Kennedy Metals Inc.

by Gloria Welton

Kennedy Metals Inc. is a manufacturer of high-quality metal roofing, siding, and flashing located in Pleasant Valley, PEI.

This family-owned business is owned by brothers Scott and Blair Kennedy and their father Billy. Blair and Billy opened the business in 2007 in Stanchel.

“In 2014, we constructed our present manufacturing facility in Pleasant Valley in an effort to reduce order lead times and increase our customer service levels,” says Scott. “We did another big expansion about a year ago which included new state-of-the-art equipment.

“Construction was very much booming before hurricane Fiona, but afterwards, it increased even more. We have contractors who come back to us time and time again.

“Our recent expansion is all about going faster. This is made possible with our new equipment, which allows us to produce 20 to 30 times faster than before, which helps to deliver a fast turnaround.”

Hiring needs

With the expansion comes a need for more staff. They are hiring Production Workers to fill permanent year-round full-time positions. Wages for this job start at $22.50 an hour for 42.5 hours a week. The company offers an optional medical and dental health plan that is cost-shared between the employer and the employee.

They look for motivated people who are team players to work in a fast-paced, growing company. “Responsibilities include manufacturing metal roofing, general shop duties, and other jobs as required,” says Scott. “The candidate must be able to work independently, do heavy lifting, follow written and verbal instructions, and have a keen sense for detail.

“Strong communication and organizational skills are also important. They should be able to stand for extended periods of time and keep the work area up to safety standards. They should be willing to be flexible with the work schedule during busy periods. Forklift certification would be an asset. They should be comfortable with technology and use of computers, have a strong work ethic, and be a reliable and dependable team player. They also need a clean criminal record check.

“Our strength is delivering the quality of products that people expect in a timely fashion. We are constantly juggling to meet our deadlines and accommodate our customers. The equipment is all very specialized, so in-house training is ongoing.”

About the staff

Not including the owners, they have 11 staff, and the number is growing.

“There are opportunities to be hired, advance, and be promoted. If you care enough to do a good job and care about the people you work with, then the rest will happen.”