Located just north of Union Bay, Cascadian Wood Tech produces custom millwork, timberframe, and wood components like staircases, railings, and built-in furniture – and ships across North America. Founded by Cyrill Werlen and his partner Reto Schnyder, the company has brought Swiss entrepreneurialism and craftsmanship to the Comox Valley. “We’re a young, dynamic company with a passion for wood work,” Werlen says.
That passion – and the way they’re running the business – is setting Cascadian apart. It’s also drawing attention to our region.
It’s about growth – and paying attention to local
Werlen and Schnyder want to grow their manufacturing business. That means they’re always thinking BIGger than the local market, looking for projects that challenge them. But they know the value of looking after the local. Cascadian makes everything in-house. They use Vancouver Island wood to minimize environmental impact and increase local economic impact. And, they value collaboration and innovation as keys to success.
TED, and more
In 2014 Cascadian was invited to construct the TED Talks auditorium for its five-year Vancouver run. That experience landed them a simliar project, for the 2015 Toronto NIKE Marathon. This February they did their third TED construction (see opening Instagram by Cyrill). They’ll also be creating a 6000 square foot project at a remote west coast location.
Growth has meant a facilities upgrade, from 1000 to 6000 square feet. It’s also meant doubling their full-time workforce. “We’re a young, dynamic company with a passion for wood work.”
Collaboration and innovation
Werlen says the monthly #WeAreYQQ business development workshops are important for collaboration and innovation. “This isn’t about bragging how much money you make; it’s about how much we can help each other.”
For more information about Cascadian Wood Tech visit the website at www.cascadianwoodtech.com
Follow Cyrill and Cascadian on Instagram at https://instagram.com/cascadianwoodtech/
For more information about the #WeAreYQQ Business Development workshops, see weareyqq.ca/events
by hanspetermeyer
for the #WeAreYQQ Project / Startup Comox Valley
@WeAreYQQ on Twitter
@WeAreYQQ on Instagram
WeAreYQQ.ca on Facebook
