perseverance and momentum. Doug and his cofounder started small, hired a handful of people, and chipped away steadily until they outgrew their original shop in Victoria. When a competitor came up for sale in Chemainus, they seized the opportunity. They purchased the property, built out larger facilities, and relocated – gaining access to the central island market while retaining their ties to Victoria. The growth continued at that same deliberate pace until the operation had expanded enough to support a key new hire. In the years since, Imperial Welding has continued to grow and evolve at a steady pace. In 2012, the company acquired Grey Rock Welding in Courtenay. The Courtenay shop became Imperial’s hub for miscellaneous metals – stairs, staircases, handrails, guardrails, garbage enclosures, canopies, and the many components that go onto a building after the main structure is in place. Today, while the Chemainus location handles all primary structural fabrication, the Courtenay shop continues to process that finishing work. With both locations operating at full capacity and a team of just under 30 people across the company, Imperial Welding’s current project roster reflects the range of work it has become known for. Car dealerships, grocery stores, shopping centers, schools, and commercial retail units form the core of their business. Currently on the go are a new Nissan dealership in Nanaimo, a Volvo dealership in Victoria, and a slate of condominium projects across the island. MAY 2026
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