Lakeside is a 72-year-old Hamilton-based engineering and manufacturing solutions provider, and it built its reputation on specialized services like emissions analytics, fuel-efficient combustion systems, and sanitary solutions for food and beverage clients. This wide range attracted a diverse client base, but there was a hitch: The services were siloed within the company, and there was no solid central structure. As a result, inefficiencies crept in and scalability suffered, keeping the company from reaching its full potential.
Instead of staying on the path of ad hoc solutions and incrementally increased complexity – which, to be fair, had historically gone a long way in helping the company grow its footprint – Lakeside decided to consolidate its operations by relocating from an 11,000-square-foot facility in Guelph to a 36,000-square-foot one in Hamilton. It wasn’t just a space upgrade – the move marked a shift in Lakeside’s role from a product distributor to a full-service solutions provider. “We’ve moved from simply supplying products to providing comprehensive solutions, including engineering, fabrication, installation, and training,” said Greg Houston, Lakeside’s president and CEO.
Now, the company handles every stage of project implementation, positioning itself as a one-stop provider for clients’ complex needs. By bringing everything under one roof, Lakeside enhanced collaboration across teams, improved project execution, and created a more seamless experience for clients. And becoming a full-service provider means Lakeside can make sure projects are not only completed efficiently but also tailored precisely to each client’s unique needs. It’s like trading in a box of mismatched tools for a Swiss Army knife – everything you need, all in one place, ready to tackle whatever the job demands.
Supporting a new operational model meant a major upheaval in internal organization, aligning various teams under a unified leadership framework. That came with major adjustments for leadership and staff, like centralizing departmental oversight under a vice president dedicated to driving integration and guiding the expanded offerings. It was worth it – since moving to the Hamilton facility, Lakeside has experienced double-digit growth in incoming orders.
The process wasn’t without its hiccups, but Greg Houston, Lakeside’s president and CEO, puts the relative smoothness of the transition down in part to the company’s employee-owned structure – a relatively unusual model for the industry. Approximately 60% of employees hold shares in the company. “Our employees act as owners, which changes their view on quality and cost efficiency,” he said. “They can get behind our long-term strategy in a different way.”
Plus, the enhanced facility and streamlined operations mean Lakeside can respond quickly to market demands for sustainable and energy-efficient solutions. It’s practically a truism that industries are increasingly prioritizing decarbonization and emissions reduction, and Lakeside is keeping up with expertise in technologies like hydrogen, renewable natural gas, and “green steel.”
“We’re providing more value to our customers in areas where they truly need help,” says Houston. “Before, our services were fragmented. Now, with everything consolidated, we’re delivering solutions that are compelling to the market and meeting critical sustainability targets. It’s made all the difference.”
Your time is valuable. Have the Top Business Headlines newsletter conveniently delivered to your inbox in the morning or evening. Sign up today.