Cripps & Sons: Operational Innovation and Enduring Craftsmanship
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Nestled in the small town of Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia, Cripps & Sons is a shining example of an expanding family-owned business finding success through tradition and cutting-edge innovation.
Founded 16 years ago by brothers Sam and Jim Cripps alongside their father, the company began as a small-scale finished woodwork business. Over time, operations evolved to include high-end cabinetry manufacturing, gaining a reputation for quality craftsmanship and innovative design.
However, the real transformation began when Sam and Jim decided to take the reins and officially purchase the business from their father.
“We started our own company under a different name, purchased all the equipment from Dad, and went from there,” says Jim.
The company soon expanded beyond its humble beginnings, moving into a newly built workshop just a year after launching. Since then, Cripps & Sons has experienced unprecedented growth, capitalizing on government support programs and investing heavily in new technologies to redefine cabinetry manufacturing in the region.
One of the biggest catalysts for Cripps & Sons' success has been its strategic use of development programs, particularly the Export Development Program and the Innovation Rebate Program.
The Export Development Program (EDP) provided Cripps & Sons with the opportunity to explore international markets, helping them attend key industry events.
“We've used the EDP a few times for trips to the International Woodworking Fair (IWF) in Atlanta, and both times we’ve gained so much knowledge about suppliers, equipment, and new technologies,” Jim explains.
Cripps & Sons also used the EDP to visit Spain, where they engaged with one of their major countertop suppliers. “That was a huge opportunity,” Sam shares. “We learned a tonne, which helped us pass on knowledge to our customers and sell the product better.”
Other EDP-supported trips included visits to the UK to explore advanced cabinet manufacturing techniques and Toronto to strengthen relationships with Canadian suppliers. The common thread? Each trip yielded remarkable returns.
“The first time we used the EDP to go to IWF, we purchased a machine that was the only one of its kind in the world. When we went back to Spain, we discovered a carbon-neutral countertop that has now become our best-selling product,” says Jim. “In Montreal, we collaborated with a Canadian company to design a robotic sanding system, which will be announced in April. Again, it’s the first of its kind.”
The Innovation Rebate Program (IRP) has also played a crucial role in the company’s growth, allowing them to expand their facility and integrate automation.
“We’re currently adding an extension to our workshop and purchasing an automated line sprayer,” Sam explains. “This new space will also house the robotic system we’ve been developing with our partners in Montreal.”
The impact of these investments is expected to be substantial. “We anticipate a 60% increase in production capacity in just one area of the shop,” says Sam. “With additional workspace and a new layout for our existing machinery, overall efficiency should improve by at least 25-30%, potentially increasing total production output by 30-50%.”
The company’s willingness to embrace innovation is evident in its approach to capital investment. In just 3.5 years, Cripps & Sons has invested an estimated $1.6 million in automation and new equipment, including a CNC machine, a fastener insertion machine and an edge bander.
“We don’t stop trying to advance or do things differently,” Sam emphasizes. “If we identify inefficiencies, we immediately look for solutions to streamline operations and increase productivity.”
In addition to the EDP and IRP, another key part of Cripps & Son’s journey is working with Invest Nova Scotia’s Trade Accelerator Program and Trade Market Intelligence service.
“Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) is a game-changer for us,” says Sam. “The program provided us with invaluable insights into export markets, helping us develop a structured approach to expanding our business beyond Canada.”
Beyond market expansion, the company has also leveraged the Trade Market Intelligence (TMI) service to make strategic decisions based on data-driven insights.
“The TMI service has been incredibly helpful in understanding potential markets for our products,” says office manager, Margaret Cripps. “Having access to detailed market data and expert guidance allowed us to make informed decisions about where to focus our expansion efforts.”
The future looks bright for Cripps & Sons, with ambitious plans on the horizon. “First, we’ll eliminate our bottlenecks through the IRP,” says Jim. “Then, we plan to expand our export operations and potentially construct another facility for a fully automated cabinet production line."
One of the company’s long-term goals is to create two distinct product lines: one focused on high-end, custom cabinetry and another offering a more economical option for export markets.
“We’re looking at a fully automated robotic operation,” says Jim. “If our expansion into new markets is successful, this will be a game-changer.”
Margaret, who has played a vital role in managing the company’s administrative and financial operations, expressed her gratitude for the support received from Invest Nova Scotia.
“Matthew Berrigan {Regional Business Development Advisor, Invest Nova Scotia} has been an absolute pleasure to work with. He’s always reaching out, making sure we know about every available program,” says Margaret. “And through the TAP program, we’ve built strong relationships with other professionals like Valerie Caswell {Export Development Executive, Invest Nova Scotia}, who has also been incredibly supportive.”
With a clear vision and a relentless drive for innovation, Cripps & Sons is well-positioned for continued success. Their commitment to staying ahead of industry trends, investing in automation, and expanding into new markets solidifies their reputation as a forward-thinking leader in cabinetry manufacturing.