At Roberts Onsite, its people are its greatest asset. From the administrative office employees to the skilled tradespeople in the field, the company’s multi-generational workforce is guided by three key values: safety, pride and quality. It’s this high-performing team of 300+ strong that has enabled the company to experience steady growth over the last 86 years. This success has seen the introduction of a variety of divisions over the years from mechanical to millwright and rigging, data communications, automation controls and engineering, utility and most recently expanding into the electrical automotive industry.
Working in the industrial, commercial and institutional sectors, Roberts Onsite’s ideal client is an industrial manufacturer looking to expand or renovate an existing manufacturing facility, automotive manufacturing, Tier 1 and 2 automotive parts, food and beverage and pharmaceutical. Founded by Bill Roberts Sr. and passed down to his son, Bill Roberts Jr. in 1959, both leaders were electrical engineers by trade, bringing about a strong analytical approach to these technically complex projects. As of late, these projects have centered around the automotive industry as the company attempts to build this book of business and grow its portfolio both in Canada and beyond.
Projects, like the General Motors’ CAMI assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, that Roberts Onsite is currently wrapping up take on a greater significance in the larger scheme of things. This project marks a milestone in GM’s push towards electric vehicle (eLCV) production. Tasked with installing cutting-edge equipment for a new Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS) Battery Assembly facility, Roberts Onsite faced significant challenges that tested their expertise and resilience. The project unfolded within a newly constructed 500,000-square-foot facility, where the team was responsible for providing all labor, equipment, tools, and materials needed to layout, unload, install, and power on an array of complex assembly and testing equipment. The equipment installation, which included Super Phase Mini Stacks, Module Final Assembly lines, and intricate conveyor systems, was critical for the assembly, charging, and testing of battery packs.
One of the major challenges was the project’s tight timeline. To meet the deadline for the start of vehicle production, Roberts Onsite coordinated multiple shifts and carefully orchestrated logistics to avoid delays. Additionally, the sheer scale of the equipment and the precision required to install peripheral systems like tanks, platforms, cranes, and lift tables added layers of complexity. The team also had to manage the integration of electrical and mechanical utilities, ensuring that every component worked seamlessly together.
Despite these challenges, the project was a success due to Roberts Onsite’s meticulous planning, adaptability, and hands-on approach. Its ability to mobilize resources quickly and maintain high standards of workmanship under pressure ensured that the facility was ready on time, positioning GM for success in its electric vehicle initiatives.
Simultaneously, Roberts Onsite is managing another large-scale project in Brantford, Ontario—a 400,000-square-foot chocolate manufacturing facility. The scope of work for this project includes receiving, unloading, and staging a variety of production and process equipment, from 30,000-liter storage tanks to complex molding and packaging lines. This phased project, which began in October 2023, is also marked by significant challenges, such as the coordination of large equipment and meeting tight deadlines. However, Roberts Onsite’s strategic approach, honed over decades of experience, ensures that the next phase of installation will be handled with the same precision and success, solidifying its reputation as leaders in the industrial construction sector.
Another ambitious project Roberts Onsite recently wrapped is the upgrade of the oxidizer system at roofing, waterproofing and insulation company IKO’s asphalt shingle production facility in Hawkesbury, Ontario. This plant has a long-standing history dating back to 1976 and the project involved the design and construction of a new facility to supply oxidized asphalt to the existing shingle plant, a critical step in modernizing and enhancing production capabilities. Roberts Onsite’s scope of work was vast, covering mechanical, electrical, and structural components. Its role included fabricating and installing intricate piping systems for asphalt, hot oil, fumes, and various other processes, as well as providing and installing electrical infrastructure such as cable trays, power cables, switchboards, and heating systems. The team also took charge of the structural elements, ensuring that all equipment and piping were securely supported.
One of the most significant challenges was the complexity of integrating the new oxidizer system into an already functioning plant, requiring precise coordination to avoid disruptions to the ongoing production. Roberts Onsite leveraged its in-house fabrication shop to build pipe racks off-site, allowing for fully assembled components to be shipped directly to the plant. This strategic approach minimized on-site work and accelerated the installation process, a critical factor in meeting project deadlines.
The project was ultimately successful due to Roberts Onsite’s meticulous planning, its ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously, and its emphasis on rigorous testing to ensure everything operated flawlessly. Its expertise in handling both the mechanical and electrical aspects, combined with its structural know-how, allowed it to deliver a state-of-the-art facility that integrated seamlessly into IKO’s existing operations. This upgrade positions IKO to continue producing high-quality asphalt shingles efficiently while reducing environmental impact through the use of the new oxidizer system.
Despite complexity, Roberts Onsite Vice President Wayne Barnard points to the team. “They work hard to continue to put safety, as well as the client’s needs, by meeting or exceeding their expectations, through a collaborative approach of team value engineering.” He also credits the company’s vast experience in all facets of the automotive manufacturing industry coupled with its culture of safety that ensures everyone involved is empowered to do their best possible work without sacrificing health and well-being to get there. They have the in-house knowledge and expertise to succeed, now it’s a matter of forging new relationships and building up their book of work. Today, Roberts Onsite is establishing new relationships with international clients, communicating its past experience in the automotive and manufacturing sectors, all with the intention of supporting its expansion into the electrical vehicle industry.
“They work hard to continue to put safety, as well as the client’s needs, by meeting or exceeding their expectations, through a collaborative approach of team value engineering.”
With nearly 90 years in business, Roberts Onsite has proven it has staying power. As the world continues to change, the company is adapting along the way, investing time and effort into building relationships with new industrial clients, focusing on making time for new clients even after its brand-new plant is up and running, slated for late 2024.
Looking for turn-key solutions by one of Ontario’s largest multi-trade contractors with the added edge of engineering expertise? Reach out to Roberts Onsite by filling out their contact form.
