Manufacturing in Kamloops:
An Industry Snapshot

Manufacturing is a major contributor to Kamloops’ local economy. With more than 120 fabrication and manufacturing companies operating in the Kamloops area, approximately 5.4% of the workforce is employed in this sector, as of the most recent census in 2016. Employment in manufacturing has stabilized, and factors such as automation will contribute to only a slight decrease of 1.2% between 2016-2022. Kamloops manufacturers have traditionally been tied to the resource sector, and in recent years, have experienced growth in smaller, niche oriented companies.

Kamloops manufacturers can expect modest growth in the value added to the economy, with 8.0% growth expected from 2016-2022, below the Kamloops total growth of 13.9% increase to real GDP over the same period. Most manufacturers, particularly those servicing the construction trade, forestry, mining and alternative health sectors have been able to continue to expand their operations. Steel and wood fabrication sectors have been a steady and solid sector as institutional and commercial real estate projects in the region have been solid.

Venture Kamloops is a proud sponsor of The Trade Accelerator Program (TAP). Through this Greater Vancouver Board of Trade initiative, we have helped Kamloops businesses facilitate faster exporting, and prepare them for business on an international scale. One company supported in this program from Kamloops received a nomination for “Regional Export Plan of the Year” distinction. Most other manufacturing companies in Kamloops service both a local market and a broader regional market, which includes Western Canada, the U.S., Europe and Asia.

Kamloops’ Competitive Advantages for the Manufacturing Services Industry


Kamloops’ Location

One of Kamloops’ advantages is its geographic location in the province of British Columbia. As a transportation hub with trucking, rail and air cargo access, the ability to move products from Kamloops to other locations in a cost-efficient method is ideal.

Strong Infrastructure

Kamloops has over 2,200 acres of affordable land zoned for industrial use, much of which is vacant. There are eight industrial parks; some with both rail and highway access and the city enjoys a reliable supply of affordable power and telecommunications.

Local Resources and Support

There are more than 125 fabrication and manufacturing companies operating in the city and businesses enjoy extensive research and development support by FORREX, Nexterra and Thompson Rivers University. In terms of raw materials, wood species, lumber grades, fibre supply and wood waste are available at competitive prices.

Skilled & Educated Labour Force

The city enjoys a diverse pool of trades, forestry specialists, contract loggers, truckers and silviculture workers. Additionally, Kamloops is home to Thompson Rivers University (TRU). With over 1,200 graduates annually from a wide variety of diploma, undergraduate and graduate programs. Since 1996, TRU faculty and students have worked with over 200 manufacturing and technology businesses to develop and implement commercial applications of new and existing technologies and innovations. Projects including consulting for wood products and other manufacturing companies, equipment automation projects for industry, technology commercialization, business start-up and marketing advice, and applied research and development to regional and provincial businesses and industries. More Information

Venture Kamloops works closely with employers to assist with their workforce development needs. Our connections to community and industry organizations, and all levels of government provides new recruitment channels and unique talent pools that employers find helpful to add to their recruitment strategies. For highly skilled talent that is scarce in Canada, Venture Kamloops provides international economic immigration assistance as a Designated Referral Partner to the Global Talent Stream Category A immigration program, the BCPNP and IRCC. More Information

Lifestyle

Kamloops has a vast landscape with plenty of room in which to play and engage in an array of recreational opportunities, all while enjoying over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually. Housing is affordable and the cost of doing business is competitive, plus the area boasts exceptional schooling options and healthcare services. Employee retention is high in Kamloops with employees citing an affordable, quality of life in the region as a major plus.

Incentives for the Manufacturing Industry


Machinery and Equipment Investment

Purchase of eligible machinery and equipment is exempted from Provincial Sales Tax (PST). Eligible expenditures include machinery and equipment used in manufacturing, software development, mining and mineral exploration, petroleum and natural gas production and logging. More Information

Manufacturing Resources


Thompson Rivers University (TRU) Research

Thompson Rivers University is developing a vibrant and collaborative research and innovation culture, with a focus on curiosity-driven research, community-based research, applied research, technology transfer, and knowledge translation. The research excellence is supported through a commitment to research infrastructure, research facilities, internal research funding, research chairs, knowledge mobilization resources, and student research. More Information

Manufacturing Organizations


Find detailed information on Manufacturing companies in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, including financial statements, sales and marketing contacts, top competitors, and firmographic insights. Dun & Bradstreet gathers Manufacturing business information from trusted sources to help you understand company performance, growth potential, and competitive pressures. View 241 Manufacturing company profiles below.

British Columbia Manufacturer’s Directory: More Information

Testimonial

“CanDig Mini Excavators Inc. chose to be incorporated in Kamloops, B.C. in August, 2002 after considering various other options, including Kelowna and Calgary. Kamloops was chosen due to the lower cost of establishing a manufacturing business, and generally lower cost of living. In Kamloops, there has been an impressive amount of support for our business from the Chamber of Commerce, Venture Kamloops, Community Futures, local banks, and the National Research Council of Canada. Kamloops also provides spectacular outdoor experiences for its residents, including skiing, hiking, and other recreational activities. Collectively, Kamloops is a very attractive place to locate new business venture.”

- Gordon Leschyson, CanDig Mini Excavators Inc.

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