It’s the foundation under your feet

BY SEAN DELANEY

And these guys are so skilled at it they’ve found a way to make their business success last approximately 100 years, focusing now on 100 more.

Established in 1922, Satin Finish Hardwood Flooring has been manufacturing floors (primarily) for the residential and truck market for nearly a century – the secret of their success is never sacrificing quality.

“We’ve always been proud that our lumber is 100 percent North American,” said Satin Finish CEO Shmuel Zimmerman. “Our wood comes from forests in Canada and the Unites States, and we are very careful to source lumber responsibly.”

Satin Finish manufactures hardwood and engineered flooring in three locations around Ontario, utilizing a natural product and focusing on practices that allow them to reduce their own carbon footprint. While competitors have put the pressure on by using outsourced materials and practices from locations overseas, they’ve kept things local and have found a lot of their success is because they’ve done just that.

The family first got involved in the business in the 1960s. Zimmerman said when his father asked him to join the business he made a strategic decision to look closely at the company itself and figure out just exactly what he could do to ensure it lasted 100 more years.

“Manufacturing in Canada and Toronto comes with its challenges,” he said. One challenge is cheaper overseas products. But when he did sit down to examine the business, he also found that higher quality product; even if it was a little more expensive, was one of the very things that had grown the Satin Finish success story.

“I looked at why these builders are sourcing out our product and not going for the cheaper option, and the answer was clear with all of them. It’s the value dependency and a relationship they have with our company that they are simply not willing to sacrifice. People say Satin is synonymous with dependable quality, they feel confident in the product, and our service.”

Very often a builder can need something turned around quickly. They can be short of a product, need changes to it, or have to react to some other demand. When they need a quick change, or a quick fix, Satin can respond quickly. And that value dependency means they always know they will get a quality product.

“Overseas companies quite often can’t control their delivery dates, and if you’re unhappy with a product, who knows when you can get a replacement?”Zimmerman said.

With Satin, they know what to expect. They know they’ll deliver the best. And because of that, the company continues to grow and keep great long term employees.

Their three locations throughout Ontario are complimented by representation in British Columbia and Quebec, allowing them to service customers across Canada.

They also maintain light representation in the United States. A market that does well for them today, and that they expect growth in.

They manufacture in two other locations outside of their 15 Fenmar Drive locale. They recently left a small plant of 15,000 square feet and merged that operation into the 150,000 square foot Fenmar warehouse they call home today.

They employ the best practices, maintaining a very high standard of manufacturing.

“We don’t use formaldehyde and we employ a very high level of quality and environmental standards,”Zimmerman said.

The family oriented business focuses on product and employees, and they know a touch of care has served them well. It was the mandate of his grandfather and father and remains today that the employees are family, and care for everyone means a better business. And it turns out, Zimmerman said, Emery Village is a big part of that.“We’ve been in this location for more than 20 years, and just up at 400 and the Weston Rd area. for more than 80 years, so the Emery Village area has always been home.”It’s a great place to live and work, Zimmerman said, the first message coming from many of his employees.

“They find Emery is a great balance between business and residential, that live/work ideal that everyone strives for.”

Excellent access to highways and transportation, and a community filled with great residential neighbourhoods is the first bonus, but the second is the engagement of the groups that operate and grow the area, Zimmerman said.

“Emery Village goes out of its way to make itself identifiable,” the CEO explained.“You know you’re in Emery when you’re in it, whether its the signs, the lampposts or the many road improvements. It speaks to the BIA, leadership, Sandra Farina along with Councillor Mammoliti and everyone who does the work to make Emery an identifiable area. You’re doing great work! And so are you Satin Finish. Keep it up and we’ll see you in another 100 years.

When looking to purchase quality flooring always ask for the best! Satin Finish Harwood Flooring. Check them out on-line at www.satinfinish.com and look for your nearest authorized dealer or call at 1-800-26-SATIN.