A Grand Reopening

Last week, Niagara Investment Castings Ltd. marked a triumphant milestone —their grand reopening—with a company-wide celebration of tenacity, unity, and reflection on the extraordinary effort of a team that refused to let adversity define their future.

At Zynik, we believe that the true foundation of any lasting achievement lies in the people behind it. The journey of Niagara Investment Castings over the past 18 months is a testament to that principle. Faced with devastation, the associates of Niagara Investment Castings chose action over despair, proving that resilience is not simply about surviving but about rebuilding with intention and strength.

July 24, 2023 – The entire rear portion of the NIC building was destroyed.

A Trial by Fire

On July 24th, 2023, a fire tore through Niagara Investment Castings, leaving destruction in its wake and uncertain days ahead. What followed was not merely a recovery but a demonstration of what commitment and leadership can accomplish.

Bob Borthwick, President of Niagara Investment Castings, opened the ceremony with gratitude and pride for his team:

“This is the celebration of resilience, the hard work, and the unwavering support of an incredible team… if it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t be here today. You picked us up, cleaned us off, and got us back up and running.”

In the days that followed the fire, employees showed up ready to do what needed to be done, whether it meant sourcing equipment from other plants, coordinating with customers, or clearing debris by hand. Every step was deliberate. Every decision, purposeful.

The focus was clear: rebuild not just a facility, but the trust and continuity that customers rely on.

Bob Borthwick, President of Niagara Investment Castings, opened the ceremony with gratitude and pride for his team.

Leadership in Crisis

“True leadership shows itself when the stakes are at their highest,” said Paul Tuzi, CEO of the Zynik Manufacturing Group, as he addressed the crowd gathered for the reopening. “In those moments, you need someone who can stand firm, stay clear-headed, and guide their team forward. That’s exactly what Bob Borthwick did here.”

Tuzi praised Borthwick’s steady resolve, noting how his leadership set the tone for the entire recovery.

“Every day brought new obstacles,” Tuzi continued. “And every day, Bob and the associates stepped forward, solving problems that seemed unsolvable. Their ingenuity and perseverance made this comeback possible.”

Paul Tuzi, Group CEO, Zynik Manufacturing Group, shares his thoughts with the Associates of Niagra Investment Castings.

It wasn’t just the internal leadership that shone through. Local leaders acknowledged the deeper importance of Niagara Investment Castings to the community. Mat Siscoe, Mayor of the City of St. Catharines, spoke to the vital role the company plays in the city, emphasizing the impact of keeping jobs local:

“We knew how critical it was to support Niagara Investment Castings in every way we could because jobs like these matter. They aren’t just numbers—they’re families, homes, and futures right here in our city. This company’s ability to rebuild ensured that livelihoods stayed intact and that our community continued to thrive.”

The Mayor reflected on the collective effort to remove barriers during the recovery process:

“At the city, our priority was simple: don’t get in the way. We worked to clear the path, knowing how much was at stake—and seeing this facility reopen today proves what’s possible when we work together.”

Mat Siscoe, Mayor of the City of St. Catharines, spoke to the vital role the company plays in the city.

A Voice for the Workforce

The sentiment of unity and perseverance was further underscored by Union Representative John Catto, who spoke candidly about the strength of collaboration during the recovery:

“What happened here is extraordinary. From the very beginning, Niagara Investment Castings made it clear that their people came first. They ensured benefits were extended, insurance was supported, and most importantly, they prioritized getting everyone back to work. That kind of care and commitment is something we don’t see often enough.”

Catto reflected on the significance of bringing jobs back to the community at such a critical time:

“This wasn’t just about rebuilding a company—it was about rebuilding lives. Seeing everyone back to work, fully engaged and fully valued, is a testament to what’s possible when leadership and labor work hand in hand.”

Union Representative John Catto spoke candidly about the strength of collaboration during the recovery.

A Collective Effort

Rebuilding Niagara Investment Castings required more than strategic planning; it required trust—between associates, customers, and leadership. It was trust that carried the company through its darkest days and ensured not a single customer was lost.

By September, the factory was operational again. Employees who had once looked at the debris with uncertainty returned to their workstations with resolve. In six weeks, a place that had been marked by ruin was humming back to life, delivering on promises made to customers who had chosen to stay the course.

Gratitude and Recognition

The reopening ceremony was a reflection of this collective achievement. Iqbal Kassam, Chairman and CEO of Zynik, captured the significance of the moment in his address to the team:

“This is not just about saving a business; it is about saving livelihoods, protecting relationships, and securing a legacy that will endure for decades to come. Your persistence, loyalty, and dedication are the reason we stand here today.”

The event culminated with a well-earned recognition presented to each of the associates, underscoring their invaluable contributions. For Zynik, such recognition is not transactional; it’s a reflection of a deeply held belief that people are at the heart of every success story.

Iqbal Kassam, Chairman and CEO of Zynik, captured the significance of the moment in his address to the team.

A New Chapter

Niagara Investment Castings’ reopening marks not just a return to operations but the beginning of a new chapter. One forged through resilience, strengthened by unity, and fueled by the commitment of its people.

At Zynik, we celebrate this achievement not simply as a milestone for a business but as a story of what’s possible when people come together with shared purpose. To the team at Niagara Investment Castings, we are proud of your resolve, inspired by your success, and honored to stand alongside you as you forge ahead.

Here’s to the future—a future built on resilience, trust, and the enduring spirit of an extraordinary team.

The team at Niagara Investment Castings