2010

• In 2010 WS became vertically integrated with their finishing capabilities by adding an Autophoretic coatings operation.
• 2010 marked the 5th plant expansion, adding a 15,000 square feet to process oversized products up to 60,000 lbs.

• The company rebranded it’s name to "WS Steel” which more accurately encapsulates the business operation.
• An increased focus on fostering a healthy corporate culture resulted in shared goals, and a better understanding of the overall company direction. New safety programs and employment standards were introduced further establishing WS as an employer of choice.

• In 2012 WS became ISO Certified and developed a Welder Training program. A 6th plant expansion increased the Finishing Plant facility by 20,000 square feet.
• Major project accomplishments included: shipping product to Japan in the wake of the large earthquake and power plant meltdown, and providing steel for the Winnipeg Rapid Transit system.

• By 2013 WS had over 238 Employees and undertook their 7^th expansion project, adding 19,000 square feet and bringing their total size to over 150,000 square feet.
• A highlight in 2013 was receiving a major contract for the manufacture of the Recycle Everywhere recycling bins.

• 2014 Marked the 25^th year anniversary of WS Steel.

2005

• WS split the operation into two parts – manufacturing and structural. Manufacturing continued under the W.S. Machining and Fabrication name while the structural division now operated under the name W.S. IRON WORKS.
• Improvements were made to electronic processing and data collection systems, boosting efficiencies and providing access to real time data analysis.
• Primary work during these years included: industrial manufacturing, steel fabrication processing and structural steel fabrication.

• A modernization project added a formalized marketing department, as well as a number of new high tech equipment including: 3D design and engineering software, lights out CNC equipment, fully automated press brakes, CNC machining/turning centers, and shot blast equipment.
• WS began increasing their production work, purchasing their semi truck and becoming increasingly known as a Tier 1 Manufacturer.

• WS had grown to 139 Employees and sold their original location in Blumenort, moving all the manufacturing to Steinbach.

• In 2004 WS undertook it’s forth expansion project – a major transition as they expanded and added a second location.  Due to continued growth they moved their offices and most of the manufacturing operation to the Steinbach Industrial Park.  With the addition of the second location the total manufacturing square footage expanded to 44,000 square feet and office space totaled 7,000 square feet.

2000

• Continue to grow employee base to 32 and completed third expansion project of an additional 4000 square feet.
• Continue to shift away from repair and maintenance work, and increased site furnishings and equipment manufacturing.
• WS started a number of R & D Projects including:
  • Storage Carts
  • Lifts
  • Automated Machines
  • Conveyors

• Josh Sr. semi-retired and sold his share of the business. Three new family members were added to the ownership structure continuing the family owned and operated business.

• By the end of 2003 WS had 48 full time employees.

• WS discontinued manufacturing site furniture for our US based marketers. This was the first year of losses in WS history, setting in motion a four year recovery period.

1995

• Added two full time employees bringing the total size to 6 employees.
• Began buying equipment for a fabricating environment including their first brake & shear.

• Undertake second expansion project adding 10,000 square feet.

• As Josh Sr. withdrew from the daily operation, the business shifted towards fabrication and manufacturing and the company was renamed WS Machining and Fabrication.
• The shift from repair welding to machining and fabrication resulted in major growth and the employee base grew to 28.
• Obtained Canadian Welders Board certification in October of 1999.

1989

• Josh Sr. and his son Joe renovated a 960 square foot shed and WS Welding (a father and son team) began offering small machine repair services in their spare time. The primary operations conducted in the first 5 years were repair and maintenance for the industrial/agricultural base within the 50 mile radius area.

• Josh Sr. and Joe both start working full time in the business and by 1993 they had added two additional full time employees to the operation and undertaken their first expansion project increasing their shop to 4800 square feet.

• On December 15, 1994 they incorporated as W.S. Machining and Welding Inc.