Tsain-ko Group of Companies, the economic development arm of the shíshálh Nation, announced Friday it had completed the purchase of Swanson’s Holdings, owners of Sechelt-based Swanson’s Ready-Mix Ltd.
“The purchase is the latest strategic acquisition by the company as it continues to grow as a key commercial developer and employer on the Sunshine Coast,” Tsain-ko said in a news release.
Swanson’s, a family-run business, is a major supplier of concrete on the Sunshine Coast. It started as a small gravel business, Swanson Brothers, in 1963, expanding into ready-mix in 1969. It operates three batch plants, in Sechelt, Gibsons and Kleindale, and has 16 full-time employees, according to its website.
“Swanson’s concrete and aggregate has long been recognized across the region for its distinctive quality, most notably the decorative salmon concrete designs displayed on the shíshálh Nation buildings and Raven’s Cry Theatre in Sechelt,” Tsain-ko said.
The release said Fred Swanson will stay on to transition the new general manager.
“Our family grew up in this business, you’ll find a little bit of us from one end of the Coast to the other,” Swanson said. “We’re excited to see where the company goes from here.”
Chief Warren Paull called the acquisition “a continuation of our vertical integration strategy.”
“The current expansion of Tsain-ko Village Shopping Centre, community infrastructure upgrades and the new multi-purpose building, Our House of Clans, will all require substantial concrete,” he said. “We’re optimistic about our continued growth, and we are privileged to continue the legacy that Fred and Val have established in the concrete and aggregate business and the community.”
In a recent letter to customers, Val Swanson said that, other than the change in corporate ownership, it will be business as usual at Swanson’s.
“The excellent staff, the Coast’s highest quality mixes, our dust control and environmental practices and our commitment to customer service and satisfaction will remain unparalleled,” she said. “All of the dedicated employees that our clients have come to know and trust will continue to give their very best. We are full of optimism, and see this as a positive development for the Coast.”
