HRAI Manufacturer Profile: Systemair
It may have started as LHG kanalfläkt in Sweden, but many in the HVAC industry, recognize the longtime HVAC company by its modern moniker, Systemair.
And ever since hanging its sign in Skinnskatteberg, Sweden, the ventilation specialist has spent almost 50 years building its reputation in markets across the globe, including Canada.
The company started in 1974 with the introduction of a circular, in-line centrifugal duct fan. In 1996, after a series of international partnerships and acquisitions, it purchased a Canadian company in Bouctouche, New Brunswick, and introduced Systemair Canada.
“We’ve introduced a lot of products over the years, but I’d say our core focus has been making residential and light commercial heat recovery ventilators - or HRVs – which is mostly what we make out of our factory here in New Brunswick,” says Daniel Goulet, General Manager with Systemair.
Much has happened since breezing into the North American HVAC space. Over the past thirty years, the company has pursued a number of expansions, mergers, and acquisitions to extend its footprint, increase its exposure, and broaden and innovate its ventilation product lines.
“After going public in 2001, we’ve grown significantly as the company has acquired more companies throughout the world,” says Goulet, adding, “That includes here in North America where we now have a factory in Tillsonburg, Ontario, and one in Kansas City, Missouri, in the US.”
That growth has come with familiar industry challenges. In addition to navigating the occasional reluctance for Canadian-made products in the US, the company has joined others in the HVAC in intensifying competition for skilled talent.
"Labour isn't a big issue for us, but it's certainly on our radar both when it comes to the people who are putting our products together and those who support the business," says Goulet. "Several years ago, you could make a big investment in a new piece of equipment and go out to find someone fairly quick to operate it. Now, you have to start looking for people at the same time you start a new investment or project."
Fortunately, he continues, Systemair Canada's New Brunswick headquarters is able to draw its team from a small but dedicated community of skilled and educated people who are genuinely invested in the company's success: "We want them to succeed, and they want us to succeed in return. I think that collaboration is what really moves us forward and why we have so many employees who have stayed with us for decades."
“That [employee retention] is a huge benefit,” he adds, “because it means we get to keep knowledge inside the company for decades, build on our strong foundation, and keep improving over the years.”
Recent supply chain delays have also been an issue, as has been industry sector slowdowns. Still, says Goulet, these are not unique to Systemair and are obstacles the team is ready to overcome.
As for what comes next, the company is eager to continue exploring market opportunities at a time when ventilation systems and indoor air quality technologies are top of mind for all Canadians. Specifically, it is opening an expanded distribution center in Moncton, New Brunswick, and bringing in new manufacturing equipment in 2024 to increase its capacity.
As for building its name south of the border, Goulet says, “There are still lots of growth opportunities in the US as each state adopts balanced ventilation as a code requirement, so we’re well positioned to support those markets as they develop.”
HRAI is proud to count Systemair among its manufacturing members who, collectively, continue to uplift the industry.
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