OCFab’s Automation-Driven Growth Story Demonstrates the Strength of Modern Canadian Manufacturing

As part of its latest manufacturing road trip across Canada, MTDCNC visited OCFab Ltd., a company whose remarkable growth story is built on diversification, automation, and a commitment to keeping manufacturing competitive in Canada.

Hosted by Gary Stahl, the MTDCNC team toured OCFab’s expanding operation and gained first-hand insight into how the company has evolved from its fabrication roots into a highly capable, vertically integrated manufacturing business serving a diverse range of industries.

Originally focused on agricultural products and fabrication services, OCFab made the decision around seven years ago to enter the world of CNC machining. At the time, the transition was far from straightforward.

“Like many fabrication businesses, machining was completely new territory,” explained Gary Stahl. “We started from zero and had to learn an entirely different side of manufacturing.”

Today, that investment has transformed OCFab into a full-service manufacturing partner capable of taking products from concept through to completion. The company now offers design support, fabrication, machining, welding, assembly, powder coating, finishing, and product branding, providing customers with a comprehensive manufacturing solution under one roof.

A significant proportion of OCFab’s work involves supporting companies that want to manufacture products in Canada without having to invest in their own production infrastructure. Many products leave the facility under customer brands, enabling businesses to bring products to market while benefiting from OCFab’s manufacturing expertise and production capabilities.

What particularly stood out during MTDCNC’s visit was the company’s unwavering commitment to automation.

As OCFab has expanded, automation has become a central pillar of its growth strategy. Investments in robotic welding cells, automated CNC turning centres, laser cutting systems, bending technology, and advanced fabrication equipment have enabled the company to improve efficiency, increase capacity, and remain competitive in an increasingly demanding manufacturing landscape.

The company’s approach to automation is so deeply embedded within its strategy that previous equipment investments have even been replaced when they could not be effectively integrated into automated workflows.

That strategy is clearly delivering results.

OCFab is currently undertaking a major expansion programme that includes the addition of two new buildings, further increasing manufacturing capacity while creating opportunities for additional automation and future growth.

The business now serves a broad range of sectors, including agriculture, aerospace, and custom contract manufacturing, supporting both established organisations and innovative companies looking to scale production.

For MTDCNC, the visit highlighted the strength and resilience of Canadian manufacturing and showcased how forward-thinking companies are leveraging technology and automation to drive sustainable growth.

“OCFab is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through continuous investment and a willingness to embrace change,” said Tom Skubala of MTDCNC. “What Gary and his team have built is incredibly impressive. Their focus on automation, diversification, and delivering complete manufacturing solutions has positioned them as a key player within the Canadian manufacturing sector.”

MTDCNC would like to thank Gary Stahl and the entire OCFab team for their hospitality and for sharing their manufacturing journey. Additional video content from the visit will be released across MTDCNC’s channels in the coming weeks.