A local heavy civil construction company, Taranis Contracting Group Ltd. is one of Northwestern Ontario’s leaders in the industry. Founded in 1995 by Darren Henderson and Ryan Jones, the firm has worked on many projects in the region, from asphalt paving the twinning of Highway 11/17 east of Thunder Bay to subdivision development at Whiskeyjack Estates.
The company maintains 200 to 250 employees and one of its most crucial elements is the shop team. The 15 to 20 mechanics and welders who work in the shop keep the equipment fleet up and running, ensuring the high quality of all of Taranis’ work.
Rick Simpson, Fleet Services Manager has been with the company for 20 years, working his way up from driver to supervisor. “There are a lot of individuals in the supervisor and foreman roles who grew up with the company and started from scratch when Darren and Ryan just started their business,” says Simpson.
The members of the shop team are:
Frank M., one of the “originals,” with the company since it was started. One of the best mechanics around, he is currently working field service at one of the rock crushing spreads.
Joe B., another long-time employee of 16 years, heads the welding department and oversees maintenance of equipment, including the asphalt plants and crushers. The Fleet Services Manager calls him “JBWeld” because he can weld anything.
John T. started in infield service six years ago and moved to shop foreman, he is an integral part of the team with his vast experience and knowledge within the industry .
Mario M. also made his way up to shop foreman and trucking supervisor, previously having been stores team leader.
Shop mechanic Robert D. has been working at Taranis for five years now, specializing in truck and equipment maintenance.
JJ P. runs the shop night shift, so that the heavy trucks and machinery can be repaired and be ready for service by the morning.
Rob M. is a mechanic who moved to infield service, he specializes in asphalt plant maintenance in addition to keeping all the gear moving in the field.
Lenny R. looks after the small machines and equipment, from generators to compactors. He makes sure all the high-moving tools and machines are green tagged and ready for work.
Tammy L. is a big part of the shop team, as shop clerk she keeps everyone organized and on schedule.
Mike F., painter extraordinaire, works with the shop team to keep all the gear in tip-top shape, even though most machines are working in the dirt.
Zach the parts runner and wash person, makes sure everyone in the field gets items they need, driving around to pick up parts, and keeps machines look shiny and clean.
Andy, a former chipper operator in the Forestry Division, moved to the shop team as a mechanic, his forestry experience has been a great addition to the field services team.
Dylan is a welder and operator on the team, he pitches in wherever he’s needed and is a very versatile team member.
Jordan S. is an apprentice mechanic, operator and truck driver he’s eager to learn and always willing to pitch in.
Shane moved from the shop team, where he was a welder, to the crushing team and promoted to a supervisory role.
Last but not least, Lea E., a new grad from welding at Confederation College, is a welcome addition to the team.
“Everyone on my team go above and beyond what they need to do, helping out when necessary. When things break down, (and you can't schedule breakdowns) the team steps up and get things done once and done right,” says Simpson.
“These people understand our business, because all the work that we do revolves around machinery, they service and repair these machines to keep the construction teams working,” says Operations Manager Darren Henderson. “If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be in operation. These expensive machines get used every day and sometimes they break down. The shop team really is the heart and backbone of the operation, Ryan and Darren know this, and appreciate all their hard work.”
“We are nothing without our team, great people are what keep the construction fleet rolling” adds Simpson.
Finding skilled people is hard in all aspects of construction, particularly because a lot of people think there is only work during the summer months when construction is going on. But that’s not always the case, says Henderson.
“People sometimes don’t view our company as a place for a career, because they think it’s seasonal work, but many of our supervisors have started out as field staff, labourers, operators, Quality Control techs, truck drivers and have worked their way up the ranks,” he says. “Our people have opportunities for movement based on skills, interest in learning while working here at Taranis, we’ve been able to keep staff working through many winters now with construction contracts, winter maintenance contracts, subdivision development, and crushing in our own pits and quarries"
“There is opportunity for growing your career within Taranis,” adds Ryan Jones. “You don’t necessarily have to have construction experience to come work for us. One of our supervisors was formerly a general manager in the restaurant industry. One of our top project managers has a marketing and education background, our paving superintendent owns and runs a ski hill when he’s not building roads and highways, we’ve found that we can help migrate great people to become great at working in the Construction Industry as a career.”
“Opportunity and growth makes the company stronger and our staff members have a goal,” says Simpson.
Learn more about Taranis Contracting Group and what services they offer by visiting the Taranis Contracting Group website or call 807-475-5443.
Learn more about Taranis Contracting Group and what services they offer by visiting the Taranis Contracting Group website or call 807-475-5443.
