For economies to thrive, so too must certain industries. Core sectors like manufacturing, energy, and construction are the heartbeat of national economies and provide the infrastructure that supports the broader web of the business world.
In Canada, Wajax is the company that plays a leading role in serving those core sectors as a coast-to-coast resource that provides products and services to the industries that build cities, power businesses, and support the flow of commerce. For over 165 years, Wajax has shown an unflagging dedication to keeping Canadian industry moving forward, whatever the challenge.
“We’re extremely proud of the fact that we were here at the birth of the nation and that we have been able to develop alongside it, playing an ever-growing role in serving the industries that have supported its expansion and success,” shares Iggy Domagalski, president and CEO of Wajax. “We have a long-term history, having weathered all the world wars and multiple pandemics, and we are making plans to be around for at least another 165 years supporting Canada’s economic development.”
Wajax was founded in 1858, nine years before Canada was formed. From humble beginnings as a small blacksmith shop in Montreal, it has since grown to over 110 branches serving more than 30,000 customers across the country. Its products and services supply the industrial, manufacturing, energy, construction, mining, marine, and other key industries, fueling the work that keeps Canada’s economy running.
Adopting a partnership mentality to drive superior support
Wajax’s success flows in large part from a commitment to its mantra: “Together, we get more done.” People at every level of the organization are dedicated to delivering an exceptional experience together — a dedication that drives both its internal culture and the relationships it fosters with its clients.
“We think of and approach the relationship we have with each of our customers as a partnership,” Domagalski shares. “We’re here to do much more than just sell products — we strive to help our customers solve problems, increase their efficiency, and achieve their goals. Whatever they are trying to accomplish, we are in it with them for the long haul.”
In many cases, the services Wajax provides are completely integrated into its customers’ operations, often with experts onsite to support projects full-time based on a deep understanding of their customers’ needs. That same level of commitment to teamwork empowers Wajax’s internal operations, inspiring its employees to support one another as they support the work their customers are doing.
“As a large company that serves large customers with complex operations, we need to be very intentional about working together,” Domagalski explains. “One of our core values is to deliver an exceptional experience together. Only by coordinating the efforts of all of our departments can we truly understand the entire scope of our customers’ operations and what it takes to deliver greater value.”
Taking steps to foster a stronger economy
Keeping its customers competitive in an ever-evolving marketplace is another commitment Wajax brings to its work. One way it accomplishes that is by providing expert guidance on meeting sustainability goals.
“We are committed to helping our customers be more efficient and do less harm to the environment,” says Domagalski. “With companies that must continue to use fossil fuels, we can help to optimize efficiency so greenhouse gas emissions are minimized. Wherever moving to a system fueled by electricity or hydrogen is an option, we can guide businesses to the right solution. Whatever environmental and sustainability goals our customers have, we have solutions that can achieve them.”
Another of Wajax’s goals is to inspire more interest in skilled trades as a career, with recent reports revealing that Canada is facing a troubling shortage of skilled trades workers. As Domagalski explains, this situation is caused in large part by an outdated narrative of what a successful career looks like.
“Parents continue encouraging their children to get a college education and pursue jobs as doctors, lawyers, or computer programmers, offering the trades as something they can fall back on if college doesn’t work out,” he says. “It’s time for that narrative to change. The trades offer an exceptional career path that those entering the workforce should look at as a first option rather than a consolation prize. They offer a ton of job security, mobility, and the opportunity to earn good money.”
Wajax’s efforts to promote careers in the trades include partnering with an organization called Jill of All Trades which encourages young women to consider the opportunities and benefits of a future in the trades. They also have internal programs designed to recruit more women into positions in the trades and to develop their skills.
Undergirding all of Wajax’s efforts is the belief that it can leave a legacy of positive change in the lives of the people and places it serves.
“We empower the people we work with — be they our customers or our team members — to love their jobs, develop their careers, and reach their goals because we believe it contributes to a better tomorrow,” Domagalski says. “Pursuing that type of purpose builds better communities, which ultimately builds a better Canada.”