Wajax’s Role in the Canadian Economy

What do mining companies in Saskatchewan, loggers in Quebec, warehouse managers in Alberta, and commercial fishing boats in Newfoundland have in common? Regardless of where they are located or the industrial solutions they are seeking, companies across Canada know they can get help from Wajax.

With more than a century of experience serving Canadian companies with industrial products and services, Wajax brings an unparalleled level of expertise to the nation’s key industries. Its unmatched presence — boasting over 120 branches stretching from coast to coast — makes it an ever-present resource for the country’s diverse and widely distributed industrial framework.

“We’re extremely proud of the fact that we were here at the birth of the nation and have been able to develop alongside it, playing an ever-growing role in serving the industries that have supported Canada’s expansion and success,” shares Iggy Domagalski, President and CEO of Wajax. “We have a long-term history and plan to be around for many more years to continue supporting Canada’s economic development.”

The strong supporting role Wajax plays in Canada’s economy flows from its commitment to partner with key industries and empower long-term strategies. The following are some key initiatives bolstering that commitment.

Supporting industries that bolster the Canadian economy

The industries Wajax supports are at the heart of the Canadian economy. Its construction customers build cities, while its energy customers power businesses in those cities, and its materials handling companies ensure that production and distribution meet consumer demands.

To support those companies, Wajax offers an extensive range of world-class brands, products, and services to ensure Canada’s industrial businesses can complete the vital work they are doing by providing the right equipment and products. In addition, Wajax provides a team of people with the expertise needed to support the industry in whatever challenge they are facing.

“Our people are our competitive advantage,” Domagalski says. “They believe in and support our company’s core values, which include delivering an exceptional experience and building lasting relationships. By bringing those two values together, they make sure our customers’ needs are understood and met with the best possible solutions.”

Serving the entire Canadian industrial landscape

As the Canadian industrial sector has become more diversified over the past several decades, Wajax has kept pace, expanding the range of products and services it offers to meet the needs of modern industry. It has fueled continual expansion with strategic acquisitions, including many companies that complement or add highly specialized products and expertise to Wajax’s offerings.

Wajax’s commitment to serving the entire Canadian industrial landscape is also shown in the reach of its network of more than 100 branches across the country. If its customers can’t bring their problems to a branch, Wajax dispatches trained technicians to address the problem. Its fleet of experienced mobile technicians and fully equipped support trailers can be rapidly deployed to any location, ensuring downtime is minimized and productivity is maximized.

Partnering with companies to provide personalized solutions

“Wajax is founded on a solutions-based approach, which drives us to go beyond simply selling products,” shares Domagalski. “We’re on a mission to provide comprehensive solutions that address our customers’ unique challenges. We take the time to understand their specific requirements and goals, which empowers us to offer tailored solutions that deliver tangible value and drive business outcomes. ”

Wajax’s solutions-based approach has led to the development of a number of valuable services, such as its Engineered Repair Services. When the economic downturn triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic forced many industrial companies to minimize their engineering departments, Wajax dispatched its Engineered Repair Services department to fill the gap. Today, the department is unrivaled in the industry, providing improved sustainability of operations and the highest levels of safety to companies in mining, manufacturing, energy and renewables, and more.

Helping companies meet environmental goals

Environmental impact is a primary concern for industrial companies across Canada, prompting many to seek out solutions to improve their sustainability. To help those companies, Wajax has developed extensive in-house expertise and extensive vendor partnerships designed to help its customers achieve their environmental goals.

“When we help our customers operate more efficiently, it usually results in a smaller environmental impact,” Domagalski shares. “If a client depends on machinery running on fossil fuels, we can help them run more efficiently or transition them to alternatives such as electric or hydrogen-powered machinery.”

Wajax also provides essential support to companies in Canada’s growing renewable energy industry. For example, its technicians help maintain the wind farms that now exist in every Canadian province, increasing the performance of renewable energy assets and making them a more reliable component of the nation’s overall energy strategy.

Investing in employees to build strong communities

Developing potential and expertise is one of Wajax’s core values. That translates to a culture in which the talents and skills of all Wajax employees are nurtured. 

“I strongly believe that business can be the greatest power for good in our economy,” Domagalski says. “As we empower people to love their jobs and develop their careers, we also contribute to better families and better communities, which ultimately builds a better tomorrow for everyone.”

Industrial companies are the foundation of the Canadian economy, and Wajax works daily to make sure that foundation remains secure. Their products and services empower their customers to optimize efficiency, improve sustainability, and achieve their highest potential.