12 construction suppliers keeping Canada’s builders stocked

In the thriving construction industry material suppliers play a crucial role, ensuring that materials, tools, and services that fuel the sector’s growth are where they need to be. These firms, ranging from plumbing suppliers to building material manufacturers, are a critical support piece in Canada’s construction supply chain.

As the sector faces challenges and opportunities, these companies are at the forefront of innovation and adaptation, helping to shape the future of construction in Canada. Let’s get to know some of them a little better.

Doman Building Materials Group Ltd.

Headquarters: Vancouver, B.C.

History: Formerly known as CanWel Building Materials, Doman was founded in 1989. The company has grown into one of Canada’s largest national distributors of building materials, hardware, and lumber products. In 2021, the company rebranded as Doman Building Materials Group to better reflect its diverse operations.

Recent News: In 2021, Doman expanded its operations by acquiring Hixson Lumber Sales and L.A. Lumber Treating, broadening its footprint in North America. Just this year that acquired assets from Southeast Forest Products.

Groupe BMR

Headquarters: Boucherville, Que.

History: BMR was founded in 1967 and has grown into a major retailer and distributor of building materials and hardware products, primarily serving Quebec and the Eastern Canadian market. A subsidiary of Sollio Groupe Coopératif, BMR includes more than 275 home renovation centers and hardware stores across Quebec, Ontario, and the Maritime provinces. In addition to its role as a wholesaler, Groupe BMR runs 14 corporate stores, primarily in the Greater Montreal area.

Recent News: In 2022, BMR launched its first fully automated distribution center in Varennes, Que., enhancing its logistics and distribution capabilities.

TimberMart

Headquarters: Mississauga, Ont.

History: Established in 1967, TimberMart is a national buying group that supports independent lumber and building material retailers across Canada. It provides members with access to a wide range of products and services to compete in the retail market. TimberMart says it is the largest national member-owned buying group in the country.

Recent News: TimberMart continues to expand its network of independent dealers, with recent partnerships to help small and medium-sized retailers compete with larger national chains.

RONA (Part of Lowe’s Canada)

Headquarters: Boucherville, Que.

History: Founded in 1939 as a cooperative of independent Quebec hardware retailers, RONA has become one of Canada’s largest home improvement retailers. It was acquired by Lowe’s in 2016, but the RONA brand remains a cornerstone of Lowe’s Canadian operations. It boasts a network of more than 375 stores includes both corporate stores and independent affiliated dealers.

Recent News: In 2023, Lowe’s announced plans to sell its Canadian operations, including RONA, to private equity firm Sycamore Partners. The move is aimed at streamlining Lowe’s global operations.

Taiga Building Products

Headquarters: Burnaby, B.C.

History: Taiga Building Products has been operating since 1973 and is one of the largest independent wholesale distributors of building materials in Canada. The company offers a variety of products, including lumber, panels, and insulation.

Recent News: Taiga has continued to expand its North American operations, acquiring new distribution centers and enhancing its product offerings, particularly in sustainable building materials.

Wolseley Canada

Headquarters: Burlington, Ontario

History: Wolseley Canada is a division of Ferguson PLC, one of the world’s leading distributors of plumbing and HVAC products. Established in Canada over 100 years ago, Wolseley serves contractors and retailers with plumbing, heating, and building materials.

Recent News: In 2023, Wolseley Canada launched several new e-commerce tools aimed at simplifying product orders for contractors and retailers, reflecting a growing trend toward digital solutions in construction.

Castle Building Centres Group

Headquarters: Mississauga, Ontario

History: Castle Building Centres was founded in 1963 as a buying group for independent lumber and hardware retailers. Today, it operates a network of over 300 locations across Canada, offering a wide range of building materials and home improvement products.

Recent News: Castle has been focusing on expanding its dealer network and providing marketing and digital support to independent retailers, allowing them to compete effectively with larger chains.

EMCO Corporation

Headquarters: London, Ont.

History: Founded in 1906 as the Empire Manufacturing Company Limited in London, Ontario, EMCO Corporation has grown to become one of Canada’s largest integrated distributors of products for the construction industry. With over 110 years of business success, EMCO has weathered two world wars and the Great Depression. The company operates through a network of over 250 Profit Centres across Canada, offering products in distinct categories such as plumbing, waterworks, industrial, and HVAC.

Recent News: In February 2024, EMCO Corporation announced a partnership with ALDES North America, a manufacturer of ventilation systems. This strategic alliance aims to expand EMCO’s presence in the Canadian residential market by offering a complete range of ventilation products across the country. 

Würth Canada

Headquarters: Guelph, Ontario

History:Würth Canada was founded in 1971 in Montreal as part of the global Würth Group, which originated in Germany in 1945. The company moved its headquarters to Mississauga in 1986, and then to a state-of-the-art facility in Guelph in 2014. Würth Canada has grown to become a major supplier of fasteners, tools, and other products for the automotive aftermarket, as well as expanding into the metalworking and construction industries.

Recent News: In February 2024, Würth Canada announced the opening of its first flagship store in North America, located in Vaughan, Ont. This new store features a 24/7 concept, allowing authorized business customers to access the store at any time using their Würth eShop account. Additionally, Würth Canada is pursuing an aggressive expansion plan, aiming to open 40 stores across Canada within the next five years as part of its strategy to become a national industrial distributor.

IHL Canada

Headquarters: Woodbridge, Ontario

History:IHL Canada was founded in 1985 by contractors for contractors, with the aim of helping construction businesses grow by providing exceptional products and services. For nearly four decades, the company has evolved and innovated within the construction industry. IHL Canada has focused on research and development to bring breakthrough products that combine technology with expertise to improve job site efficiencies and facilitate contractors’ work.

Recent News: In May 2024, IHL Canada announced its commitment to fighting against forced labor and child labor in supply chains, demonstrating the company’s focus on ethical business practices. Additionally, IHL Canada has been expanding its presence in Southern Ontario, with two modern stores serving the construction industry. The company operates locations in Woodbridge and Innisfil, providing extended hours of service to meet the needs of contractors.

MY Construction Supply

Headquarters: Brantford, Ontario

History: MY Construction Supply is a manufacturer and distributor of concrete accessories, fasteners, and building products. The company was founded with a focus on serving the construction industry, particularly specializing in providing supplies and accessories for forming and development companies working on large-scale projects across Canada. MY Construction Supply has positioned itself as a customer-oriented company, known for high-quality products, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service.

Recent News: MY Construction Supply continues to expand its operations. The company operates from a 30,000 square foot warehouse, which is continuously growing to meet the increasing needs of its clients. MY Construction Supply maintains a strong presence in the construction industry, particularly in the realm of high-rise condominiums, but also serves projects including low-rise condos, transit centers, and hospitals.

Star Building Materials

Headquarters: Winnipeg, Man.

History:Star Building Materials has been serving the construction industry for over 60 years. Founded in 1965 in Calgary, the company has grown to become a trusted supplier of building materials for residential and commercial builders, renovators, and homeowners. Star operates locations in Winnipeg and Calgary, offering a wide range of products including lumber, deck and fence materials, mouldings, tools, and more.

Recent News: In 2023, Star Building Materials continued to expand its presence in Southern Ontario. The company has been focusing on providing innovative solutions for the construction industry, including state-of-the-art technology for producing modern and efficient building materials.