Growth-oriented Thunder Bay Hydraulics has moved from its forestry background to focus on the mining industry.
Jamie Crozier isn’t shy about seeking help when he needs it.
The 37-year-old president and owner of Thunder Bay Hydraulics shared that joining the industrial service company in 2018 presented a steep learning curve.
After being named the new operations manager – “I still don’t know what that meant” – his main tasks were to expand the business and improve efficiencies, all while diving into the hydraulics and manufacturing aspects of the company as he went along.
“It was quite a lot to learn the first couple of years.”
He often reflected on a quote from Apple co-founder Steve Jobs regarding being bold, especially when making cold calls for solutions: “I’ve never found anybody that didn’t want to help me if I asked them for help.”
This approach was something he cultivated earlier while working in sales at Fastenal, another industrial supplier, where he built a network of professional contacts.
“I leaned on those past relationships and reached out across Canada to hydraulics and machine shops, looking for best practices and what others were doing to innovate and get better and use that information for Thunder Bay Hydraulics.”
Are potential competitors willing to share that information?
“You’d be surprised,” said Crozier. “I realize if you phone someone and genuinely ask for help, they’re always willing to help you.”
Founded in 1969 by Carl Currie, Thunder Bay Hydraulics grew alongside the city’s forestry mill economy.
By the time Crozier joined, Northwestern Ontario’s forestry sector was declining, with mining emerging as a dominant force-now accounting for about 50 percent of their business.
Their primary work involves manufacturing and repairing hydraulic piston rods used in mobile fleets, underground drill rigs, and various systems tied to fixed plants.
Musselwhite gold mine, located 500 kilometers north of Thunder Bay, became their first mining client back when production started in 1997. Another notable customer is Impala Canada’s Lac des Iles palladium mine situated 90 kilometers northeast of the city.
Additions in the northwest include Evolution Mining, West Red Lake Gold Mines, and Kinross Gold’s developing Great Bear project within the Red Lake mining area. Heading eastward brings fresh investments into Hemlo gold mine while Vault Minerals supports Sugar Zone mine’s recovery.
Under Crozier’s leadership, they’ve shown they’re not afraid to take calculated risks with product innovation and market diversification-even if immediate rewards aren’t guaranteed.
This ambition led them to elevate their car lift side business significantly.
Beneath Atlas Elite Autolifts branding, they specialize in designing and crafting high-end multi-level car lifts tailored specifically for luxury homes.
The company had previously been dabbling in what Crozier viewed as an adequate product but sought something more refined-worthy of their desired high-end market appeal.
Now their custom-built luxury car-parking systems can cost anywhere from $100,000 up to $400,000 based on complexity. The shop typically produces between 12 and 14 systems annually.
A majority are shipped off to California or elsewhere along the U. S. West Coast where subcontractors handle installations.
This has resulted in some unforgettable projects showcasing extremes within car culture.
A couple of years ago in Washington State, Crozier mentioned they faced an exciting challenge: creating a lift system allowing a homeowner to showcase his car from ground level down into an underground garage.
Together with a glass manufacturer they incorporated two-inch-thick glass framed by steel. The platform needed structural integrity sufficient enough to support a vehicle raised from below ground level.
“That was super cool,” said Crozier who added they can now design glass-and-steel platforms rated for up to 7,000 pounds-accommodating roughly 95 percent of typical cars on today’s roads.
“I really love that aspect of our business.”
The current U. S. tariff system affecting Canadian exports makes them “a little less competitive” compared with U. S. or European companies; however,“we build really great systems so we’ve been able to weather that storm.”
The idea of expanding beyond North America into international markets is appealing but not currently feasible according to him.
“We’re still a fairly small shop. Mass manufacturing is not something we’re capable of doing at this moment , ”said Crozier. p >
“It ’ s definitely niche. We’re aiming there. It may be small , but I see growth opportunities.” p >
As attractive as it might seem , Crozier stressed maintaining focus on their core mission – serving miners. p >
More mines are coming online across Northwest Ontario , including White River ’ s Sugar Zone gold mine which is bouncing back under new ownership thanks to Vault Minerals , along with Kinross Gold ’ s growing relationship with Great Bear project nearby Red Lake. p >
“There ’ s so much excitement surrounding mining,” said Crozier. “We need strategies for serving each site effectively while also enhancing our team capabilities.” p >
He mentioned actively seeking additional staff members as part of bolstering their current workforce consisting of 29 employees at Montreal Street facility along with nine people acquired through last year ‘s purchase known as Custom Hydraulics located downtown competing against them previously. p >
Surprisingly enough , despite leading this operation , he lacks traditional trades training himself. p >
Growing up locally here near Thunder Bay his mechanic father encouraged him instead towards academia resulting ultimately landing him two majors during university studies focusing primarily upon political science plus philosophy studies earned via University Of Ottawa graduate program completing thereafter followed by dreary stint managing retail store situated inside Victoriaville Mall before transitioning finally toward industrial supply sales altogether ! P >
He appreciates skilled tradespeople deeply wanting especially promote related career options particularly among women who pursue such fields ! In fact actively collaborating local high schools promoting initiatives designed encourage more youth enrollments pre-trade training programs inclusively featuring presentations hosted students qualified instructors representing skilled occupations encouraging girls join male dominated sectors providing excellent opportunities ahead ! That kind outreach initiative truly resonates strongly here too!”
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