1+1=3. Bill Coady at Port Hawkesbury Paper talks about his longstanding partnership with BID Canada.

In March of 1976, I embarked on a journey with Port Hawkesbury Paper, joining the Engineering Department as a Technician. Over the decades, my primary focus has been on the heavy industrial aspects of our operations, particularly in our Wood Rooms and Paper Machines.

Back in the mid-to-late 80s, we reached out to Ray Sullivan at BID Canada for a proposal on a chain conveyor for our wood room. That project marked the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship. The conveyor we built, installed, and ran for many years laid the foundation for a collaborative partnership based on mutual respect and an understanding of each other’s design abilities.

Working together, we achieved a synergy where 1 + 1 = 3. Our designs were tailored for quick installations or “Extra Heavy” styles where necessary, and we worked closely with one another to ensure there were no surprises along the way. Good suppliers who truly focus on what they’re providing are difficult to find, and we’ve been fortunate to maintain a relationship that prioritizes simple, well-built, and fairly priced equipment every time.

For nearly four decades, we’ve relied on these partners for almost all our conveyor replacements. Our shared understanding of the scope and scale of designing industrial gear has been pivotal to our ongoing success. As one of our bearing suppliers wisely puts it: “Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the essence of our partnership.

Having a reliable contact at BID Canada in Derek Lawrence, who truly understands our mill, been invaluable. Derek’s expertise ensured that each project was a perfect fit, both in terms of construction and performance.

We want to express our sincere appreciation for your unwavering support. The folks in our Maintenance Department have noted zero issues with any of our parts requests, and we currently have two projects in the pipeline for review. We look forward to continuing this exceptional partnership well into the future.

Thank you for your dedication and quality service.

Bill Coady

*Derek Lawrence would like to recognize the contributions of Ray & Pat Sullivan, Brent Manuel, Bruce Bradley, Corey Ivey and Shawn Dore, among others, who were all vital and instrumental to building and maintaining that relationship and performing all of the conveyor projects where B.I.D. and Port Hawkesbury Paper/NewPage/StoraEnso/Stora worked together.

Understanding Screw Conveyors and their applications

Screw conveyors, also known as auger conveyors, are vital pieces of industrial equipment used for efficiently transporting bulk materials. These materials can range from granular solids like powders and grains to semi-solids, liquids, and even non-flowing materials. The core component of a screw conveyor is a rotating screw shaft with helical flighting, housed within a trough. As the shaft rotates, it propels the material forward in a linear motion. Screw conveyors are versatile and can be designed for horizontal, vertical, or inclined travel paths, depending on the specific needs of the operation.

In 2013, B.I.D. supplied a screw conveyor to our Client for the purpose of conveying shredded bark. Shredded bark, known for its abrasive nature, can cause wear and tear over time. After several years of reliable service, it became clear that the screw might need replacement. As part of the Client’s preventative maintenance program, B.I.D. is now fabricating a replacement screw to ensure their bark screw conveyor continues to operate efficiently.

Meet Derek Lawrence, material handling guru!

Resident Trekkie, traveler and curler, Derek has a long history at BID Canada

Derek Lawrence grew up in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, a small coal mining town in Cape Breton. Several members of his large extended family worked for the coal company, the area steel plant, or related construction industries. This led Derek to study Civil Engineering Technology at UCCB (Now Cape Breton University), attend Lakehead University in Thunder Bay for Civil Engineering, and later Memorial University of Newfoundland to complete a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology.

“After completing my time in Thunder Bay in 1999, I had opportunities to go west or stay in Ontario, but the ocean called me home and I found myself in New Brunswick. When I applied to BID as an estimator, I intended to try estimating at BID and living in Woodstock for a year or two and then move back to Nova Scotia. Instead, I met my wife Darlene in Woodstock and built a life here.”

Derek was employed with BID Canada from 2000-2017 and was an estimator, then preliminary conveyor engineer, he attended trade shows, did business development and became sales and estimating manager. In 2017, he started a position as business development manager for Heath & Sherwood, followed by three years at Rulmeca Canada. Similar to the ocean, BID Canada called him home and he returned after the acquisition by McDonough in May 2023.

Derek is a lifelong Trekkie and science fiction fan, and in his spare time he likes to watch movies & TV, reading and pursuing lifelong learning. He is an avid curler, and enjoys traveling, spending with his family and spoiling his nieces and nephew.

Reach out to Derek if you want to talk material handling, and we’re sure he wouldn’t mind discussing Star Trek or curling while you’re at it!

B.I.D. Canada Ltd. acquired by McDonough Manufacturing

New partnership joins two of New Brunswick’s premiere manufacturing teams and facilities

BID Canada has been acquired and will be partnering with McDonough Manufacturing Company. This acquisition, combined with McDonough’s flagship location in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, allows McDonough and BID Canada to increase production capacity, human resources, and product offerings.

McDonough Manufacturing is a family owned and operated manufacturer of custom sawmill machinery, founded in 1888. BID Canada will continue to operate in our facility in Woodstock, New Brunswick with Bruce Bradley as General Manager, and retaining existing team members under the McDonough umbrella. The BID Canada location will remain focused on our existing customers and projects, while contributing to the production of McDonough sawmill machinery.

This is an exciting chapter, and we are grateful for the support of our many customers, vendors and supporters. We are confident that this expansion will only serve to increase our capabilities and expertise. We thank you for your trust in us and we remain confident that the goodwill we have built will continue to grow with your support.

To learn more about McDonough Manufacturing’s 135 year history, visit www.mcdonough-mfg.com