HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1991-08-14, Page 5IT'S YC)1JR RLJS[WFISS
Times -Advocate, August 14, 1991 Pape 5
Dynamic milling company lands in Huron Park
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By Ray
Lewis
In the
business
world,
sometimes
having the
right attitude
can make or break a company. If
everyone had the same outlook as
Tony Oosterman, maybe the reces-
sion would draw to a close.
"Sometimes you've got to take
risks", said Oosterman. "You can't
just sit back and watch."
During what for most has been
an economic slow -down, Ooster-
man has brought Advanced Mill-
work and Contracting to Huron
Park in search of expansion.
Taking risks has become some-
what of a passion with Oosterman.
In 1978 he purchased a troubled
solarium company and promptly
turned it around.
"It was a lot of work and gave
me a lot of grey hair," laughed
Oosterman. "But it was a challenge
and I love the risk."
The company was lacking the
quality workmanship Oostennan
felt imperative to its success. He
boarded a sinking ship, plugged all
of the holes and bailed it out. Un-
der Oostennan's fust year of lead-
ership, the company showed its
first profit.
Since that time, Admillco has
seen many changes. Solariums
have gone by the wayside as the
market diminished. Nowadays,
Advanced Millwork and Contract-
ing handles large projects of archi-
tectural millwork, manufacturing
cabinets, baseboards, railings and
many other specialty items.
To date, projects have included
Masonville and the London Aquat-
ic Centre. Because they are strictly
commercial, Oosterman felt a move
was necessary to permit them to be-
come more competitive.
"We weren't as efficient as we
wanted because we lacked the
space," said Oostennan. "Now we
have more room and it's a lot quiet-
er out here."
The company had been located
on Exeter Road in London, and
made the move in July of this year.
Everything at Admillco involves
custom work, and they avoid pro-
duction line millwork because they
aren't set up for it. According to
manager John Crackett, they like it
that way and it pays dividends.
This past spring, the recession
caused soft prices, which brought
more competition from smaller
businesses. Companies involved in
work such as kitchen refinishing,
tried entering the market to bide
their time until their own markets
strengthened. Because of the in-
crease in competition, many went
under.
"That was fortunate for us," said
Crockett. "But certainly not for
them."
Many attempted to cut corners by
substituting materials, but found
they couldn't because the quality
control is so very strict. Admillco
products are solid, usually oak or
maple. One their latest projects
was a circular information desk for
a library, made of two-inch solid
oak.
After one of their tenders is ac-
cepted, plans are given to the six
employees at Admillco, and the
project is hand -made on the spot.
"People -wise, I've been very
lucky in getting excellent crafts-
men." said Oosterman. "And I like
a small company because you're
still in contact with everybody."
Currently, Admillco serves south-
ern Ontano from Windsor to To-
ronto, but has worked as far as Sud-
bury. They have estimators and
installers on the road at all times,
and last month priced out over two
million dollars worth of business.
-Of these estimates, the company
usually inherits about 3-5 percent,
which gives them about $100,000
worth of business per month.
Throughout the winter, Admillco
was busy seven days a week, and
now is even busier because of reno-
vations and additions to schools.
Makin' It work - Admillco manager John Croy
ett (left), and owner Tony Oosterman look oY
blueprints for one of their upcoming projects.''
"We would like to gradually ex-
pand to handle more," said Ooster-
man. "We think it's possible and
that's why we moved."
Last Year Admillco showed a
marked increase despite the slump-
ing economy. Given a healthy one,
there is no telling what they're ca-
pable of. Prices are only now be-
ginning to firm up, a sign which the
owner hopes will see the contract-
ing end of business explode over
the next three months.
Oosterman expects things to real-
ly pick up, which would allow him
to return to his fust love, a con-
struction company which he also
operates as part of T. Oosterman
Inc. It's a far cry from his initial ca-
reer choice, but one that seems to
have kept him both successful and
content. Originally, he started out •
as an accountant.
"They don't like you taking too
many risks in that trade," laughed
Oostennan. "I guess I should have
become a broker."
BEST RATES
on your G.I.C.
Exeter
235-2420
Galser-Kneale
Grand Bend
238-8484
A
23ualn-DAT @c
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
Council agrees. toll-free
London dialing a benefit
EXETER - Toll-free dialing
between Exeter and London
may be available by 1994, but
Bell Canada are first surveying
customers to see if demand for
such service exists.
Town council discussed the
possibility of extended service at
last Tuesday's meeting. In order
to compensate for the loss of
long distance charges, basic ser-
vice rates will increase $2.50 for
individual residential lines, and
an individual business line will
cost another $15.95 a month.
Councillor Dave Urlin called
the rate increase a bargain, given
the additional service.
However, the toll-free service
will be to London only, not to
Ailsa Craig or Ilderton exchang-
es.
"I personally think it's a great
thing," said councillor Harry
Klungel, who had long cam-
paigned for improved telephone
service in the town. "Every
time you call it pretty well costs
two and a half dollars."
"So you guys are saying Lon-
don today, Holland tomorrow,"
teased mayor Bruce Shaw.
"It will never happen,"
laughed Klungel, but insisted
that it was about time direct
dialing came to Exacter consid-
ering that the " Try of Zurich" al-
ready has direct connection to
overseas long distance service.
Letter to Editor
To the Editor:
If Dave O'Brien is such an ex-
pert on golf and well he should be
he will know that a child of 5
years of age would have no way to
protect him or herself from a stray
ball if one came their way.
Andy De Boer
130 Gidley St., Exeter
Dear Sir.
On Friday, July 26 and Satur-
day, July 27, 1991 the Lions Club
of Exeter held a barbeque at the
premises of A & H (EMA) Food
Market. Almost $700.00 was
raised for Lion's community pro-
jects.
Such success could not have been
possible without
the supportt of
the
staff and
tors of $ Iii
Food Market who1111)
generously donated
the food and beverages for this
Project.
The Exeter Lions Club wish to
express their sincere gratitude to
everyone at A & H Food Market
for their gracious assistance.
Yours truly,
B*Cter Lions Club
Top quality - Todd McLeod takes his time in constructing a cabinet
during a typical day at Admillco.
HURON COUNTY LANDOWNERS
BID DFAbLINE:
SEPT. 27, 1991
$ 225,000 AVAILABLE TO
HURON COUNTY LANDOWNERS
FOR SOIL AND WATER PROJECTS
1+1
Agriculture
Canada
NATIONAL SOIL CONSERVATION PROGRAM
(NSCP)
Purpose:
- Protect through permanent cover
- Retire from agriculturer,--fraglielafids which ere subject to erosion
- Protect lands adjacent to streams or open ditches from intensive
agricultural practices
$10,000 MAXIMUM GRANT
THERE WILL BE TWO INFORMATION -WORKSHOP
MEETINGS FOR HURON COUNTY. FARMERS
August 28 - 8:00 p.m.
September 11 - 8:00 p.m.
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture
and Food, Clinton, Boardroom
For a Bid Package and/or to Register for one of the
Information -Workshop Meetings, CaII the Ontario
Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Clinton,
at (519)482-3428 OR 1-800-265-5170
SPONSORED BY THE HURON SOIL AND CROP IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
... so. iJ<.fl.
Kime, Mills, Dunlop.
Chartered Accountants
Danlel B. Daum, B.A., M.Acc., C.A.
Manager
412 Main St., P.O. Box 2405
Exeter, - Ontarlo NOM 1S7
(519) 235-0345 Fax: (519) 235-3235
John A.M. Norris CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT
497 Main Street South, Exeter, Ontario NOM ISI
Tel: (519) 235-3240
Fax: (519)235.3246
AUCTIONEERS
FILSON & ROBSON
The Experienced
Auctioneers that
Guarantee You More SS
Considering A Sale or
Need an Appraisal
666-0833 666-1967
Call Correct
Supplying You with
30 Yrs. Efficient Service
Mobile office
• Immediate Payment
• 2 Auctioneers
it Is Our Pkasiwe To serve You
NORM WHITING,
LIeTN$ED AUCTIONEER
& APPRAISER
Prompt Courteous Efficient
ANY TYPE, ANY SIZE
ANYWHERE
W. gilt* comptet. NI. Ntvtt.
PROf IT BY EXPIRIEMCE
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235.1144 UTTER
Auto Painting
Ron's
Professional Auto
Painting &
Restoration
Ron Stewart
R.R. 1 Dashwood, Ontario
♦ NOM 1NO (519) 238-7536✓
Bob Heywood
Licensed Auctioneer
Specializing in
household and
estate auctions
Reasonable rates
Bob 235-0874
Laverne 235.1278
AUCTIONEERS
Bruce & Brett
Coulter
Household, Estate
and Farm Auctions
Parkhill
294-6164, 294-0585
REPAIRS
rtiaMrlw� Modolis.'1
Resin
to oil makes
Free .stlfnat.s
90 Oey Warranty
Exp.rl.nc.d
slnt. 1932
Sew sod $civ
149' ownl. R1.,$*+ttord
Closed Monday
Phon.271-1440 /