Cutting Edge Industries has come to town
New Kootenay business offers service formerly unavailable in the region
Robert Howard has settled into his small-footprint-yet-fully-equipped precision machine shop. —Photo by Kris Lindblad
Robert Howard is inspired to find solutions. In his teens and early 20s, he worked as a bicycle mechanic for the Rocky Mountain downhill team and became frustrated by a suspension link plate that kept failing. Faced with the option of replacing the broken part with one that was bound to fail in the exact same way, he opted to innovate instead. He had observed the weaknesses in the part and had visualized how to make it better. He took it to the team’s engineers, and using 3-D computer imaging, they collaborated to redesign and improve the part. It was then he heard his next calling. Precision CNC machining using CAD and CAM (see sidebar for definitions) was the ultimate result of Howard’s apprenticeship at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. He gained experience at Creo Kodak as a research and development machinist. Howard considered his time with Creo Kodak, leaders in the printing industry, to be a “special experience with a great company.” He said he grew from working with talented machinists, “four guys with 100 years combined manufacturing experience,” and is still amazed by the solutions that came out of their brainstorming sessions. As much as he loved his professional growth experience with Creo Kodak, Howard couldn’t deny his entrepreneurial impulse. As the son of a small business owner—his dad owned a painting business—he always had the feeling that he was meant to follow his own business path. He has much personal drive and interest in producing “nice parts” and has never minded working extra hours to finish a job under deadline. “The control that being my own boss offered me was a real draw to becoming an entrepreneur. I decide when we can deliver a part, how much it will cost, and how we are going to do it. If there is a problem it is my fault and we can work to solve it; I don’t have to play the blame game.” Additionally, he realized that having control over his work schedule would help him co-ordinate with his wife, Sally, who is an emergency room nurse working shifts. In order to start his business, Howard needed to relocate. It wasn’t viable to own shop space in the Lower Mainland and the Howards disliked the intense traffic and the rainy weather. After a careful search that considered their requirements of lifestyle and recreational opportunities, their need to be close to an airport for visiting family on the Coast, proximity to the United States for shipping and Sally’s desire to remain in her field, Cranbrook was the clear choice. Once in Cranbrook, Howard found that the support of local businesses and tradespeople helped him “get the pieces of the puzzle together.” He benefitted from the training and resources provided by the Self Employment Program at Community Futures. Susan Lussier and Pauline Swanson supported him in the program. Howard received his loan from the Canadian Youth Business Foundation, which offer loans and resources to entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 34. Starting up, Howard has had to professionally equip his shop with limited capital and on a small footprint. He wanted a high end CNC machine from Japan, but due to space, power and price concerns, decided to purchase an American-made Hass VF-2. He had his machine optioned and tooled for machining small precision parts, though the table can hold 1,500 pounds and has an increased capacity. Howard wanted three-phase power to run his shop. The quote from BC Hydro was impossible for his business to work with, so Howard turned to Tony Hetu at Tork Electric who took on “an ugly job with weird aspects,” and offered much support in hooking up equipment that converts large single-phase service into three-phase. Howard also needed the excavating services of Matt Peterson at Conqueror Contracting to install the underground power cables. On the marketing end, Howard is very pleased with the complete branding development and his website: "www.cuttingedgeindustries.ca(http://www.cuttingedgeindustries.ca)":http://www.cuttingedgeindustries.ca which was created by Kimberley’s Rodney Byman of rbymandesign. Having hosted his grand opening and open house on January 23rd, Howard now looks forward to forging more relationships with industries in the area and beyond. He recognizes that currently there are businesses in the region sending work away because, until Cutting Edge Industries arrived, the capacity was not here. During his grand opening, Howard demonstrated the four-axis capability of his Haas CNC milling machine as it machined aluminum parts with mesmerizing perfection. He also showed off a manual lathe, a manual mill, and his tool cutter and grinder. Howard wants it known: CAD/CAM design and prototyping have come to town. “I hope to establish a solid foundation here that will allow support for local innovators. I am able to bring a refined skill set of specialized manufacturing knowledge that is applicable to any business or person with an innovative idea or product. Cutting Edge Industries is eager to help develop and manufacture products in the Kootenays for a global market.” Cutting Edge Industries is located at 1124 - 26th Avenue South in Cranbrook. Howard can be contacted at (250) 489-5158 or via "www.cuttingedgeindustries.ca(http://www.cuttingedgeindustries.ca)":http://www.cuttingedgeindustries.ca.
Key Cranbrook contacts
Cranbrook, BC
A global leader in the production and sale of hard coking coal
Our company is a global leader in the production and sale of hard coking coal...a relatively uncommon mineral that is essential in the production of steel. With six mines in two Canadian provinces, more than 3,000 employees and a business focused on supplying world steel producers, our company is strongly positioned in a very competitive market.
Cranbrook, BC
Explore the wonders at Island Lake Lodge
Secluded in the peaks of Canada's Kootenay Rockies, Island Lake Lodge and Spa sits on 7,000 acres of pristine wilderness, above a picturesque mountain lake surrounded by an old-growth forest.
Hiking trails begin at the doorstep of each lodge gaining you access to gentle walks and rocky mountain peaks. Our full-service mountain spa promises to relax and renew your senses. Acclaimed food and wine await you at the end of each day in our Ancient Timbers Dining Room.
This summer join us and experience British Columbia's ultimate retreat Island Lake Resort and Spa in the Rocky Mountains near Fernie, B.C.
Cranbrook, BC
Acreage lots for sale
Mountain Shores Acreage Estates is located on the east shore of Kootenay Lake, 45 minutes from Creston. The lots offer beautiful views of Kootenay Lake set against snow-capped mountains. We offer access to fishing, golfing, hiking and water-skiing. We are a short drive from the championship 18-hole Kokanee Springs Golf Resort at Crawford Bay and there are spectacular golf courses close by. Build your cottage or dream home at Mountain Shores and enjoy making memories in your own piece of paradise.
Mountain Shores Development Corporation
Cranbrook, BC
We help people hear clearly again
More and more people under the age of 60 are finding themselves with some loss of hearing. The sooner a person is diagnosed, the sooner the effects of hearing loss can be controlled. While past generations have suffered in silence (literally), this no longer needs to be the case.
The friendly, professional and knowledgeable staff at The Hearing Loss Clinic provide the instruments and expertise to help people hear clearly again. Experience innovative devices such as the Destiny 1600, and get efficient, helpful information in a caring environment.
Cranbrook, BC
We pride ourselves on quality parts, service and products.
At Rocky Mountain Diesel, we pride ourselves on making quality repairs to all makes of trucks and trailers. Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains we know the tough conditions that your truck is put through every day. As a Western Star Trucks dealer we are committed to providing our customers with the latest in diagnostic equipment and highly trained technicians. Our up-to-date facility can accommodate even the longest configurations. The trucks you operate are a big investment, and we want to help your company be successful. Call or stop by and see for yourself why we have been keeping trucks like yours on the road for over 20 years.
Cranbrook, BC
At The Bedroom Furniture Galleries, the customer comes first - and we mean it! We offer a 60 day home comfort guarantee on everything we sell. If your not completely happy with you purchase let us know and we'll be glad to find you something else or refund your money.
We are the Kootenay's La-Z-Boy Gallery so we have every style available with a cutting edge design center. with thousands of leather and fabric choices you'll find exactly what your looking for to customize your space.
Cranbrook, BC
Making beautiful home furnishings affordable
At Ashley Furniture Home Store, we make beautiful home furnishings affordable. Because the Ashley Team controls all processes from design to delivery, we are able to reduce our costs and pass these savings on to our customers as exclusive Ashley Furniture Home Store pricing. We are locally owned and operated, so we have better insight into the needs and preferences of our customers at the local level. Additionally, many of our stores actively participate in charitable events that promote the enrichment of their communities. Most significantly, we are committed to you, our customer, and want to ensure you have an excellent experience each time you visit us.
Cranbrook, BC
Cummins: Providing the best in the diesel business.
Cummins Western Canada is the distributor for Cummins Inc. in Western Canada and we were recently recognized as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies. Cummins Inc. manufactures the world's best and most complete line of diesel engines. Cummins serves a wide variety of customers and we provide power for all types of vehicles and equipment, including heavy duty trucks, mining, oil and gas and logging equipment, generator sets, boats, buses, RVs and pick-up trucks.
Cummins Western Canada is dedicated to providing the best products, service and support in the business. Our staff continually strives to improve our service to customers, and keeps a relentless focus on quality and excellence.
Cranbrook, BC
Ingredients for life
Canada Safeway focuses on providing world class service to customers by exceeding their expectations. The development of Safeway's "Lifestyle" stores is a critical strategy that sets Safeway stores apart. Lifestyle stores are designed for busy customers who want to find everything in one place, great selection, knowledgeable staff, specialty items, and ready-to-eat meals. Visit your local Safeway for ingredients for life.
Cranbrook, BC
Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies
Occupying more than 1,250 acres, Forest Crowne is the largest master planned community in the area, which is bordered by the 2,300-acre Kimberley Nature Park, Mark Creek, Kimberley Municipal Golf Course—and will have connections to the Kimberley Alpine Resort and to Nordic Ski trails.
We have single family lots (phase 3) available to purchase to build your own dream home. For those who want to buy a finished home, Eagles Nest Homes offers one- and two-storey cottages with steep roof pitches, long covered porches, multi-paned windows, old fashioned details and the genuine neighbourly feeling of communities past. Imagine single family homes for under $300,000!
Cranbrook, BC
Real living for the really grown up
Golden Life Management provides innovative, attractive and comfortable seniors housing communities.
We aim to ensure that seniors of all ages and abilities enjoy a high standard of living and we know that their happiness requires a quality, purpose-built house and all the attributes that make it feel like home. We employ professional, compassionate and attentive staff to provide the care and services that help our residents live independently, safely and happily. We provide seniors with the security they need to enjoy their time, pursue their interests and maintain their relationships with loved ones.
We take pride in providing progressive, attractive housing for seniors, and peace of mind for their loved ones.
Richmond, BC
PHONE: 1-800-663-2872
Cranbrook, BC
Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 417-6565 or (250) 417-7218
East Kootenay Paving
Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 426-7205
B.A. Blacktop
Cranbrook, BC
Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 426-7205
B.A. Blacktop 
Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 426-5352
Highpoint Plumbing & Heating Ltd. -
Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 426-5460
Dueck Enterprises -
Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 426-4056
Key City Drywall Ltd. -
Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 489-1123
The New Pro-Fitness Gym -
Castlegar, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 426-3808
Dacota Freight Service Ltd. -
Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
Vital statistics
- Population :: 19,161
- Number of businesses :: 1,454
- Supporting industries :: Forestry, public sector, mining, manufacturing, tourism, trade, transportation, service
Vital contacts
- City of Cranbrook :: www.cranbrook.ca
- Mayor :: Scott Manjak
- Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce :: www.cranbrookchamber.com
- Manager :: Karin Penner
- Phone :: 1.800.222.6174
Biz Blog :: Keith Powell
A regular report on newsworthy business developments in the Kootenays.
Kootenay Insights :: Tanya Laing Gahr
An inside look at the initiatives and developments that help shape Kootenay communities.
At Work :: Sandra Albers
One-on-one with some of the Kootenay’s business leaders.
Biz Edge :: Danielle Cameron
The faces behind Kootenay businesses.
