Building SupplyNews February 2026

Februar y 20 26 • Volume 4 3, N° 1

INSIDE

2026

MARCH 25 & 26

INSIDE

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February 2026

Februar y 20 26 • Volume 4 3, N° 1

The ABSDA Building Supply News is the official magazine of the Atlantic Building Supply Dealers Association and is published in February, May, July and September. The Atlantic Building Supply News is dis­tributed to all ABSDA Dealer and Associate Members.

The ABSDA office is located at: 70 Englehart Street, Dieppe, NB, E1A 8H3 Phone: (506) 858-0700 Email: info@absda.ca

ABSDA Serving the Industry for 70 years It will come as no surprise ABSDA currently has close to 600 active Member Retail Building Supply and Associate Supplier Members.

ABSDA is the collective voice and liaison for the independent Building Supply and Home Improvement Industry.

ABSDA Executive 2025-2026

Chair Jay Milton Gillfor Distribution Dartmouth, NS (902) 434-8200

Past Chair Tanya Hanson Rocca Roblynn Home Hardware Building Centre Oromocto, NB (506) 446-6824

Vice Chair Duane MacDonald Callbecks Home Hardware Building Centre Summerside, PEI (902) 436-1100

President Denis Melanson ABSDA Dieppe, NB (506) 858-0700

Since 1955 this Association has focused on industry specific needs to our Members.

features EXPO 2026 Details

Spring Training Schedule

10 20

in this issue 4

Chair’s Message

6

President’s Message

8 HR Insights Spring 10 ABSDA Training Schedule

ABSDA Dealer Directors 2025– 2026

Dawn McKay TNT Insulation & Building Supplies Keswick Ridge, NB (506) 363-5747

Nick Thebeau Targetts Castle Window & Door Centre Fredericton, NB (506) 444-8777

Deborah Brinson Gander Bay Building Supplies Victoria Cove, NL (709) 676-2992

Stephen Rector Island Home Hardware Grand Manan, NB (506) 662-8308

Tim Sabean Wilson’s Hardware Limited Digby, NS (902) 245-4731

16

2026 Outlook of the Building Supply Industry in Atlantic Canada

20 EXPO 2026 Details 24 Floor Plan and Exhibitor Directory 36 Industry News

ABSDA Associate Directors 2025-2026

Jeff Peddigrew Marwood Fredericton, NB (506) 478-2130

Kyle Crook Kohltech Debert, NS (902) 222-2395

Dominic LeBlanc Alexandria Moulding Alexandria, ON (506) 380-4396

ABSDA Building Supply News

3

Built on 71 Years of Strength: Building the Future Together at the 2026 ABSDA Expo

Jay Milton Chair of the Board

As we approach our 2026 ABSDA Expo in Halifax, I am filled with both pride and optimism. Over our association’s seven decades, we have witnessed tremendous change and growth within the building supply industry, adapting to new technologies, evolving market demands, and shifting economic landscapes. As many things have changed one thing has stayed the same, our association has remained a steadfast pillar for collaboration, innovation, and mutual success.

Our collective history is a testament

Let us take this time to celebrate all that

to the resilience and dedication of our

we have achieved together over the last 71

members. Together, we have built more

years, while also embracing the incredible

than just structures, we have built a

potential of the years to come. The road

community, one that has weathered

ahead is filled with opportunity, and

challenges, embraced new opportunities,

I have no doubt that, together, we will

and contributed significantly to the

continue to drive the industry forward in

stability and prosperity of the Atlantic

ways that benefit both our businesses and

region. This legacy of excellence is not

the communities we serve.

only something to celebrate, but also a strong foundation upon which we will continue to build.

I would also like to congratulate our own Connie Chevarie on her well-deserved retirement and thank her for the many

As we look ahead to 2026 and beyond,

years of hard work and dedication to our

the future of our industry is bright. We

association, you will be missed Connie!

are on the cusp of new developments that will reshape the way we do business, whether through advances in sustainability, digital transformation, or the innovative products and services that will define the next generation of

I look forward to seeing you at the Expo, where we will once again come together to celebrate our past, engage with the present, and build toward a brighter future.

construction and building materials.

The upcoming ABSDA Expo is not just an opportunity to showcase our current successes, but to also engage in the exciting conversations and partnerships that will shape our shared future.

4

February 2026

Sincerely, Jay Milton Chairman, ABSDA

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ABSDA Building Supply News

5

Your Pre-Expo Playbook:

How to Get Maximum ROI from Two Days on the Floor For many dealers and suppliers, the ABSDA Expo is the most concentrated buying, learning, and networking opportunity of the year. Yet too often, companies arrive with no clear plan, wander the floor, collect brochures, attend a few social events—and leave real opportunity on the table.

The most successful operators treat the Expo not as a trade show, but as a strategic business mission.

Denis Melanson President

The return on your time and investment starts well before you ever arrive at the venue.

Start with objectives. Are you attending to find new product lines? To renegotiate terms with existing suppliers? To identify operational solutions? To train your team?

The best-performing companies go in with three to five clear goals and structure their time around them.

Plan your floor time, not just your travel.

Review the exhibitor list (pages 24-31) in advance and prioritize the booths that directly support your objectives. Assign team members to specific categories or suppliers.

If you are attending as a group, hold a short pre-Expo meeting to coordinate coverage and avoid duplication.

Brief your team like a sales call. Make sure everyone understands what you are looking for, what questions to ask, and what information needs to be captured. A simple shared note template or scoring system can turn subjective impressions into usable decision data after the show.

Use the Expo to strengthen relationships, not just start new ones. The best deals often come not from discovering new vendors, but from deepening strategic partnerships with existing ones. Use the opportunity to have real conversations about pricing programs, service models, training support, logistics, and joint growth plans.

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February 2026

Don’t ignore the networking. The receptions, dinners, and informal gatherings are not just social filler—they are where much of the real business of the Expo happens. These settings create opportunities to strengthen relationships with existing suppliers, reconnect with peers, and build new connections that often lead to ideas, partnerships, and opportunities long after the show is over. Make time to attend the organized networking functions and encourage your team to participate. In many cases, one meaningful conversation over coffee or at a reception can deliver more long-term value than an entire afternoon of walking the floor Build in follow-up time. The real ROI of the Expo is captured in the 30 days after you return. Schedule internal debrief meetings before you even leave. Assign owners to each opportunity and decision, and establish clear timelines so that good ideas do not stall in the day-to-day rush once you are back in the office.

In short, the Expo rewards preparation.

The companies that leave with the biggest gains are rarely the ones who walked the most steps—but the ones who arrived with the clearest plan, asked the best questions, and treated the event as a catalyst for measurable business improvement rather than just another date on the calendar.

Denis Melanson President

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Scan to learn more ABSDA Building Supply News

7

HR INSIGHTS

Patrick Goguen Director, Training and Workforce Development

The High Cost of Not Training: Why the Best Companies Are Doubling Down on Product Knowledge Every dealer says their people are their most important asset. Yet many operations still treat training as optional, inconsistent, or secondary to daily firefighting. That is no longer sustainable.

Product knowledge today is not just a service issue—it is a sales engine, a risk management tool, and a margin protection strategy.

Untrained or undertrained staff: •

Miss upsell and cross-sell opportunities

•

Provide inconsistent or incorrect advice

•

Create rework, returns, and jobsite failures

•

Erode contractor confidence

•

Default to price instead of value

Meanwhile, the most successful companies are making training systematic, continuous, and measurable.

They understand that: •

Confident staff sell more

•

Knowledgeable staff close faster

•

Trained staff retain customers longer

•

Professional staff justify margin

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What is often overlooked is the hidden operational cost of poor training.

Every incorrect order, every misunderstood specification, and every product substitution made out of uncertainty creates friction throughout the organization. It

shows up in delivery errors, credit memos, callbacks, lost time at the counter, and frustrated customers. These costs rarely appear neatly on a financial statement, but they quietly and relentlessly erode profitability.

This is precisely why ABSDA has made training and professional development a strategic priority through initiatives such as the ABSDA Academy and its expanding library of product knowledge and skillsbased education. These programs give member companies a practical, scalable way to turn training from a spur-of-the-moment activity into a structured business system.

Training is also becoming the front line of workforce retention.

Younger employees, in particular, expect development, progression, and skills acquisition. Companies that invest in their people keep them longer—and are far better positioned to build future supervisors, managers, and leaders from within.

The question is no longer whether you can afford to train. It is whether you can afford not to.

In a market where products are increasingly complex and customers increasingly demanding, training is no longer overhead.

It is infrastructure.

Patrick Goguen Director, Training & Workforce Development

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ABSDA Building Supply News

9

SPRING TRAINING SCHEDULE 2026 Advanced Estimating Level 3 For estimators with a minimum of 2-3 years’ estimating experience, this advanced course sharpens accuracy and efficiency on complex projects. Learn speed estimating, practical techniques, and peer-sharing strategies in an intensive one-day session.

Date: Monday, February 23, 2026 Location: Dieppe, NB

Customer Service Excellence Learn to anticipate customer needs, handle challenges, and build lasting relationships. Equip your team with the skills to exceed expectations, enhance the in-store experience, and drive loyalty in today’s competitive market.

Date: Starting Wednesday, February 25, 2026 Location: Live Online Training

Professional Selling Elevate your sales skills with proven techniques in prospecting, negotiation, and closing. Build lasting customer relationships, deliver valuedriven solutions, and boost performance to drive results and grow your business.

Date: Starting Wednesday, April 8, 2026 Location: Live Online Training

Estimating Level 1 & 2 Build your estimating skills from the ground up with ABSDA’s comprehensive program. Learn to read plans, calculate materials, and understand building practices—developing the knowledge and confidence to deliver accurate, professional estimates and stronger customer service.

Date: April 13 to April 16, 2026 Location: Dieppe, NB

Yard & Warehouse Operations Gain a clear understanding of what it takes to effectively manage one of your company’s key assets—the yard. Learn best practices in layout, inventory, safety, delivery, and team management to boost efficiency, service, and profitability.

Date: Friday, April 17, 2026 Location: Dieppe, NB

Boom Truck Safety Training Ensure your operators meet CSA Standard Z150-98 with this comprehensive course covering inspections, setup, load calculations, rigging, safety regulations, and more. Perfect for drivers operating boom trucks—build confidence, compliance, and on-the-job safety.

Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026 Location: Dieppe, NB

Forklift Safety Training Keep your workplace safe and compliant with this hands-on course combining classroom and practical instruction. Learn inspection, operation, load handling, and safety procedures to meet OH&S standards and reduce accident risks for all forklift operators.

Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 Location: Dieppe, NB

10

Register early - All programs have a maximum capacity of 20 participants.

Visit absda.ca to register or contact Patrick at goguen@absda.ca February 2026

ABSDA Building Supply News

11

Where Are the Next 10,000 Industry Employees Coming From?

Walk into almost any building supply yard today and you will hear the same concern expressed in different ways: “We can’t find people.” Drivers, counter staff, yard personnel, inside sales, outside sales, supervisors— every role feels harder to fill, harder to replace, and harder to plan for than it did even five years ago.

But the building supply industry does not really have a hiring problem. It has a talent pipeline problem.

For decades, the industry relied on a simple and largely invisible system. People found their way into the business through family connections, word of mouth, or migration from construction and related trades. They learned on the job, stayed for years, and eventually became the next generation of managers and leaders.

That pipeline is now under severe strain.

Demographics are working against us. A large portion of the industry’s experienced

workforce is approaching retirement age.

At the same time, fewer young people are entering the skilled trades, and fewer still understand that the building supply sector offers stable, well-paying, long-term careers that do not require swinging a hammer in February.

Competition for workers has intensified.

Logistics companies, large retailers, construction firms, and even entirely different sectors are competing for the same people. Many of these employers have more visible brands, more aggressive recruiting machines, and simpler stories to tell about what they offer.

Meanwhile, our industry remains, in many ways, a hidden career path.

Ask a group of high school students what they want to be, and you will hear about trades, engineering, technology, or business.

You will almost never hear “building materials distribution.” Not because it is unattractive—but because it is largely unknown. That is the core of the challenge.

The solution will not come from posting more job ads. It will come from rebuilding the pipeline itself. (continued on page 14)

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ABSDA Building Supply News

13

Where Are the Next 10,000 Industry Employees Coming From? (continued from page 12) That starts with earlier and better exposure.

The industry needs to show up in schools, career fairs, and community conversations— not just when a company is desperate to hire, but as a consistent presence explaining what these businesses do and what kinds of careers they offer. Yard operations, logistics, sales, estimating, purchasing, management, marketing, IT—this is a far more diverse and modern sector than most outsiders realize.

But awareness alone is not enough.

The second part of the equation is credibility. Young people—and their parents—want to see clear pathways. What does someone start as? What can they become in five years? In ten? What skills do they gain? What training is provided? What does success look like?

The companies that are making progress in hiring today are not just advertising jobs. They are advertising careers.

They can explain, in simple terms, how a yard employee can become a supervisor,

14

February 2026

how a counter person can become a sales rep, how a sales rep can become a manager, and how a manager can become a leader.

They have stories, not just openings.

Training plays a central role in making this credible. A visible commitment to product knowledge, systems training, leadership development, and professional growth signals to candidates that this is not a deadend job—it is a place to build a future.

Retention, in many ways, is simply the second half of recruitment. Every employee who leaves creates another hole in the pipeline. The best-run organizations are increasingly focused not only on bringing people in, but on keeping them, developing them, and engaging them.

Culture, leadership quality, and day-to-day work experience now matter as much as compensation.

There is also a role for the industry to play collectively.

No single dealer or supplier can solve this alone. But together—through associations, shared programs, shared messaging, and shared investment—the industry can become far more visible and far more attractive as a career destination.

This is not a short-term problem. It is a strategic, multi-year challenge that will shape which companies grow, which merely survive, and which quietly fade away because they simply cannot staff their operations.

The uncomfortable truth is this: the next decade will not be won by the companies with the best yards, the best locations, or even the best supplier programs.

It will be won by the companies with the strongest benches.

The question is no longer whether the industry needs to act.

It is whether it can move fast enough to rebuild the pipeline before the shortage becomes the defining constraint on growth.

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ABSDA Building Supply News

15

The State of the Building Supply Industry in Atlantic Canada: A 2026 Outlook The Building Supply Industry enters 2026 facing a market that is neither booming nor busting—but evolving rapidly.

Residential construction remains under pressure from affordability constraints, while renovation and repair continue to provide relative stability. At the same time, labor shortages, cost volatility, and margin compression are reshaping how successful dealers operate.

Technology is separating operators.

The performance gap between well-run, data-driven businesses and reactive ones is widening. Inventory accuracy, demand forecasting, pricing discipline, and customer profitability analysis are no longer “nice to have” capabilities.

Demand is fragmenting. Instead of broadbased growth, many dealers are seeing pockets of strength—multi-unit residential, infrastructure, energy efficiency retrofits— offset by softness in traditional single-family starts. This places a premium on product mix strategy and market segmentation.

Suppliers and dealers are becoming more interdependent. The old transactional model is giving way to deeper partnerships around forecasting, training, logistics, and go-to-market strategy. Collaboration is

increasingly critical, and those who embrace it can capture efficiencies, reduce risk, and strengthen their competitive position.

The outlook for 2026 is not about waiting for a rebound. It is about building stronger, more adaptive businesses that can win in a more complex and competitive environment. For dealers willing to invest in people, technology, and strategic partnerships, 2026 offers opportunities to redefine success and drive sustainable growth.

Margins are under scrutiny. Price competition, transparency, and customer sophistication continue to erode easy gross margin. The dealers who are protecting profitability are doing so through better purchasing discipline, stronger private-label programs, improved inventory turns, and— most importantly—better value selling.

Labor is now a strategic constraint. The availability of qualified counter staff, drivers, yard personnel, and sales professionals is no longer an HR issue. It is a growth limiter.

Companies that can recruit, train, and retain talent will outperform those that cannot— regardless of market conditions.

We’re pleased to share that ABSDA has secured a preferred airfare rate with Air Canada for travel to the ABSDA EXPO 2026.

This special rate is available exclusively to EXPO attendees and offers added savings and flexibility when booking your flights.

If you’re planning to attend, be sure to take advantage of this preferred Air Canada rate to make your travel to the EXPO more convenient and cost-effective. Full booking details and the promo code are available on the EXPO registration page. www.absda.ca/expo2026 16

February 2026

ABSDA Building Supply News

17

2026

$2,500 ABSDA Scolarships

Bursary & Scholarship Awards

$1,500 ABSDA Bursaries

Bursaries and Scolarships will be awarded to successful recipients entering their first year studies at a recognized post-secondary institution.

Application deadline is April 17, 2026 Bursaries and Scholarships will be presented in June 2026. Contact the ABSDA office at 506-858-0700.

Application forms available at: www.absda.ca or at the ABSDA office

18

February 2026

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MARCH 25 - 26 Halifax Convention Centre

ABSDA Expo 2026: The Celebration Continues

Last year, we celebrated a milestone — 70 incredible years of ABSDA — and what a celebration it was!

The energy, the connections, and the pride in our industry set the bar high.

Now, we’re keeping that momentum alive with Expo 2026 — a follow-up event you won’t want to miss. This year, we’re building on the success of our 70th with even more opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate the people who make Atlantic Canada’s building supply industry thrive.

From the kickoff Meet & Greet, to the high-energy Mardi Gras Gala & Awards, and of course the unbeatable Expo floor, this year promises to deliver another unforgettable experience.

Don’t wait — register today at www.absda.ca and be part of the next chapter in our story.

NETWORKING - March 24

MEET & GREET

The best way to kick off Expo 2026 is together!

Join us at the Halifax Convention Centre Ballroom for our Meet & Greet, where connections come first. This lively evening is all about catching up with old friends, making new friends, and getting into the Expo spirit.

Enjoy a casual setting with tasty finger foods, refreshing drinks, and plenty of conversation. It’s the perfect warm-up before two jam-packed days of Expo fun.

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February 2026

ENTERTAINMENT - March 25

GALA & INDUSTRY AWARDS

Gala Night – Mardi Gras Magic!

Laissez les bons temps rouler — let the good times roll! Step into the vibrant streets of New Orleans right here in Halifax as the ABSDA Gala & Awards transforms into a Mardi Gras spectacular.

Your evening begins with dazzling décor, and bold Mardi Gras rhythms to set the scene. Then, get ready for powerhouse live entertainment, featuring: Theresa Malenfant – A blues powerhouse who brings the house down every time.

Jah’Mila – JUNO-nominated reggae artist with soul-stirring performances.

Liz Rigney – Haunting vocals and pipes that soar.

Garrett Mason – JUNO-winning guitarist delivering raw, unforgettable blues.

This is more than a dinner — it’s the ultimate industry celebration, Mardi Gras style!

RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE - March 25

ABSDA AWARDS

The Industry Awards have quickly become a fan-favorite highlight of our Gala Dinner — a night where we shine the spotlight on the incredible people and businesses that make our industry thrive. It is an evening dedicated not only to celebrating our winners, but also to recognizing the outstanding nominees whose leadership, innovation, and commitment continue to raise the bar for our entire industry. Every nomination tells a story of excellence, and together they reflect the strength, pride, and future of Atlantic Canada’s building supply community.

Last Year’s Award Recipients

ABSDA EXPO Host Hotels

Online reservation links available at www.absda.ca Sutton Place Hotel Room rate $179 OUT 1700 Grafton Street D L O S Halifax, NS B3J 2C4 (866) 378-8866 Prince George Hotel Room rate $165 1725 Market Street Halifax, NS B3J 3N9 (800) 565-1567 Residence Inn by Marriott Room rate $180 1599 Grafton Street Halifax, NS B3J 2C3 (902) 422-0493 Cambridge Suites Halifax Room rate $149 1583 Brunswick St. Halifax, NS B3J 3P5 (902) 420-0555 22

February 2026

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February 2026

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ABSDA Building Supply News

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2026

A A.O. Smith Enterprises Booth No: 512 www.gsw-wh.com ACCEO Solutions Inc Booth No: 521 www.acceo.com Alexandria Moulding Booth No: 401, 403 www.alexmo.com APEX Tools Suite 103 Arbec Booth No: 704 www.arbec.ca Armstrong Ceiling Tile Booth No: 303-317, 306-320 Atlas Enegry Shield Booth No: 303-317, 306-320 Auto-Stak Systems Booth No: 211 www.autostak.com

B Bailey Metal Booth No: 522-524, 623-625 www.bmp-group.com BAM Booth No: 303-317, 306-320 Barry Hills Sales Associates Booth No: 904 Beland Forest Products Booth No: 809 www.beland.com Benchmark Booth No: 718-720 Bezdan Railing Solutions Booth No: 412 www.geobezdan.com BIK Hydraulics Booth No: 119 www.bikboomtrucks.com Blanchard Group Booth No: 508 www.blanchardgroup.ca Blaze Tool Booth No: 902 www.blazetool.ca BMR Booth No: 807 www.bmr.ca 26

February 2026

EXHIBITOR DIRECTORY Bonaventure Agency Booth No: 713 www.bonaventure.com BONDO Tape Suite 103 www.toolway.com Brunswick Valley Lumber Booth No: 905 www.brunswickvalley.ca BP Canada (Saint-Gobain) Booth No: 522-524,623-625 www.bpcan.com Burlington Manufacturing Booth No: 813 www.bmfonline.com Buzz Block Booth No: 117 www.buzzblock.ca

C Canadian Engineered Wood Products Booth No: 519 www.cewp.ca Canadian Industries Ltd Booth No: 930 www.cil.ca CashierPRO Retail Systems Inc Booth No: 506 www.cashierpro.com Castle Building Centres Booth No: 422-424, 523-525 www.castle.ca Celca Marketing Booth No: 114-116 www. celcamarketingatlantic .celcamarketing.ca Century Booth No: 808-816, 909-917 Century Aluminum Railing Booth No: 808-816, 909-917 www.centuryrailings.com CertainTeed (Saint-Gobain) Booth: 522-524, 623-625 www.certainteed.ca CGC Booth No: 606 www.cgcinc.com Cloverdale Paint Booth No: 806 www.cloverdalepaint.com Conglom Inc Booth No: 700-702, 801-803 www.conglom.com

D Derby Building Products / Tando Booth No: 605 www.tandocomposites.com Divine Cabinetry Booth No: 800,802,804 www.divinecabinetry.com DMC Recruitment Booth No: 421 www.dmcrecruitment.com Doman Booth No: 808-816, 909-917 www.domanbm.com Duchesne Booth No: 500-502 www.duchesne.ca DuPont Booth No: 405-407 www.dupont.com Dupont XPS Suite 106-107

E EAB Tool Booth No: 111 www.exchangeablade.com Eacan Timber Canada Limited Booth No: 717-719-721 www.eacan.ca Epak Booth No: 420 www.epak.ca Epicor Booth No: 903 www.epicor.com Eva-last Decking Booth No: 303-317, 306-320 Evolve Stone Suite 106-107 Extreme Windows & Entrance Systems Suite 101 www.extremedoors.ca

F Fiberon Decking Booth No: 303-317, 306-320 Finex Booth No: 808-816, 809-817

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Sealing for Heads and Jambs Scellement pour les têtes et les jambages

The Proven Performance Package Le forfait de performance éprouvé www.dupont.ca/building

"DuPont believes this information to be reliable. It may be subject to change as additional knowledge and experience are gained. It is not intended as a substitute for any testing you may conduct to determine for yourself the suitability of our products and information for your particular purpose. Since conditions for use are outside the DuPont’s control, DUPONT DE NEMOURS, INC. AND ITS AFFILIATES MAKE NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND ASSUMES NO LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH ANY USE OF THIS PRODUCT AND INFORMATION. This information is not intended as a license to operate under or a recommendation to infringe any trademark, patent or technical information of DuPont or other persons covering any material or its use. ©2025 DuPont. All rights reserved. DuPont™, the DuPont Oval Logo, and all trademarks and service marks denoted with ™, SM or ® are owned by affiliates of DuPont de Nemours, Inc. unless otherwise noted."

ABSDA Building Supply News

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2026

EXHIBITOR DIRECTORY

FlexiCord Suite 103 www.toolway.com Fortress Railing Booth No: 303-317, 306-320 Fox Blocks Booth No: 914 www.foxblocks.com Franklin Electric Booth No: 509 Fusion Booth No: 808-816, 909-917

G GAF Suite 106-107 Garaga Booth No: 618-620 www.garaga.com Garon Distribution Booth No: 504 www.garon.ca Gearwrench Suite 103 www.toolway.com Gentek Booth No: 920-922-924 www.gentek.ca Gillfor Booth No: 608-616, 613 www.gillfor.com Global Windows Suite 105 www.globalwindows.ca Goldblatt Suite 103 www.toolway.com Goodfellow Booth No: 303-317, 306-320 www.goodfellowinc.com Green Fiber Booth No: 912 www.greenfiber.com Groupe Lebel (Lebel Cambium) Booth No: 921 www.groupelebel.com Gutter Saver Pro Inc Booth No: 908 www.guttersaverpro.com

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February 2026

H Hardlines Distribution Booth No: 919 hardlinesdistribution.com Henkel/Lepage Booth No: 511 www.henkel.com Henry/Bakor Booth No: 808-816, 909-917 Hoft Solutions Suite 106-107 Home Hardware Booth No: 622-624,723-725 www.homehardware.ca Huber Engineered Woods Suite 106-107

I Ideal Roofing Booth No: 705-707 www.idealroofing.ca IKO/CRC Booth No: 722-724, 823-825 www.iko.com Iko Enerair/Enerfoil Booth No: 808-816, 909-917 Imperial Manufacturing Group Booth No: 413-415 www.imperialgroup.ca Innovair (Ouellet) Booth No: 207 www.innovairsolutions.com IPG Booth No: 808-816, 909-917

J J.A. Roby Booth No: 122-124 www.jaroby.com James Hardie Booth No: 708 www.jameshardie.ca Jeld-Wen Suite 104 www.jeld-wen.ca Johns Manville Suite 106-107

K K2 Pumps Suite 103 www.toolway.com Kaycan Booth No: 522-524, 623-625 www.kaycan.com Keene Booth No: 808-816, 909-917 King Canada Tools Inc Booth No: 409-411 www.kingcanada.com KM Agency Booth No: 517 www.kmagency.ca Kohltech Windows Suite 109 www.kohltech.com

L Light Trim Booth No: 808-816, 909-917 LightWay Suite 103 www.toolway.com LP Building Products Booth No: 611 www.lpcorp.com Lumberlock Booth No: 808-816, 909-917

M Maibec Booth No: 808-816, 909-917 Marwood Booth No: 400-406, 501-507 www.marwoodltd.com Masco Canada Booth No: 515 www. mascocanada.com Matrix Automotive Suite 103 www.toolway.com Metrie Booth No: 200-204, 201-205 www.metrie.com Midland Power Booth No: 514-516 www.midlandpowerinc.com

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2026

EXHIBITOR DIRECTORY

Mitek Booth No: 604 www.mitek.ca Mitten Booth No: 712-714-716 www.mittenbp.com

N National Energy Equipment Booth No: 408-410 www.nee.ca NordBOard (Stabledge) Booth No: 303-317, 306-320 Norske Tools Booth No: 209 www.norsketools.com Nuvo Iron/DS Martin & Sons Booth No: 916-918 www.nuvoiron.com

O OAM Booth No: 416-418 www.oam-aluminium.ca Orgill Booth No: 414 www.orgill.ca Owens Corning Booth No: 607 www.owenscorning.com

P Perma-Column Atlantic Booth No: 120 www.permacolumnatlantic.com Perma-Patch Suite 103 www.toolway.com PIB Programmed Insurance Brokers Booth No: 423 www.pib.com Powerseal Suite 103 www.toolway.com Prime Fasteners Maritimes Ltd Booth No: 818-820 www.primefasteners.ca ProYard Suite 103 www.toolway.com 30

February 2026

PWT Booth No: 808-816, 909-917

R Regal Ideas Booth No: 518-520 www.regalideas.com Resisto Booth No: 600-602 www.resisto.ca Richelieu Hardware Ltd Booth No: 815-817 www.richelieu.com Robbins Lumber Booth No: 121-123-125 www.robbinslumber.ca Robertson Inc Booth No: 811 Rockwool Booth No: 619-621 www.rockwool.com Rona Booth No: 601-603 www.rona.ca Royal Building Solutions Booth No: 208-210 www.royalbuildingsolutions.com Rust-Oleum Booth No: 510 www.rustoleum.ca

S Saint-Gobain Booth No: 522-524, 623-625 www.saint-gobain.com Schluter Systems Booth No: 907 www.schluter.ca Scotsman Booth No: 303-317, 306-320 Seagull Cabinets Booth No: 118 www.seagullcabinets.com Sexton Group Booth No: 819 www.sextongroup.com Shaw Group Booth No: 805 www.shawgroupltd.com Simpson Strong-Tie Booth No: 212-214 www.strongtie.com

Sinclair Erie Booth No: 906 www.erietoolworkscompany.com Soleno Booth No: 715 www.soleno.com Sonopan Acoustical Panels Booth No: 303-317, 306-320 Steel-Craft Door Products Ltd Booth No: 901 www.steel-craft.ca Stella-Jones Booth No: 206 www.stella-jones.com Stinson Suite 103 www.toolway.com SteamWay Suite 103 www.toolway.com Super Duper Suite 103 www.toolway.com

T Taiga Suite 106-107 www.taigabuilding.com Technical Building Products Booth No: 701-703 Thermalite Booth No: 115 www. thermalite.ca Tigerply Booth No: 303-317, 306-320 TIMBER MART Booth No: 213-215 www.timbermart.ca TimberTech Booth No: 710 www.timbertech.com Tooltech Suite 103 www.toolway.com Toolway Suite 103 www.toolway.com Toolway Tradition Suite 103 www.toolway.com Tough Guard Suite 103 www.toolway.com

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ABSDA Building Supply News

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EXHIBITOR DIRECTORY

2026 Trex Suite 106-107 Truefoam Booth No: 709-711 www.truefoam.com Trusscore Booth No: 617 www.uscan.biz Tuck Tape Booth No: 808-816, 909-917 Turnx Tools Booth No: 821 www.turnxtools.com TWXpert Suite 103 www.toolway.com Typar Booth No: 808-816, 909-917 No: 303-317, 306-320 Tyvek Suite 106-107

U U2 Fasteners Booth No: 910 www.u2fasteners.com USCAN Booth No: 513 www.uscan.biz

V Versatex Booth No: 706 www.versatex.com VicWest Booth No: 932-934 www.vicwest.com Vista Railings Booth No: 110-112 www.vistarailings.com Vizu Booth No: 303-317, 306-320

W Wayne Dalton Booth No: 609 www.wayne-dalton.com Westman Steel Booth No: 822-824, 923-925 www.westmansteel.com Willki Booth No: 615 www.willki.ca Wipeco Industries Booth No: 113 www.wi-supply.com

Z Zip by huber Booth No: 303-317, 306-320

* Refer to local, regional, and provincial agencies for specific regulations, standards, and guidelines.

Soleno is not responsible for any improper use of its products.

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February 2026

KEEP UNINVITED GUESTS OUT

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February 2026

ARBEC FOREST PRODUCTS INC. (OSB)

www.arbec.ca

© 2022 Arbec Forest Products Inc. ABSDA Building Supply News

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Industry News

SEND US YOUR INDUSTRY NEWS If you have industry news you want to spread around our network – send it in to us.

New appointments or retirements; new aquisitions or expansions, anything that’s important to you is probably important to our Members. Pictures are always great too. Email Terry at leblanc@absda.ca.

Goodfellow announces four key appointments Stephanie (Bertin) Perron - Stephanie has been promoted to Business Development Manager — Atlantic Canada. Over her 14 years with Goodfellow, she has continually embraced new challenges and excelled in every role. A true champion for the Elephant, Stephanie brings energy, creativity, and a relentless attitude to everything she undertakes. Her leadership will certainly strengthen our position in the region for years to come.

Leanne Redden - We are pleased to announce the appointment of Leanne as Sales Manager – Dartmouth, reporting to Harry Haslett. In her new role, Leanne will oversee the LBM inside sales team, as well as the outside sales representatives. She will also continue in her capacity as outside flooring representative for Nova Scotia and PEI. Leanne joined Goodfellow in 2024, bringing with her over 15 years of industry experience.

Ben Morton - Ben has been promoted to Sales Manager — Moncton. Ben brings to the role 10 years of inside sales experience at Goodfellow, as well as 9 years as a manager for a regional LBM retailer. His strong leadership, solid work ethic and deep industry knowledge, will support the Moncton branch in maintaining its high standards of customer-focused sales and service.

Katie Renton - Katie has been promoted to Flooring Sales and Product Coordinator. With over 4 years of experience at Goodfellow and 14 years of LBM retail experience, she brings determination, drive, and a strong customer-service mindset to the team. Entrepreneurial by nature, Katie is well positioned to help renew Moncton’s focus on Flooring and strengthen our presence in this key category.

A CENTURY IN MILLWORK DOESN’T HAPPEN BY CHANCE. It takes employees who care, customers who want to build better, and a network of partners who believe in doing things the right way.

Those partnerships and the expertise have shaped Metrie through decades of change — and it’s the same spirit that’s moving us into the next century.

Looking ahead, we’re doubling down on what matters most, supporting your success with smarter systems and sharper solutions so you can move faster and go further. It’s a commitment built on trust. Here’s to where we’ve been, and where we’re headed together.

WELCOME TO THE NEXT 100.

Scan the QR code to view our moulding and door assortment.

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February 2026

30

DAVID CHURCHILL

CHURCH HILL’S HHBC BAY ROBERTS NEWFOUNDLAND

YOUR SUPPLIER FOR ALL YOUR LUMBER BUILDING MATERIAL STORAGE AND MERCHANDISING NEEDS INFO@AUTOSTAK.CA | WWW.AUTOSTAK.COM | 1-888-318-0141 ABSDA Building Supply News

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Industry News (cont’d) Gillfor Distribution and IKO insulation announce national partnership Gillfor Distribution and IKO North America have announced the addition of the IKO Poly-ISO Insulation line to Gillfor’s insulation program. “While continuing to support the Atlas Insulation offering, this expanded relationship supports Gillfor Distribution’s commitment to the insulation category in Canada by adding IKO Ener-Air and IKO Enerfoil to its portfolio,” Gillfor said in a release. “Gillfor account managers will be contacting all of our LBM dealers over the next few weeks with special winter buy incentives on our Poly-ISO offerings.”

Castle’s commercial division grows in Atlantic Canada with dealer acquisition Two of Castle Building Centres Group’s commercial members have teamed up to acquire a major gypsum supply dealer in Atlantic Canada. Encore Drywall Material Supplies and Groupe Beauchesne (warehouse pictured), which recently partnered to form Leonek Corp., have acquired Coastal Drywall Supplies Ltd. The GSD has locations in Dartmouth, N.S., and Hanwell and Dieppe, N.B. Encore Drywall Material Supplies, headed by Doug Skrepnek, joined Castle in the summer of 2024. It has yards in Vaughan and Trenton, Ont. Groupe Beauchesne, meanwhile, joined the buying group in February 2025. Beauchesne has five yards in Quebec—three in the Montreal area and two in the Quebec City market. Carl Léonard is the president of the company.

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We are more than moulding.

We are your project partner.

MOULDINGS • DOORS • WALL COVERINGS • FLEX TRIM ® alexandriamoulding.com

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alexandriamoulding.com

2025-12-22 11:37 AM

ABSDA Building Supply News

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Industry News (cont’d) Wilson Group Home Hardware Store Teams Supporting Local Food Banks Across five Wilson Group Home Hardware locations on Nova Scotia’s South Shore, store teams came together over the past year with a shared goal of supporting their local food banks. This effort intensified during the busy holiday retail season, when staff were already managing long hours and high customer demand, yet remained deeply committed to making a difference.

Employees organized and led multiple grassroots initiatives, including: • Selling Christmas trees purchased by the Wilson Group, with 100% of proceeds donated • Running a round-up-at-the-cash program, encouraging customers to contribute spare change • Hosting casual days, fundraiser BBQs, and other staff-driven activities throughout the year Through these collective efforts, the teams raised $11,278.23, directly benefiting five community food banks in the regions they serve.

LBMAO launches buying show The industry is getting a new trade show next spring, courtesy of the Lumber and Building Materials Association of Ontario (LBMAO). The association has decided to reinstate a show for its Ontario dealers. The re-launched LBMAO Buying Show will be held April 9 to 10 at the Toronto Congress Centre, in partnership with Informa Connect, a global trade show management company. The last time the LBMAO held a show was 16 years ago.

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February 2026

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41

Industry News (cont’d) Doman announces partnership with Owens Corning

Advertisers Index

Doman Building Materials is pleased to announce that it will add Owens Corning® FOAMULAR® NGX® Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) insulation to its portfolio of products effective January 1, 2026. This exciting partnership will expand Doman’s leading product offering in Building Materials throughout Canada.

Alexandria Moulding www.alexandriamoulding.com

38 35

Owens Corning is a global leader in manufacturing sustainable building materials, and its FOAMULAR® NGX® XPS insulation is recognized for moisture resistance, energy efficiency, and proven performance in both residential and commercial applications.

ARBEC www.arbec.ca ARXADA www.arxada.com

31

Autostak www.autostak.com

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Building Products of Canada Corp. www.bpcan.com

5

Big Foot www.bigfootsystems.com

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OBC & 6

Doman’s national stocking and LTL infrastructure, supported by its logistics and sales services, will enable dealers all across Canada to access Owens Corning® FOAMULAR® NGX® XPS insulation with confidence in its quality, sustainability, and long-term value.

At Doman, we are committed to providing top-quality building materials with dependable supply and service.

SickKids Foundation Cheque Presentation 2025 Castle President & CEO Ken Jenkins, along with VP of Marketing, James Jones, and VP of Finance, Scott Kaluzny had the honour of presenting SickKids Foundation with a cheque for $70,000.00 The donation was on behalf of another historic fundraising year at the Castle Vendor Appreciation Golf Tournament this past summer and was made possible through the generosity of our Vendors in attendance, and a Castle match.

Castle is a proud Patron on the SickKids Hospital Wall of Donors in Toronto for our continued support. The annual event helps support SickKids ground-breaking research in the fight against childhood illness and disease.

A sincere Thank You goes out to all who attended Castle’s annual tournament in support of SickKids Foundation.

42 July 2025 42 February 2026

Certainteed www.certainteed.ca

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Dupont www.dupont.com

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Footing Tube www.foottube.com

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Garon www.garon.ca

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Gillfor www.gillfor.com

11

Henkel www.henkel.com

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Home Hardware Stores Ltd. www.homehardware.ca

7

James Hardie www.jameshardie.ca

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Kohltech www.kohltech.com

13

Marwood www.marwoodltd.com

17

Metrie www.metrie.com

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PIB www.pib.com

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RONA www.ronadealer.ca

25

Sexton Group Ltd. www.sextongroup.com

IFC

Soleno www.soleno.com

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TAIGA www.taigabuilding.com

9

TIMBER MART www.timbermart.ca

19

Toolway www.toolway.com

14

Vicwest www.vicwest.com

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Westman Steel www.westmansteel.com

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ABSDA Building Supply News

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Castle is the fastest growing member-owned, Lumber and Building Materials buying group in Canada!

Our members make up a growing network of independent retailers nationwide who are the pillars of their communities and understanding their unique needs is what we are all about. The Castle business model offers members an unwavering commitment to their success along with the freedom to build their own story.

Find out why more and more independents are making the move to Castle. We Build Communities.

NOTRE DAME AGENCIES LEWISPORTE, NL

CHESTER BUILDING SUPPLIES CHESTER, NOVA SCOTIA

NOVA SCOTIA BUILDING SUPPLIES BLOCKHOUSE, NS

MACCALLUM BUILDING SUPPLIES MIRAMICHI, NEW BRUNSWICK

J.T. SWYERS BUILDING CENTRE BONAVISTA, NEWFOUNDLAND

SPRING VALLEY BUILDING CENTRE KENSINGTON, PEI

Discover Why Castle is the Fastest Growing LBM & Commercial Buying Group in Canada Contact your regional Castle Business Development Manager

Terry Mulock

Brian Warr

NEW BRUNSWICK, NOVA SCOTIA & PEI

NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR

902-471-3985 | tmulock@castle.ca

709-770-5607 | bwarr@castle.ca

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