CGC hosts information sessions for local facility under construction

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

CGC is hosting several events in order to discuss the economic impact of the wallboard manufacturing plant currently under construction, as well as future career opportunities at the facility. 

Sessions for public attendance were held in Carseland, Nov. 5, and in Strathmore, Nov. 7. Another is scheduled to take place in Langdon, Nov. 26, followed by a virtual meeting to be held on Dec. 3. 

“We are focused on making sure that the communities around us are well aware of who CGC is and providing information about our plant and the build that is happening on our site right now that started back in early spring this year and it is progressing very quickly,” said Duane VanDuuren, plant manager of the Wheatland CGC facility. “We will start to begin our hiring process (next year) and we want to make sure that the residents and all the local communities have a really good understanding of what career opportunities CGC offers and what it would look like to work in our facility.”

CGC has hosted similar events in and around Calgary for similar purposes, with goals of educating locals about the upcoming opportunities with the facility, as well as talking about the company. 

VanDuuren added applicants have already begun to ask questions and submit resumes. Approximately 40 to 50 people turned out for each of the respective events held so far. 

“In the end we will have right around 100 full-time employees at our facility. We are going to be getting our official postings and our interview process and recruiting process in the early part of 2025 with the intent of having our employees start early summer next year,” said VanDuuren. “We want to make sure all of our new employees receive all of the training they need to have a long and successful career with CGC, but they have a very safe career with CGC and can really benefit from what (we) have to offer.”

He added for manufacturing positions, candidates do not necessarily need to have a background in manufacturing, and those who have a “manufacturing mindset” will also be fairly considered.

VanDuuren emphasized the safe and positive workplace culture CGC strives to maintain. He explained the goal is for employees to be proud of their workplace and of their employer. 

More information about CGC, any potential facility positions, and about the information sessions is available online through the CGC website.