SMS Equipment Unveils $30M Northern Ontario Expansion

This week, SMS Equipment celebrated the grand opening of the newest facility in our network, a $30M expansion of our Timmins, Ontario branch. The location brings our mining, construction and forestry expertise together within a new complex that features more space, additional services and a growing team.

We’re thrilled to open our incredible new SMS Equipment Timmins branch and strongly serve our customers with equipment, technology, service and support right where it’s needed,” said SMS Equipment President and CEO Robin Heard.

“The demand for heavy equipment has steadily increased alongside explosive growth of Ontario’s mining sector and its related service industries,” he added. “We wanted to invest in a facility and the personnel that could fulfill that demand, delivering a broad range of solutions to keep our customers’ operations running smoothly.”

Larger footprint, loaded with features

Spanning 37,000 square feet, the state-of-the-art Timmins branch houses the company’s new and used equipment sales and bolsters its service and maintenance capabilities in the region. The new building includes two heavy-duty welding bays, five service bays and a 100-ton heavy-lift capacity, which together accommodate new remanufacturing, welding, painting and large equipment rebuild services. It’s designed to hold the largest mining equipment in the region — in fact, it can support the largest haul trucks in the world.

Ongoing expansion of the facility has already been considered, with predevelopment features in place for future growth.

We’ve had a presence in Timmins for more than 30 years,” added Mike Patterson, Operations Manager, Mining, at SMS Equipment.

“With this expansion, we’re building on our foundation and looking toward the next 30. As our customers’ needs evolve, we’ll be here, delivering creative solutions to their business challenges.

Sustainable design for a bright future

Supporting SMS Equipment’s commitment to reducing our carbon footprint, environmental sustainability was top of mind in the design and construction of the Timmins building. It includes a range of energy-saving features including upgraded wall insulation, triple-glazed windows, daylight-harvesting light controls and occupancy sensors. Its solar energy system, which generates electricity from 240 rooftop panels, is expected to supply nearly 70 percent of the administrative offices’ power. The facility also features a water recycling system and an electric car charging station.

Investing in Northern Ontario

"SMS Equipment’s investment in the Timmins branch," said Heard, "is an investment in Northern Ontario."

The expansion injected more than $30 Million into the economy through the building’s design, materials and construction. Along with jobs created in its creation, the branch employes more than 80 full-time staff, including 28 Heavy Equipment Technicians and six HET apprentices. As is the case across our network, SMS Equipment Timmins aims to be an employer of choice, attracting skilled tradespeople to live and work in the region.

SMS Equipment is also committed to enhancing the quality of life for the people that live in the communities where we operate. Along with our investment in the local economy, we are active in a broad range of sport, arts and culture, and other initiatives that help the people of Timmins and surrounding areas thrive.

A grand celebration

Representatives from provincial and municipal governments, customers, partners and employees gathered at the new SMS Equipment branch on June 25 to celebrate its grand opening.

"Timmins is the city with a heart of gold and having a world-class supply and service company like SMS Equipment is important for our local economy," said George Pirie, Member of Provincial Parliament for Timmins.

"I want to congratulate SMS Equipment on this terrific expansion that will create over 100 good-paying jobs and benefit the people and businesses in our region. This brand-new facility will help mining operations get machines back up and running faster, while also ensuring Timmins will be the supply and service hub of the Northeast."

Heard concluded the event with an inspiring message about the months and years ahead.

“As we celebrate the grand opening of our new branch, we not only mark the completion of its construction,” he said. “We also look into our future – a future of collaborative growth and shared success for our employees, our customers, our partners and our community.”