Moulding Warehouse: A Testament to Entrepreneurial Resilience and Community Support
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
In late May 2023, Nova Scotia faced an outbreak of wildfires near Halifax. Thousands of residents were displaced, many left without homes to return to, and several businesses suffered either significant damage or total loss of their buildings.
Courtney MacKay, co-owner of Moulding Warehouse, recalls:
“The fire had started quite far away from the warehouse so we were hopeful it wouldn’t reach us; however, the wind was strong, and it was spreading so rapidly. I was at home, in Upper Sackville, on the back porch watching my phone notifications and the billowing smoke in the distance."
"And then my mom called me, a firefighter friend had contacted her to let her know the business was gone. It was devastating and felt unreal. I cannot imagine what the people who lost homes went through that day."
We later found out that the storage building on site and finished materials had survived.
In that moment we knew we could climb from the ashes.
"After the fire, doors were hung by hand. It kept the team busy and we’re grateful for their resilience and versatility. Our employees showed up for us in every way possible to help.”
With unwavering determination, Courtney started setting up new laptops, contacting suppliers for mouldings to use until their own production resumed, and reaching out to clients to assure them that orders would be fulfilled to the best of their ability. A trailer was brought on-site to serve as a temporary workspace for staff until the rebuild was finished.
Updates were provided on the company’s social channels, with many heartwarming comments and support from the community:
As the rebuild progressed and the new buildings took shape, Moulding Warehouse identified an opportunity to enhance their facility and upgrade their equipment through Invest Nova Scotia’s Innovation Rebate Program.
Invest Nova Scotia gave us the ability to rebuild better. Because of their belief in us, we were able to order the best equipment. Our employees are happier and have a better work environment.
Established in 1989, Moulding Warehouse is a family-owned business located in Hammonds Plains, Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). As the largest manufacturer of MDF moulding products in HRM, the rebuild carried profound significance. In addition to the responsibility of preserving jobs for their staff and supporting their families, Courtney and her brother, co-owner Andre Comeau, felt an even stronger sense of purpose in continuing their family legacy.
“We grew up with both of our parents owning the business before us. We started working there when we were very young, and it just made sense for us to continue their legacy.”
Owning our business and experiencing loss during the fire triggered a lot of growth, as I was able to learn that you can come back from anything. I had had my worst fear come true and a year later we are rebuilt and thriving.
Looking ahead, the company aims to establish itself as a household name by leveraging the power of word-of-mouth and social media. Exporting containers of moulding could also become a potential avenue for growth in the future.
At Invest Nova Scotia, we’re here to support the growth of your business. Ready to become Nova Scotia’s next success story? We’d love to connect with you!