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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2004-10-06, Page 15Wednesday, October 6, 2004 Exeter Times–Advocate 15 Syfilco celebrates 25 years of business in Exeter EXETER — The owners and staff of Syfilco wel- comed product and ser- vice suppliers, former employees and communi- ty business groups to the firm Sept. 29 to help cele- brate the company's 25th anniversary in Exeter. The business was start- ed by Sybren de Boer in May 1979 when he pur- chased the vacant MacNaughton Seed Mill on John Street East in Exeter and converted it to a knitting mill. Sybren and his son Andy reworked 30 former pantyhose machines to manufacture 100 metre - long "socks" to be sold to enclose plastic drain tile as a filter to keep silt from clogging the tile. In the 25 years since, the business has evolved but president Tony de Boer says "operating in a rural community has con- tributed greatly to our success." Being one of the few manufacturers of tubular knitted polyester filter in North America, Syfilco has established and main- tained its market share in North America while pro- viding employment to res- idents of the community. "Between summer stu- dents, co-op students and part and full time work- ers, we have seen over 76 community people come and go through our doors and they are part of our good memories of the past 25 years. They along with our present staff of 30 employees are an integral part of our success," says Marg Knip, secretary - treasurer of the company. Sybren is no longer active in the business but he has passed it on to his children Tony, Marg and Andy, making it a second generation business. They work to build on the foundation of knitting technology learned from the base up, as each began in the business helping to operate machinery. "In the beginning our resources were few and we were called upon to wear many hats but as the business grew others came on board and took up the areas of sales, maintenance, production and quality and the busi- ness is what it is today because of the team work," says Tony de Boer. Syfilco operates out of a 51,000 square foot build- ing at 320 Thames Rd. W. and utilizes over 60 differ- ent knitting and process- ing machines. The company started with 30 machines and were up to 60 by the third year, but today's output is quadruple that of the early years due to advanced technology. The business manufac- tures over 200 different products from shade fab- rics for the exterior design industries to bale netting for hay bale containment. Every NHL arena also uses Syfilco product. Tony said while it was hoped the expansion would be sufficient for 10 years, the company is growing faster than expected. Another change for Syfilco is it is working on making its own raw mate- rials, an investment of $1.5 million and the busi- ness is hoping to start tri- als next July. As Syfilco moves into the next quarter century, they have a saying. "Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress and working together is suc- cess." Syfilco Ltd. of Exeter celebrated its 25th year of operation Sept. 29 with an open house for product and service suppliers, former employees and community busi- ness groups.Top L -R: Marian de Boer,Tony de Boer, Jackie Pelley, Marg Knip, Harry Knip, Bill Branderhorst and Jerry de Boer cut the 25th anniversary cake. Left: Syfilco president Tony de Boer stands with salesman Arthur Davis from Acorn Packaging. and (above) beside a double siding slitting station that was built from scratch by Syfilco to its own specifications. (photos/PatBolen) Forum examines parental rights By Pat Bolen TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF EXETER — The first community forum of the year at South Huron District High School was held Sept. 20 with the topic of `Parental Rights and Responsibilities - A legal Perspective.' The speaker for the forum was Arijana Tomicic from the Children's Aid Society (CAS) in Goderich. She responded to views expressed by parents at the meet- ing that while kids know their rights, parents are unsure of theirs. "Parents have a lot of rights until a child is 16 and the basic needs of the child such as food and shelter must be met," said Tomicic. She said parents are often reluc- tant to call CAS because of a stig- ma attached to the organization. "Just because you have a CAS file doesn't mean you're not a good parent or you're not sup- posed to work with children." All calls to the CAS, according to Tomicic, are recorded, even if anonymous. The file will show the terms of the call, how the family was worked with and will clearly docu- ment if no abuse took place. "CAS can really be a service if you use it," said Tomicic. "We work to protect the child but not without the family. The best interest of the child is to remain with a healthy nurturing family." Tomicic was also asked what parents can do with a non-compli- ant child when parents come to the point they're afraid to touch children even to restrain them. She replied CAS prefers no phys- ical discipline unless it is reason- able to ensure the safety of the child. She added there are also options for children over 16 who don't wish to remain at home or if par- ents don't want their child at home such as the Safe Homes for Youth Program or women's shel- ters for girls. SHDHS principal Jeff Reaburn said the school used to have great social services before funding was cut but several public schools in the area, including Exeter Public, have half day a week school based services provided by CAS. Tomicic said Exeter Public was picked only because of numbers. "We had to pick five schools because of funding. We wish to be in every school. It is very benefi- cial and the number of children that approach is amazing." She added the difficulty faced by CAS is it "wears two hats", causing one parent to reply "I didn't know you were a resource I could call." "If you work with children and families before a crisis it may not happen," said Reaburn who advised parents not to wait for emotions to get out of control before acting. He added the school was often in a difficult position when they receive information from students they are unable to share with par- ents and teachers. "Ninety-nine per cent stays con- fidential unless the child intends to harms himself. It undermines the role if you betray a confidence." After the forum Reaburn said he was happy with the way the meet- ing had gone. "It was the format we wanted to answer questions." The next forum is scheduled for Nov. 25 and the topic is Suicide and Self Harm Awareness. 50/50 winner Nancy Robinson of Exeter, left, was the lucky win- ner of $2,378 in a 50/50 draw put on by the Exeter Firefighters Association as part of a fundraiser for equipment for the station's new rescue van. Presenting the cheque to Robinson is Exeter Firefighters Association president Bill Vandeworp. (photo/submitted)