Description

Explore Abbotsford’s Leading Manufacturers & Innovators.

To highlight Abbotsford’s innovative and thriving manufacturing industry, the City of Abbotsford and the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce are presenting the 3rd Annual Manufacturing Industry Tour on Friday, September 11, 2026.

About the Tour:

The tour will start with check-in at Lot G at Sevenoaks Mall from 8:00-8:30AM The buses will depart from Seven Oaks Mall at 8:30AM and take guest on a guided tour to 3 local manufacturing companies. There will be a mid-day break with lunch provided. 

Please be aware that this tour may include stairs and loud noise levels. For your safety and comfort, closed-toe shoes are required.  

Stop #1 - Overlanders Manufacturing LP!⁠

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Overlanders Manufacturing has been delivering custom metal fabrication and manufacturing solutions right here in Abbotsford. Serving industries including oil and gas, transportation, medical, and more, Overlanders specializes in everything from sheet metal and precision parts to custom tubular products. They maintain high-quality standards and collaborate with a cross-functional team of engineers, technicians, and designers to ensure every finished metal product meets industry requirements for safety and functionality.⁠ 

Stop #2  - Pyrotek Aerospace

Pyrotek Aerospace, a local leader in aerospace manufacturing and advanced heat-treating solutions. Discover how precision, technology, and quality control come together to support the production of high-performance aerospace components.⁠
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🎥 Get a sneak peek at Pyrotek’s heat treatment process

Stop #3  - Mainland Machinery

Mainland Machinery Ltd. is an Abbotsford-based leader in steel fabrication, engineered solutions, and industrial services. The company provides custom steel-fabricated products and onsite services for industries including agriculture, feed mills, mining, and oil and gas. Tour attendees will learn more about the expertise and innovation behind their work and the important role manufacturing plays in our region.

Dr. James Mandigo began his tenure as President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Fraser Valley on July 1, 2025. He brings 25 years of experience in post-secondary education, with a focus on student-centred learning, international engagement, and building strong community partnerships.

Dr. Mandigo believes universities play a vital role in supporting the social and economic well-being of the regions they serve, a view that aligns closely with UFV’s mission to engage learners, transform lives, and build community. He has consistently emphasized the importance of collaboration across disciplines and communities to create meaningful educational experiences that help prepare students for an increasingly interconnected world.

Before becoming UFV’s President, Dr. Mandigo served as the university’s Provost and Vice-President, Academic from 2019 to 2025, including a one-year term as Acting President. Prior to joining UFV, he held several senior academic leadership roles at Brock University, including Vice-Provost, Enrolment Management and International; Co-Director, Centre for Healthy Development through Sport and Physical Activity; and Interim Dean, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences. He holds a PhD in Physical Education and Recreation from the University of Alberta, a master’s degree from Laurentian University, and a bachelor’s degree from Wilfrid Laurier University.

An active researcher throughout his career, Dr. Mandigo is internationally recognized for his work in physical literacy, life skills development, and sport for social change. He has collaborated with partners including the International Olympic Committee and Right to Play, with a particular focus on violence prevention through education in Central America.

Dr. Mandigo is the author of one book, ten book chapters, and forty-five peer-reviewed journal articles. He has delivered over 120 invited and refereed conference presentations and received multiple national awards for his contributions to physical and health education, including the Award of Distinction from the Ontario Physical and Health Education Association in 2019, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from Physical and Health Education Canada in 2015.

Dr. Teresa Kisilevich is the Dean of the Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies at the University of the Fraser Valley. She brings more than 25 years of experience in post-secondary education, including teaching, administration, trades and apprenticeship, and workforce development.

In her role at UFV, Teresa provides leadership for programs in trades, technology, physics, and engineering, with a strong focus on student success, industry partnerships, and responding to the education and training needs of the communities UFV serves.

Teresa values collaboration with local employers, community organizations, and industry partners to create meaningful opportunities for students and help support a skilled workforce throughout the Fraser Valley.

Mark Porter is responsible for leading and directing StructureCraft's engineering team across all offices. Alongside Lucas Epp, he is overseeing the growth of our engineering group, maintaining our focus on delivering efficient and beautiful structures. Mark brings 30 years of leadership experience in engineering, Prior to joining StructureCraft he has led and grown multi-discipline teams across North America and the UK. His technical practice has included work on prefabricated, low-carbon panelized building systems, timber, concrete, and steel systems as well as some alternative building materials. Mark’s work around sustainability and climate change is recognized by the award of Fellowship in the Institution of Structural Engineers and Engineers Canada. A champion of sustainability since the early days of his career, he has led and been part of cross-disciplinary structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering teams on award-winning and boundary-breaking projects. Mark brings a deep recognition of the essential value of prioritizing people in design and in leadership to his role, finding great motivation in leadership development, mentorship, and serving with committees and code-development projects to advance sustainability in the built environment. He was the founding Chair of the Climate Change Advisory Group to Engineers Geoscientists BC and serves on Wood First Advisory Committee for the Forestry Innovation Investment Group as well as CSA Code Development Committees. Mark currently serves on the Board for Engineers & Geoscientists of British Columbia as Immediate Past Chair. He also serves on the Board of Connective, a Not for Profit Social Services organization providing a range of services and housing. Mark was raised in England and obtained his Bachelor and Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Brighton University. After graduation, Mark immediately went into the consulting industry in the Southeast of the UK where he spent the first 10 years of his career before relocating to the Pacific Northwest. Mark enjoys playing Masters Rugby (over 40’s) and spending time with his wife and two sons.