CGC builds community connections as Wheatland plant grows

By Melissa Crispin-Piche Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

As Manufacturing Month puts a spotlight on the people behind Canadian industry, CGC’s Wheatland County plant is finding its footing with a growing workforce and strong community ties.

Following its grand opening in June, the facility is producing and shipping products to customers while gradually increasing production. For plant manager Duane VanDuuren, the progress reflects both the work of his team and the support the company has received from its neighbours.

“We’re producing and we’re shipping product to our customers now,” said VanDuuren.

The plant is working toward full capacity in early 2027. Its initial start-up focused on training employees, putting operating procedures in place and making sure equipment was ready before expanding operations.

That growth is creating opportunities close to home. A hiring campaign attracted 850 applications, with 35 new hires discussed. VanDuuren said most employees come from Wheatland County, Strathmore and the surrounding area.

“I would say we were blown away by the number of applicants that we had,” he said. He credits that response partly to relationships established before the facility hired its first employees. The company spent time introducing itself across the region, explaining the jobs available and helping residents understand what working at the plant could offer.

As employees settled into their roles, those connections continued to grow through friends and word of mouth.

For VanDuuren, hiring is about building a team that can grow with the company. Employees have opportunities to develop skills, explore different roles and move between departments as their interests change.

“Our goal is to help them stay for their entire career,” he said.

That approach also means giving people the preparation they need to work safely. New employees receive individual and team-based hands-on training before being asked to perform specific tasks.

“The most important thing that we can do for employees is to make sure that they come into a safe environment,” said VanDuuren.

The company’s early outreach included public information meetings and conversations with organizations about manufacturing careers. VanDuuren said those opportunities can be open to people with or without previous manufacturing experience.

Looking ahead, he sees opportunities to connect with local schools and students considering their next steps. Manufacturing, technical and engineering roles could offer different paths for young people exploring a future career.

The plant’s presence is also being felt by nearby businesses. CGC has connected with local businesses for services as the facility has developed. VanDuuren pointed to a restaurant in Carseland as one example of how employees’ everyday spending can support the surrounding community.

He said the restaurant reported a growing lunch crowd from the plant, prompting it to increase inventory and hire more staff to keep up. Those connections are something he wants to continue building as production grows.

Environmental efficiency is another part of the facility’s development. VanDuuren said the plant incorporates new technologies designed to reduce emissions, reuse process water and keep gypsum waste out of landfill.

As Manufacturing Month highlights the sector, CGC’s story in Wheatland County is also a local one: residents finding work close to home, businesses welcoming new customers and a growing team helping establish the plant’s place in the community.

“We are very proud of the facility that we’ve built,” said VanDuuren. “I’m very proud of our team and the culture that we have built with our team, the culture of engagement, safety, and integrity.”