President's Report
Ewen Dobbie, President, COO

At the beginning of every year we spend considerable time going through what can be described as a 'Strategic Planning Process'. Here we identify both our weaknesses and also what differentiates us from our competitors. In an ideal situation, a direction will be charted, new ideas will be explored, researched and probably implemented. Dowco's rich 40 year history is highlighted with innovation and re-invention as a result of this process: CAD in the 1980's, 3D in the 90's, establishment of a global workforce and sophisticated IT infrastrure, and working in a model centric and collaborative way today.

Over these 40 years we have encountered many obstacles, but the very nature of our specific business creates difficulties. But as founder Hugh Dobbie says; "If it were easy, more people would be doing it."

The past 18 months have been arguably among the most challenging in our 40 years history. Downward price pressure, increasing globalization, and a changing construction paradigm all contributing to a heightened anxiety that exists today in our industry. For some, any one of these would be cause to give up and move on.

I have friends who enjoy profitable business ventures. We talk often. From time to time they criticize the time we invest in details, like ISO Quality Standards and registration, training, and a commitment to a level of quality and service that sometimes does not deliver the most profit. My answer is always the same…. "This is who we are." We are a company that has built its reputation by delivering a quality product at a competitive price. We are also a company that has met diversity head on. During the last 18 months we have been exploring ways to increase productivity, have researched new business verticals, have established new business relationships and have expanded our service and product offerings.

As part of the new Dowco Product offerings, we are pleased to announce that effective March 2010 Dowco Technology Services Ltd, has become the Canadian value added Reseller Partner for Graphisoft.  Graphisoft's ArchiCAD 14 is by far the leading software, enabling 'Open' collaboration between architects and engineers. With this architectural and collaborative BIM platform Dowco is now offering a Concept to Construction range of product and services…modeling not just structural steel, concrete models for tender or estimates, and detailing services, but now also offering the creative full Architectural BIM modeling services and tools for coordination and Engineering design collaboration.

Stay tuned for the next Chapter in Dowco's approach to innovation and re-invention.