brand in Canada and a little in the United States as well.” Historically, Nour catered to the professional marketplace, but, in recent years, with the state of the economy and market trends, the company saw the do-it-yourself (DIY) segment as an area for potential growth. The company adapted and began doing more business with box stores, building centers and home improvement stores, a strategy which has been successful. “We’ve grown the DIY business in the lumber and building materials market, as well as with the box stores,” Shaw said. “These are businesses that we weren’t traditionally heavily involved in, but where most of our growth has come in recent years. “The consolidation of paint companies has affected everybody in the industry as this means fewer customers for manufacturers such as Nour.” When it comes to raw materials, Shaw said, “Availability is fine. On the cost end of it, the Canadian dollar has decreased about 10 percent versus the American dollar over the past year. Since we buy most of our commodities in American dollars, that will drive up our costs.” In this era of shrinking markets where money is tight and competition is tougher than ever, offering the best in customer service can be a game changer.
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“Looking at customer service from a production standpoint, it involves maintaining the quality of the products we manufacture and doing it efficiently,” Shaw said. “From the customer and sales end of it, it is a matter of being very close to customers, understanding what their needs are and being able to develop products to satisfy those needs. From the purchasing side, we strive to know everybody in the marketplace. The marketplace is getting smaller and if there are advantages to be had out there, we have to make sure we take advantage of them.” Looking ahead, Shaw sees the biggest challenge is just the commitment it takes to managing the company’s businesses around the globe. “Also, in terms of day-to-day operations, it is a challenge dealing with the foreign exchange rates,” Shaw said. “Because we are not based in the United States, the exchange rate between the Canadian and U.S. dollars is extremely important. “As for Nour, the future looks very good. We are a lean business and the managing of our growth has been good. That being said, it will never be easy. If it was easy, everybody would be doing it.” Contact: 637 Colby Drive, Waterloo, ON N2V 1B4. Phone: 800-886-6687. Email: nour@nour.com. Website: www.nour.com.
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n 1925, S. Desmond Purdy began making paintbrushes in a converted two-car garage in Portland, OR. Today, still located in Portland, Purdy Corporation has evolved into a leading manufacturer of high-quality painting tools. “The art of making premium painting tools is the heart of our story,” said Purdy Product Manager Andrew Marsden. “We deliver handmade paintbrushes, as well as other quality, durable tools to cover the painting process from start to finish, including surface preparation tools, roller covers and frames, and accessories. Purdy works hard to be the one-stop-shop for any painter’s needs.” In addition to paintbrushes, the company offers roller covers, mini-rollers, scrapers, putty knives, poles, wire brushes and buckets. While Purdy assembles paint brushes by hand, there is a role for automation in the company’s manufacturing process. “For Purdy, it’s a balance,” Marsden said. “Our brush makers assemble Purdy paintbrushes by hand. They have since the beginning and that’s not going to change. With automation, we can manufacture and offer durable, high-quality roller covers. “The newest addition to our product line is Continued On Page 20
BBM MAGAZINE | JAN/FEB 2014