When travelling where Highway 417 meets Autoroute 40 near Pointe-Fortune, most people do not realize a building located beside the highway exit is home to one of the region’s most prominent and growing industries.
Rope manufacturer Atlantic Braids Limited (ABL) was founded by George Henderson more than 40 years ago and for three years has been affiliated with Vertical Supply Group (VSG) of Greensboro, North Carolina. ABL produces high-quality rope for all uses including home, farm, equestrian, search and rescue, military, the Canadian and US coast guards, and the space program. ABL-made rope has even been donated for use by Canada’s Olympic sailing team.
“Anyone who uses rope, basically,” is how ABL Director of Human Resources Sarah Jane Rutherford described the market for the products the company makes.
ABL manufactures rope that is as strong as steel cable, and can do many of the same tough jobs. And when it comes to jobs, ABL wants area residents looking for employment to know it is a good place to work.
“We’re a company that treasures our culture here,” Rutherford said.
The rural location of the ABL plant gives employees the opportunity to enjoy outdoor walks while on break. There’s even a basketball court on site for employees inclined to shoot a few hoops.
“We’re always keen to have people who support our values,” added Rutherford.
Director of Manufacturing Justin Wells has worked at ABL since he graduated high school 13 years ago. He has made ABL his career.
“I’ve just kept going with the company ever since,” remarked Wells.
Currently, there are 58 employees at ABL. All employees are eligible for quarterly bonuses, three weeks of vacation after three years with the company, an RSP matching program, and training/development instruction. Rutherford said ABL does not have a high rate of turnover among employees, and the company has good ethics.
“We treat everyone as we want to be treated,” she said.
“We just believe in being fair,” commented Wells.
ABL is growing. Wells is predicting the company’s sales will increase by 20 per cent in 2025. Increased sales mean more employees will be needed.
Rutherford said wages at ABL are higher than the local average. Prospective employees should also be ready to learn new skills.
“What we want is a willingness for people to learn,” she remarked.
Anyone who tours the production part of the ABL plant will quickly see that a willingness to learn is absolutely necessary. Spinning, weaving, and splicing the spools of fibres that enter the plant takes skill and attention. Machines, many of which were made in-house by ABL staff, do a lot of the work, but employees need to know how to operate those machines and maintain them.
Rutherford emphasized that even if ABL is not advertising in search of employees to perform a specific skill or meet a specific need, people looking for work should still apply to the company. There could be aspects of their work experience which could be of benefit at ABL, or unforeseen needs in the company that need to be filled. Applicants are always invited to submit a resumé to [email protected].
Photos: James Morgan
