CBA 2016: Lopes Limited wins Economic Development award

Headquartered in Coniston, Lopes Limited is a family business that contributes to the economic well-being of Greater Sudbury and the north, and invests in its future by making a sizable contribution to the community trust while shying away from the spotlight.

The company supports local initiatives with a particular focus on children, education, social welfare and health care.

The list of recipients that have benefited from the generosity of this company include the Northern Cancer Foundation, Science North, Dynamic Earth, the medical school, young athletes, arts organizations and schools.

Dr. Raymond Jacques praises the Lopes family and the company for its efforts to assist in recruiting him to Coniston and for funding a lab clinic so residents could have their blood work done close to home.

Shawn Poland, associate vice-president at Cambrian College, notes the Felix Sr. and Maria Lopes Bursary was established to help students pursue their education at Sudbury’s postsecondary institution.

“To date, more than 30 students have benefited not only from the financial award but many have also had the opportunity to earn summer employment at the company as well,” says Poland.

“A firm believer in retaining talent in the north by providing full-time employment opportunities following graduation, the awards have provided a pipeline to future opportunities at Lopes and in the community for Laurentian, Cambrian and Boréal graduates.”

Lopes has established another award for students, the Northern Development Scholarships valued at $1,500 and renewable annually, which is available to two students attending post-secondary schools in Northern Ontario.

The sheet metal business started by Felix Lopes Sr. in the family garage in 1976 has prospered thanks to dedication, family values and strong work ethics.

Felix Sr. passed his philosophies about quality workmanship and customer satisfaction to his son, Felix Jr.

Over the last decade, the company has expanded its facilities, embraced new technologies and grow to offer a full service industrial contractor, offering a wide range of services which complement the company as a high quality fabricator including piping, electrical, structural, civil and scaffold contracting.

Felix Jr. developed an understanding the company was more than a family business. It is in fact, a family, and its employees – as many as 200 during peak periods – are integral to the company’s success.

Lopes has the ability to fabricate and deliver to customers anywhere in the world. Recently the company completed a $3-million converter used to reduce emissions for a facility in Virginia.

The company stays ahead of the curve, putting an emphasis on hiring young people and training, even keeping a teacher on staff to guide new employees.

In 1999 Lopes Limited won the Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award for Company of the Year. In 2009, it received the Employment Ontario and Ministry of Training and Colleges and Universities Employer Recognition Award.

For 40 years, Lopes Limited has been a model employer and community builder providing a blueprint for success, sustainability and social responsibility for others to follow.’