Flames destroyed the manufacturing facility of Heibert Cabinets and Fine Woodworking in Bow Island on Thursday evening. -- Photo courtesy Dan Buttenham
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The owner of a well-known cabinet shop and major employer in Bow Island that burned down Thursday night is vowing to be back fulfilling orders and taking new ones soon, even as the rebuilding process begins.
John Hiebert, of Hiebert Cabinetry and Fine Woodworks, told the News on Friday afternoon that the Bow Island fire department was still on scene to monitor the structure that burned to the ground overnight in the town 60 kilometres southwest of Medicine Hat.
While dealing with suppliers and buyers on Friday, Hiebert said he is also receiving offers of help and considering alternate locations to set up while the facility is eventually rebuilt.
“We’re just determining what’s best – we have a really good relationship with our customers and vendors and I’m already having different people reach out with offers of where to get set up temporarily,” said Hiebert.
“What we’re planning on – and obviously there will be a slight delay – but we are planning on finishing jobs at a different facility and then ramping up again while we rebuild.”
The 9,300-square-foot shop typically employs 25 to 30 workers making custom and high-end cabinetry and other home finishes.
The company is active in the region from Lethbridge to Swift Current, as well as Medicine Hat and a secondary showroom in Coaldale.
The fire started in the evening in remote portion of the shop. Neighbours in Bow Island told the News that crews were onsite at abut 10 p.m., at which point he fire escalated quickly.
“It’s a total loss,” said Hiebert, referring to onsite stock, projects and equipment that were destroyed. Save samples and ordering materials at the location as well as other showrooms it operated are intact.
The company is making arrangements to fill existing orders as soon as possible and will begin taking new orders soon, Hiebert said.
The company’s work is also available for viewing at the show homes of related company, Jade Homes.
