Walter Surface Technologies Opens New HQ

January 14, 2011

Walter Surface Technologies has opened its new world headquarters in Pointe-Claire, Que.

“This event marks a new era in Walter’s history,” explained President and COO Timothy Houghton. “The opening of this new facility is the ultimate expression of Walter’s commitment to sustainable development.”

The new complex is a LEED®-certified project and is built on a site that allows room for further expansion.

Construction began with the digging of 42 wells to capture geothermal energy that keeps the entire facility comfortable year-round. Specialized windows also contribute to temperature control. The warehouse, which receives, collates, and ships goods of all sizes, received particular attention because of its large doors. The new doors operate in a manner that compensates for summer’s heat and winter’s cold. Finally, water temperature is also controlled in all rooms, including washrooms and the cafeteria.

A new auditorium equipped with videoconferencing technology is used for product, performance, and productivity training; on-site seminars; and distance learning.  The facility also has a fitness center, available to all employees.

Storage facilities also have been optimized, with humidity carefully managed to ensure product quality. In the warehouse, battery-operated forklifts are programmed with product and location information. According to the company, these unmanned vehicles offer a number of advantages, including the ability to accurately store and retrieve items by eliminating human error.

In rooms designated for testing abrasives applications, air-filtering systems clean the air before it is released into the atmosphere. All chemical effluents are neutralized before they enter the municipal sewage system. The facility uses its own Bio-Circle cleaning system for parts and equipment, contributing to the elimination of toxic solvents.

Employees recycle more than just paper and aluminum cans; they follow a comprehensive recycling program that covers virtually every aspect of daily operations, from cafeteria services to individual workspaces. As part of its mandate, the company reduces waste in all processes.

For more information, visit www.walter.com.