Who is TradeTech?

Trade Tech began with two best friends who wanted to create more than a paycheck. In 1998, Walter and his friend Dan left Sault Ste Marie—leaders in their field but frustrated by poor leadership and stagnant opportunity—and headed south to Whitby to build something better for themselves, their families, and the people who would join them. The name Trade Tech came from their combined mechanical and fabrication knowledge in plant maintenance, milwriting, engines, hydraulics, pneumatics, and welding. A company starting without a defined direction, mechanical? Milwriting? Machine building? Construction? In the early days, all avenues were explored. They first rented an 800‑square‑foot shop, barely big enough to fit equipment let alone operate, and built a company on a simple promise: do what you say, and do it well, regardless of the obstacles that may arise. 

The early days were gritty. Money was tight, debt was real, and their first major opportunity came wrapped in risk. They took on a “make‑or‑break” project that demanded everything they had. They secured financing on harsh terms, bet on themselves, and delivered the project in full. That success didn’t just keep the doors open—it proved Trade Tech had a future worth fighting for. As a wise man once said, “Don’t let fear or common sense hold you back”.

From there, Trade Tech outgrew every space it moved into. The 800‑square‑foot shop rental gave way to 1,50sqft – 3000 – 13,000 total square feet as walls were knocked down and demand kept rising. In 2008 with the threat of recession, Walt risked it all to build both a permanent residence and build on the promise of a future for Trade Tech’s employees. Land in Bowmanville paved the way for the first purpose‑built Trade Tech shop—a true home with 18,000 square feet, three fabrication bays, and overhead cranes. It marked the transition from survival to momentum.

In 2017–2018, Trade Tech expanded again, building a new 32,000‑square‑foot fabrication shop and a 6,000‑square‑foot office in Port Hope. This space created room for larger teams, added capabilities in aluminum and stainless steel, and attracted leaders who have shaped the company into the versatile, solution‑driven partner it is today.

Through it all, one belief has remained unchanged: people are at the core of Trade Tech. From the beginning, Trade Tech has been a place where hardworking men and women have the opportunity to exercise their craft—where students, apprentices, and experienced tradespeople could learn, lead, and pass down their experience and skills. Whether they built lifelong careers here or used their time with us as a launching pad, we invest in our people. 

“Set the next person up for success. Do not set traps.”

— A principle we’ve lived since day one

This philosophy is why we keep as much as possible in house. Not because it’s easy, but because it creates meaningful local employment. In construction and manufacturing, even small communication gaps can fracture project momentum. By keeping every discipline in house; project selection, management, drafting, fabrication and installations, Trade Tech creates a unified team that collaborates in real time, keeps details aligned, and reduces the frictions inherent in hand‑offs. With a full house under one roof, we create full accountability that removes obstacles and drives the work forward with the clarity, confidence, and craftsmanship our partners have come to rely on.

Trade Tech growth in its 28 years has been steady and incremental both in facility size and team members. Today, Trade Tech is a team of 75 skilled professionals with 70 Tons of combined overhead crane capacity, a full‑time engineer, expanding in‑house capabilities, division 1 CWB certification, and a growing reputation as one of the region’s most trusted metals solution providers. We . We give back to our community, and support local students through co‑ops and apprenticeships. We evolve our processes, systems, and team year over year.

As the second generation, I’m proud to carry on the legacy that Walter has built—and to protect the launchpad that Trade Tech has become for so many people. This company has changed lives, created opportunity, and given many trades people’s the opportunity to build careers they’re proud of. My mission isn’t to chase numbers; it’s to grow the company through people, talent, and craftsmanship. The numbers simply support the art of our craft.

We think in generations here. I see Trade Tech as a place where the third and fourth generation of our family and the families of our team members can learn, grow, build success, and take pride in their craft. Our shared vision is simple: remain a reliable construction partner, maintain a diverse portfolio of custom fabrication and installation work, and grow steadily and consistently; to evolving organically.

This is who we’ve been since 1998.

This is who we are today.

And this is who we’ll continue to be.

Mathew Hillman