Wetaskiwin’s Kimto Manufacturing team proudly says that from sand and wood chips to gold and diamonds, they’ve “moved just about any product that could touch a conveyor belt.”
But it’s safe to say this made-in-Wetaskiwin business does much more than that!
Whether they’re repairing essential farm equipment, fabricating steel structures or custom-crafting their own line of conveyor systems for clients across Western Canada and beyond, Kimto Manufacturing has been an integral part of the Wetaskiwin business and industrial landscape since 1980.
Jeremy Belbeck joined the team as a partner in 2007, with the two founding co-owners enjoying well-earned retirements in 2012 and 2019, and today, he oversees seven employees and a comprehensive apprenticeship program.
With such a diverse portfolio, there’s never a dull day at Kimto – something that also resonates with their apprentices.
“We don’t just train welders here,” Belbeck notes. “We build full trades people from start to finish. It keeps it interesting and you’re not doing the same thing all day, every day.”
The benefit of a great location
Wetaskiwin offers a number of benefits for the longstanding business.
Its central location offers easy access for both incoming supplies and outgoing projects. And for those local clients who rely on Kimto for repairs to keep them on the fields or jobsite, having them local is ideal.
At the same time, by being outside the larger Alberta cities, Kimto enjoys more affordable land and business costs, Belbeck notes.
“We’re close to the city, without having to pay big city prices, and if there’s something you need, you can usually have it within half a day.”
He also recognizes the support the City of Wetaskiwin provides so that the region’s business and industry can be successful.
“We do quite a bit of work for the City – they look after us so we do the same for them,” he says.
The same goes for the community at large. The Kimto team gives back where they can, from local organizations ranging from youth sports to Manluk Theatre.
This business profile is part of a series from the City of Wetaskiwin’s Economic Development office. To learn more about initiatives to grow local business and industry, visit investwetaskiwin.ca.
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