Arsenal Constructors started out in 2015 and since then the company has been at the forefront of the industry, redefining the ideas of adaptation, efficiency, and team effort. The company history stretches further than 2015, however. Arsenal Constructors began through the strategic expansion of an interior finishes company – International Fixture Installations, and, as evidenced by its ongoing growth and success, has been a successful continuation of the original idea. To give more space to their new vision, the team at IFI decided to compartmentalize the general contracting services under a completely different division. This decision marked the beginning of Arsenal Constructors and allows both companies to provide diverse and flexible services to clients, with Arsenal Constructors working on larger General Contracting work and subcontracting the interior finishes back to the sister company IFI. At the time, the new structure made it more efficient for the company to divide its responsibilities effectively and provide the best results on time. The results show that this was a wise strategic move.
Arsenal Constructors provides various services for clients. Starting from base buildings, the company operates on the civil and site works in addition to having its own in-house interior finishes and millwork which includes metal, wood, and composite materials. This diverse range of options ensures that almost any finish can be handled to the highest standard in-house. At the same time, the capability to partner with some strategic architectural and engineering firms gives Arsenal Constructors the opportunity to expand its creative framework.
However, in an industry as fast paced and pressurized as construction, any new venture needs to plan early and plan well. The truth is that the early years of a company are the most crucial for its future development. While some ideas fall away or are adapted to suit the industry climate, others remain and even manage to overcome the most unforeseen challenges. With the company in its infancy, the team at Arsenal Constructors was faced with the COVID pandemic. While it was a challenging time for everyone, the construction industry was no exception.
One aspect of working through a pandemic that was most challenging to the industry was change. The ability to pivot and adjust was essential to the survival of companies. Arsenal Constructors experienced these very same issues, but the company was efficient and adaptable enough to not only survive, but thrive. The team at Arsenal introduced virtual meetings as opposed to traditional on-site meetings, at the same time they followed strict protocols. As the industry began to rebound and regulations relaxed somewhat, it was time to take stock. Unsurprisingly, Arsenal Constructors had the foresight to anticipate the next wave of challenges that the industry would face, such as inflation and material shortages.
For the team at Arsenal Constructors, there was only one priority and that was to shield its clients from these challenges as much as possible. The solution was to maximize the use of its internal warehouse capabilities. This helped it to store pre-purchased materials which meant that rapid price increases could be avoided, thus saving the client from spiraling costs. In a nutshell, this approach highlights the vision at Arsenal Constructors – to provide the best solutions for its clients and work in an efficient, timely manner. Even though the unpredictability of COVID made deadlines even tighter than before, the company has always applied great significance to team effort and efficiency.
“As it grows in experience and reputation, similarly, the list of hugely successful projects continues to grow.”
One key aspect of the success Arsenal Constructors has experienced is placing huge value on acquiring the highest quality team. For Joe Zamparo, President of Arsenal Constructors, the in-house skill is the company’s greatest strength. “We strive to execute projects in a timely manner. This has been a challenge for all constructors these days, but we have a base of knowledgeable and experienced craftsmen, superintendents, project managers, and coordinators. We bring that to the forefront so that we can work with our clients in getting to their overall goal of cost controlled, scheduled openings of their projects.”
With this mindset, Arsenal Constructors has avoided any major challenges and has successfully navigated difficult times for the industry. The outlook now is to continue developing and maintaining relationships. As Zamparo explains, this growth will largely be achieved by creating a stable work environment for its employees. “The environment for employees is more volatile now than ever before. We make sure that we stay close to our employees, and we give them the support that they require to get the projects completed on time. It is really more of a team effort these days than it ever was before.”
While intense scheduling is now the norm, the team at Arsenal Constructors has managed to work adaptively and efficiently. A project recently completed by the company for Food Basics in Lindsay, Ontario, is a prime example of this. While working under challenging conditions, Arsenal Constructors managed to take over the existing Food Basics retail store, renovate it, and add 10,000 square feet to the existing building all while the store continued to operate at full sales capacity. All this considered, it is no surprise to learn that the last eighteen months have been very successful for the company. As it grows in experience and reputation, similarly, the list of hugely successful projects continues to grow.
Never one to rest on its laurels, the company is now concentrating on the next project. The team at Arsenal Constructors is building a ground-up Metro at Niagara Falls. The company is currently working on the base building but that is not where its involvement ends. Additionally, it will be completing the interior fit-out, demonstrating the value and significance of successful partnerships and working relationships.
With many successful projects and a growing reputation, Arsenal Constructors has been able to establish itself as a company that is never afraid of a challenge and is ready for adaptation. For example, the company is currently working on rebranding its website. Understanding the significance of its virtual presence, the team has been able to identify crucial upgrades that will be available soon.
In any business, it’s important to not only think logically, but to act strategically and efficiently. At Arsenal Constructors, these values form the pillar of its vision. Since starting out in 2015, this vision has ensured success and growth and is an essential aspect of its future. This is a company that sees power in teamwork and believes in the value of investing in its people. What is clear is that the path it is currently on, paved with efficiency and flexibility, is the right one to bring even more success.
