Becoming One of the Largest Building Material Suppliers in Western Canada

Calgary, AB – Star Building Materials Calgary has announced a $53-million investment that will double its capacity, create jobs, and help the building industry for decades to come. Once operational, the expansion – combined with the company’s existing facilities – will make Star Building Materials Calgary one of the largest single-location building materials suppliers in Canada.

Employees at Star Building Materials Calgary are excited to be part of an organization that is growing and feel a sense of success as they are part of that growth. They’re looking forward to being under one roof again and are encouraged about the move in the industry.

^{Rendering of the west view of the main building (subject to change)} 

“We have recognized gaps in the construction material supply chain and this investment demonstrates the confidence Qualico has in the future of the building material industry, and our continued growth in the Alberta market,” said Claudio Palumbo, Regional Vice-President, Qualico Southern Alberta.

A monthly communication plan to help keep Star Building Materials Calgary employees updated on the expansion progress will include a memo, any visuals, and an update to the info website created for employees. As well, to assist employees in navigating their commute to the new location, Star Building Materials Calgary will create a map with landmarks in different areas of the city to help visualize the time and distance.

This expansion is anticipated to double the production of trusses, engineered wood products (EWP), prefabricated wall panels (PWP), and interior finishing production, and add more than 140 new jobs. The expansion will also contribute to alleviating some of the stress the construction industry has felt due to ongoing labour and material shortages.

^{Rendering of the east view of the main building (subject to change)}

“We have come to the table to really solve some of the significant issues that have caused stress in our industry over the past few years,” said Ken Crockett, Vice-President, Star Building Materials Calgary. “This expansion will not only double the capacity of our existing operations, but is an overall investment in our people, technology, automation, and the building industry.”

Qualico Properties was instrumental in facilitating the 18-acre parcel of land immediately adjacent to the company’s existing 12-acre facility in Balzac, AB.

“We were fortunate to have the opportunity to acquire this strategic parcel of land in Balzac, where the supply of available land continues to tighten,” said Brent MacKay, Vice-President National Development, Qualico Properties. “Collaboration with Jones Lang LaSalle, our real estate team, was critical to the completion of this transaction.”

_{Click on the image to zoom in on the aerial rendering of the new Star Building Materials Calgary expansion site (subject to change)}

Work on the expansion will begin in the fall and things should be fully operational in late 2024 or early 2025. The new expansion site will consist of three new buildings for production, adding to the existing two at the Balzac location. The company’s current operations in its Alyth yard located just off Deerfoot Trail will be consolidated at the facility in Balzac.

“Our plan is to have zero disruptions in service to all our clients throughout this process,” Ken said. “Customer service is what has built our business and this expansion will only improve our customers’ experience with us.”

Star Building Materials Calgary is currently waiting for development permits, with groundbreaking on the roadway to the new location expected to commence in late August or September.