Paradigm Building Solutions Ltd. (Paradigm) announced on Nov. 29, 2019, that in the early summer of 2020 they will be opening a fully automated manufacturing facility in the Louis Creek Industrial Park, in Barriere, B.C. Work has already begun at the site with Paradigm breaking ground on the 23,000 square foot facility.
Paradigm say they will be “manufacturing top-quality building components using high end robotics”. Company owners say they have invested in a highly innovative technology allowing for the build of open wall panels used in wood constructed buildings, and that Paradigm will also be offering full Passive House and Net Zero housing development solutions.
“A full Passive House is a rigorous, voluntary standard for energy efficiency in a building, which reduces the building’s ecological footprint,” says Google,”A net zero building, is a building with zero net energy consumption, meaning the total amount of energy used by the building on an annual basis is roughly equal to the amount of renewable energy created on the site.”
Paradigm says the venture will see the company as only the third in the world to bring this unique technology to market, offering sustainable housing solutions to Canadians through prefabrication.
Paradigm reps say area residents can expect to see a buzz of activity on 756 Old Sawmill Road in the Louis Creek Industrial Park in the coming months. The robots are set to arrive in April of 2020, with commissioning to take roughly three months.
Paradigm’s Chief Operating Officer Jason Kennedy says, “We are excited to bring a new industry to Barriere in the wood products industry, specifically on the Old Sawmill Road site, where there is so much history.”
The new factory will be making full use of the opportunities of the Internet of Things (IoT), also referred to as Industry 4.0. The Internet of Things refers to a network of physical components which communicate through the internet-enabled devices and systems with their operators. Paradigm will operate highly specialized equipment from one of the worlds leading manufacturers.
“The IoT can realize the seamless integration of various manufacturing devices equipped with sensing, identification, processing, communication, actuation, and networking capabilities. Based on such a highly integrated smart cyber-physical space, it opens the door to create whole new business and market opportunities for manufacturing. Network control and management of manufacturing equipment, asset and situation management, or manufacturing process control bring the IoT within the realm of industrial applications and smart manufacturing as well. The IoT intelligent systems enable rapid manufacturing of new products, dynamic response to product demands, and real-time optimization of manufacturing production and supply chain networks, by networking machinery, sensors and control systems together,” says Wikipedia.
Nico Prinsloo, a long time resident of Barriere, and future Head of Operations for Paradigm says he is “looking forward to bringing jobs and working closely with Simpcw First Nation and the District of Barriere.” He further explains, “The District has been extremely supportive in attracting this business opportunity to my hometown”.
For area residents, it is hoped that this new business will have a positive impact on the community.
If you would like more information about Paradigm Panels go to: www.paradigmpanels.com
For more information about the Internet of Things (IoT) go to: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_of_things