Kristian Electric Ltd

Offering Cutting-edge Industrial Services and Solutions in Western Canada

Generates growth and innovation in Western Canada’s industrial sector through strategic investments and robust customer relationships.

Kristian Electric Ltd., a cornerstone of Western Canada’s industrial scene since 1964, specializes in overhead cranes, welding machines, induction heating equipment, and plasma cutters. The core of its operations revolves around overhead cranes and welding equipment, serving a diverse clientele ranging from mining operations to steel fabrication shops.

Kevin Gjertsen, President of Kristian Electric Ltd, explains the company’s journey: “When we opened in Saskatoon, our focus was clear—we sell, service, and repair overhead cranes and welding equipment, including plasma cutters. We aim to support industrial shops, from mining to steel fabrication.”

The Saskatoon branch, launched on May 1st, 2014, marked a significant milestone for Kristian Electric. Trent Haduik, the branch manager, shares the backstory. “We had a fantastic opportunity when a company I worked for decided to retire. We joined forces, bringing in experienced hands like Pierre, who merged his business with ours. We started strong, deeply rooted in the local community.”

Haduik emphasizes the company’s customer-centric approach. “Our model is simple—acquire a customer and treat them right. We aim for lifelong relationships, not just one-off jobs. It’s about always doing right by our clients.”

The company’s service portfolio is extensive. “We handle welder repairs and service plasma cutters. We also sell top brands like Miller Electric and Hypertherm. Our overhead crane division is another critical area—we service and sell these cranes, ensuring they operate smoothly around the clock,” Haduik elaborates.

Innovation and Economic Impact on Mining

Kristian Electric.’s operations extend far beyond selling and servicing overhead cranes and welding equipment; it is intricately linked to the economic heartbeat of Saskatchewan’s mining industry. The company’s services are crucial for the smooth functioning of mining operations, a significant economic driver in the province.

Haduik comments on the burgeoning mining activities in Saskatchewan. “Yes, the mining in Saskatchewan, especially with potash, uranium, and rare earth metals, is ramping up. It’s becoming increasingly busy, which is great for the economy and us. We’ve seen a significant uptick in business due to this growth.”

The impact of mining on the local economy cannot be overstated. With major minerals extracted and processed, the demand for reliable industrial equipment and services is at an all-time high. Kristian Electric’s ability to provide swift and efficient repair services for crucial machinery like overhead cranes ensures that mining operations remain uninterrupted, thus sustaining economic growth.

Embracing Technological Advancements

Technology is continuously reshaping industries, and Kristian Electric Ltd. is not left behind. The company integrates cutting-edge innovations into its product offerings, particularly in the welding machine business.

Gjertsen highlights the company’s foray into induction heating technology. “We’ve expanded from selling welding equipment and plasma cutters to induction heating. This technology is used to warm steel, particularly thick pipes, to ensure proper welding. It’s a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional heating methods, like torches.”

Induction heating technology provides precise control over the heating and cooling process, which is essential for high-quality welds in complex steel structures. “Induction heaters are like heating blankets you can wrap around pipes or lay on plates to warm steel quickly and safely,” Gjertsen explains. This advancement enhances safety and increases efficiency, making it a popular choice among their clients.

On the administrative front, Kristian Electric is also evolving. The company is embracing digital solutions to streamline operations and improve customer service. Gjertsen explains, “We’re developing a new website with an online store to expand our sales reach. This will enable us to sell more parts and components across Canada and even the United States.”

Upgrading computer systems is another ongoing effort. “Our sales team can now work remotely, accessing our warehouse and processing orders from anywhere,” Gjertsen says, introducing flexibility that boosts productivity and ensures that customer orders are handled swiftly and accurately, further solidifying the company’s reputation for excellent service.

Workforce Development and Training Challenges

As industries across North America grapple with skilled trade shortages, Kristian Electric faces similar challenges. The company’s need for highly specialized skills in electrical and mechanical fields is critical, yet the supply of trained professionals remains scarce.

“We’re always short-handed,” Gjertsen states plainly. “In our business, we need people with electrical or millwright backgrounds. There’s no apprenticeship for fixing welding machines or overhead cranes. We have to train them ourselves.”

This necessity for in-house training means investing heavily in education. Gjertsen explains, “We send our apprentices to various schools—Miller welding, Lincoln welding, Hypertherm, and Demag. We’ve also sponsored workers from other countries, bringing them here and training them from scratch. It’s the only way to ensure we have a capable workforce.”

Regarding hiring, Kristian Electric looks for more than just technical skills. “We consider education and job history, but personality is crucial. They need to fit in with the team and be willing to learn,” says Gjertsen. The same criteria apply to the business’s welding and crane service sides. Experience with motors, gearboxes, and electrical or mechanical certifications are highly valued, but ultimately, internal training shapes a recruit into a proficient team member.

Alongside technical training, safety is paramount at Kristian Electric, especially given the complexities and hazards associated with their work. Every new employee undergoes rigorous safety training before stepping onto the job.

“We have a full-time safety officer who ensures all training is current,” Gjertsen notes. “From man lift and scissor lift operations to first aid, every safety measure is covered. Our overhead crane trainer provides certifications on safe operation and proper slinging techniques for our team and other companies.”

Flexible Solutions at the Order Desk

Kristian Electric Ltd offers a wide range of services and products to meet the diverse needs of its clientele. The company’s order desk is pivotal in providing tailored solutions for large industrial players to individual hobbyists.

Pierre Trudel, Order Desk Manager, explains the equipment rental process. “We have customers with specific needs, and if we have the right machine, we prepare the necessary paperwork. Rentals are available on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.”

Trudel emphasizes the importance of understanding the customer’s requirements. “We serve various clients, from the mining industry to small shops and even individuals working out of their garages. Many people aren’t familiar with the technical language of welding equipment, so we take the time to listen, treat them with respect, and provide the best solutions.”

When it comes to used equipment, Kristian Electric ensures accessibility and transparency. “We have a database on our website where we list available machines,” says Trudel. “Customers can view the inventory online or call us with specific requests. We check our stock and provide information, helping them decide whether to purchase or look for other options.”

Strategic Investments and Key Partnerships

As Kristian Electric Ltd celebrates a decade of successful operations in Saskatoon, the company has consistently reinvested its profits to ensure steady growth and stability.

Gjertsen emphasizes the importance of this approach, highlighting that reinvesting profits in the company  offers a more secure and predictable future. This way, Kristian Electric maintains a robust foundation and prepares for long-term growth and expansion.

Key partnerships also play a vital role in Kristian Electric’s success. “Our number one supplier for welding equipment is Miller Electric,” Gjertsen notes. “We’ve been servicing Miller machines since 1969 and started selling them about six years ago. Miller is our top line for welding machines, and we have a strong working relationship with them.”

The company also collaborates with other significant brands in the industry. “We service various machines, including Lincoln, Hypertherm, Fronius, andThermal Dynamics. But Miller remains our primary partner,” says Gjertsen.

Kristian Electric has a long-standing partnership with Demag Cranes and Hoists in the overhead crane business. “We’ve been a distributor for Demag for 40 years, and it’s been a key part of our success in the crane business,” Gjertsen states. “We also work with brands like Columbus-McKinnon, R&M Materials Handling, and Kito, but Demag is our leading line.”

Future Growth and Strategic Initiatives

As Kristian Electric Ltd. looks toward the future, it anticipates significant growth and continued success in the Saskatchewan market. The company’s leaders have clear and optimistic views on the next 18 months, driven by strong relationships with customers and strategic expansions.

“We expect substantial growth in the next 18 months,” Gjertsen states confidently. “The economy in Saskatchewan is thriving, and we’re becoming well-known for our unique products. We’re securing some excellent jobs and building a base of reliable, repeat customers who trust us. Our efforts are paying off, and we’re expanding more and more throughout the province.”

Haduik echoes this sentiment, highlighting the increasing engagement with larger construction companies. “We’re dealing with a lot of big construction firms now. We’ve been quoting much more work than in the past, and if we can secure even a small portion of these quotes, we’ll be extremely busy. Building these relationships is key, and it’s evident we’re getting well-known in the industry.”

Trudel also observes a positive trend in customer engagement. “We have a lot of repeat customers, and our reputation is spreading. Over the past year, we’ve seen a significant increase in customer traffic, steadily climbing.”

Kristian Electric’s strategic focus for the next 18 months includes strengthening customer relationships, expanding market presence, and capitalizing on Saskatchewan’s robust economic conditions. This forward-looking approach, coupled with a solid foundation of trust and reliability, positions the company for continued success and growth in the industrial sector.

AT A GLANCE

Kristian Electric Ltd

What: Provider of industrial equipment sales, service, and repair

Where: Calgary (founded in 1964), Edmonton (founded in 1991) Saskatoon (founded in 2014)

Website: https://www.kristian.ca/