Julie Zulich President and CEO TESC CONTRACTING COMPANY
Can you introduce TESC Contracting Company?
TESC Contracting Company (TESC) was founded by my father, Tom Lachance, and Stan Huchenski in 1976 as a small mechanical contracting outfit working in the mining space. In 2000, my business partner and I bought the company from my father to take the business forward. TESC has evolved into a multi-trade project management and construction services provider in the ICI market offering the expertise of civil, structural, electrical and instrumentation, piping, millwrighting, boilermakers and engineered scaffolding services.
What are the main challenges TESC has had to overcome in recent years?
A challenge contractors face is that you do not always have predictability in your pipeline, and when you then have to attract skilled trades, especially in a unionized environment, it can be difficult to cascade a culture into a transient workforce. Supply chain disruptions and changes have also been a hurdle in the past years, but we continue to adapt to an ever-changing environment. Everything that impacts us impacts our clients, and TESC is continuously coming up with creative solutions to build confidence in our relationships with clients to help them get their projects to a ‘go’ state.
How does TESC manage risk and liability with mining projects?
Our RiskREADY program is designed to identify, assess, and manage potential risks at every project phase. We implement rigorous safety protocols and ensure compliance with industry regulations to safeguard our workforce and assets. Additionally, we foster a culture of visible leadership, encouraging open communication about safety concerns and best practices on-site. Our dedicated team conducts regular training and drills, equipping employees with the skills to respond effectively to unforeseen challenges. By integrating advanced technologies and streamlined processes, we enhance project performance while minimizing environmental impacts, ensuring that we deliver on time and within budget.
Saverio Parrotta and Derek Koziol SP: President and CEO DK: Senior Associate, Mining Market Chief, Senior Civil Engineer J.L. RICHARDS & ASSOCIATES (JLR)
Can you provide an overview of how you serve the local mining sector?
SP: Our services encompass all core infrastructure engineering disciplines, architecture, and planning. Our geographic reach extends across Canada and internationally. A hallmark feature of JLR is our 100% employee-ownership structure, which fosters a unique culture of staff engagement, accountability, and entrepreneurial spirit. Over 75% of our staff are owners. In 2024, we proudly celebrated 50 years of our Sudbury office, which began when Les Richards identified an opportunity in the mining sector and took a risk to establish a division there. Today, our Sudbury team has grown to about 80 employees, complemented by another 40 from our northern Ontario offices in Timmins and North Bay. What recent projects have you undertaken in the mining industry?
DK: We are an Ontario-based company and as of the end of 2023, we have done work for every active metal mine in Ontario. We also work across Canada, with active projects in Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and BC, allowing us to gain insights from different regions.
In terms of our specific services, we provide infrastructure design for both surface and underground mining operations. Additionally, we design water handling systems, which are becoming increasingly important in the mining sector.
A specific example of our work is the Hollinger open pit gold mine in Timmins, situated right next to the community, with businesses and residences immediately adjacent to the pit. This type of project requires careful navigation of permitting and regulatory processes. What opportunities do you see within the mining sector?
DK: Gold prices have remained high for several years, providing a strong backdrop for investment and exploration. While base metals have faced some challenges, we remain optimistic about their future due to the positive long-term narrative around these commodities.