Hudson, vice president of asset operations at Enersource.

ECM says its $2-million investment will go towards new Trumpf machines that will bring additional manufacturing capabilities, training for new employees, and will create 10 new jobs in the community. New capacity includes laser tube construction and automated welding for more complex projects, adds ECM.

“Investing in innovation is key in a world where change is a constant. Companies who recognize the importance of advancing an agenda driven by competitiveness and productivity will be well prepared to face the challenges and seize the opportunities of the market,” said Maurizio Bevilacqua, mayor of Vaughan. “Ultimately, investments create jobs.”