As Ontario’s construction industry faces potential U.S. tariffs, prioritizing Canadian-made products is more crucial than ever. Local manufacturing options exist, but procurement habits have long favored foreign suppliers. Changing those habits takes effort, but with tariff threats looming, it’s time to rethink how we source materials and support domestic production.
Airstaus, an Ontario-based manufacturer, is redefining how Canadian businesses source critical building components. Despite offering high-quality, locally made products, the company has struggled against outdated procurement practices that default to foreign suppliers.
We spoke with Allen Hess, founder of Airstaus, about the company’s journey, the hurdles of entering the Canadian market, and why Ontario’s construction industry must reconsider its approach to sourcing materials.
Why Canadian Manufacturing Matters
Q: What inspired you to manufacture in Ontario?
A: Industry trends demanded a stronger local response. Clients needed assurance that their critical infrastructure components weren’t tied to jurisdictions with weaker cyber protections. By manufacturing in Canada, we ensure data security and supply chain resilience.
At the same time, global supply chains have become unreliable. From pandemic disruptions to geopolitical conflicts and transportation breakdowns, international logistics are riskier than ever. Manufacturing in Ontario allows us to deliver on time, maintain quality, and offer a stable alternative to offshore production.
The Cost of Imported Products
Q: What challenges do you face in getting buyers to choose your products?
A: The biggest issue is procurement decisions overlook hidden costs, including:
- Environmental impact – Canada has one of the cleanest energy grids. Why aren’t we prioritizing products manufactured with green energy?
- Supply chain disruptions – Delayed foreign shipments cause costly project setbacks. A local supply chain means reliability.
- Economic impact – Supporting Canadian businesses keeps jobs and innovation in Ontario.
Many contractors buy foreign simply because it’s the norm, and changing procurement specifications to favor local suppliers requires effort. But with tariffs looming, that effort is more important than ever.
A Call to Action for Ontario’s Construction Industry
Q: What changes would you like to see?
A: Procurement policies need to value Canadian manufacturing. Contractors are pressured to choose the lowest-cost option, even when imports have higher long-term costs. We’ve committed to increasing Canadian content and hiring more local workers—not because we have to, but because it’s the right thing to do. But if procurement structures rewarded these commitments, it would strengthen Ontario’s entire manufacturing sector.
At Airstaus, we’re not just making a product. We’re proving that Canada has the expertise, talent, and resources to supply its own industries. It’s time for procurement policies to reflect that.
Rethinking Procurement: The Time Is Now
Ontario’s construction industry faces a choice: continue relying on unstable imports or support local manufacturing that prioritizes quality, reliability, and sustainability.
The answer is clear. It’s time to rethink outdated procurement habits and commit to Canadian-made solutions.