BUSINESS PROFILE:

MetroCAD Computer Aided Drafting Services

A quiet bungalow in rural Belnan seems an unlikely site to house an international Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) team that has experienced 300 percent growth in the last two years and expects to continue this trend over the next five years.

About MetroCAD

MetroCAD was originally established in 1994 by John Mack and Wilf Carter to prepare “As-Built” drawings for one of Atlantic Canada’s largest contractors working on the StoraEnso Papermill.

Following completion of that project, MetroCAD continued to work on various projects before entering a ten year hiatus. However, the partners dreamed of reviving MetroCAD, and even after such a lengthy break, word-of-mouth regarding the quality of service performed by the partners lead to a large Bermudian contract in January of 2004.

Originally a part time passion, Mack and Carter quickly realized the potential for their services and eventually resigned from their full time positions.

Exporting Superior Services

MetroCAD’s founding partners each have over two decades of experience designing “workable” projects. They state that construction CAD drawings have two components: 1) esthetical aspects and 2) technical aspects. While many CAD drafters will focus on the visual appeal of the esthetically pleasing drawings, at MetroCAD, employees first focus on the technical aspects of the work. “We ensure our drawings are technically excellent,” says Mack. “Things can be esthetically drawn and look great on paper, but if not drawn technically correct the files have limited benefit to our clients. Our first priority is technical excellence so that the drawings are workable.” Esthetics come after the CAD Technicians know the files are correct.

As an international exporter, MetroCAD is reliant on word-of-mouth and targeted marketing. Roadside signage and “traditional” advertising mediums are not targeted enough to provide cost effective marketing across the globe. As such, MetroCAD ensures that its technically excellent drawings are delivered within budget, on time (or earlier), and by friendly professional staff, resulting in repeat orders and referrals to prospective clients.

Overcoming Barriers to Growth

Mack and Carter see the limitations set by their physical location. While peaceful rural Nova Scotia is ideal for staying focused on the task at hand, the basement offices they currently occupy are getting cramped. The two have decided that, to continue growth, they will have to build a new office, preferably on the same property, with 2000 square feet for their operations.

Offering competitive salaries in a peaceful, fun atmosphere combined with appreciative, enabling employers, finding qualified staff should not be a problem. However, square footage seems like a minor barrier compared to the shortage of skilled workers in the region. Due to the multitude of demands required to run a small business, Mack and Carter are limited in being able to offer time to develop a recent CAD graduate. The pace of completing “an insane amount of work in a ridiculously short amount of time” requires employees to be able to hit the ground running, which generally entails about ten years of experience. As a solution to this dilemma, the two are looking at alternative ways to employ skilled workers, such as the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program. Once a strong core of skilled workers has been implemented, the partners see themselves being able to do more “on-the-job” training required by recent graduates.

The Future is Bright at MetroCAD

Knowing the bottlenecks and actively pursuing solutions enables the partners to plan effectively for their eminent expansion, and their employees are enjoying the element of excitement that comes with helping to build a new company. Mack and Carter speak excitedly about their future and plan to stay in Hants County where the drive to work is pleasant and the world is just a click (or flight) away.