Manitoba Chamber of Commerce
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/211797
Eastern Entrance StrategY Loewens return with new vision By David Square T Craftsmanship still counts at the plant. 30 MBiz November 2013 Photos courtesy of Loewen he Loewen boys are back. Charles and Clyde Loewen are part of an investment group that repurchased Loewen of Steinbach, a venerable firm that was in the family for more than 100 years before it was sold to a Denmark-based company in 2010. "Loewen is no longer a family-owned business, but we're excited to be back in control of our office and manufacturing facility," says Charles, who is chairman of the board. Brother Clyde, a member of Loewen's executive management group, says he's excited about the potential to incorporate the latest materials and trends into new and existing products. "I spent my adult life working for Loewen, and I'm not ready to retire," he says. "My lifelong interest has been in product development such as designing more energy-efficient windows." The company is working on design changes to address trends toward increased energy efficiency and larger-size windows. It currently makes a copper-clad product that's well received by housing developers and commercial contractors, and it continues to offer traditional options for clients who appreciate the look of wood. Al Babiuk, who was CEO of Loewen during the time it was owned by VKR Holdings A/S of Denmark, is continuing in the role of CEO and president. Loewen was acquired from VKR in June, almost three years to the day after it was sold to the company. Babiuk says financing for capital investments has been provided through the Manitoba Industrial Opportunities Program. The company was established by C.T. Loewen in 1905. Charles says it was sold in 2010 because some family members wanted to move in new directions, while others felt the financial fiasco in the U.S. building sector at the time would negatively affect sales. "The people who have invested in Loewen believe the U.S. housing and light commercial market is on the rise, and this is an opportune time to re-enter the industry, even though the financial risk is quite substantial," Charles says. Babiuk adds that Loewen is one of the largest employers in Steinbach and it plans to maintain that status. "We want to leave a legacy of sustained growth so that young skilled and professional people from Steinbach and other areas can find well-paying jobs without leaving the province."