A new chapter for Boundary Electric

From humble beginnings to global innovation in electrical manufacturing

Boundary Electric, a company with over 77 years of history, continues to make significant strides in the electrical manufacturing industry. From its origins as a motor rewind shop to becoming a leader in transformers and data centre solutions, Boundary Electric has grown into a powerhouse of innovation and culture. Recently acquired by Ampere Alliance, this Grand Forks-based company is setting the stage for global expansion while staying deeply rooted in the Kootenay Boundary region.

In an interview with David Evdokimoff, president of Boundary Electric, we take a behind-the-scenes look into the company’s journey, its new acquisition by Ampere Alliance, and the exciting opportunities to come. From expanding facilities to pioneering mobile data centres, Boundary Electric is not only addressing industry challenges but also creating a thriving workspace that attracts skilled employees from across Canada.

Let’s start by getting your title and a quick elevator pitch about what you do.

My title is president of Boundary Electric. My job is to be the champion of culture for our business and our people while identifying opportunities to grow within our communities. I also focus on providing guidance and structure for growth and innovation as we move forward.

You mentioned an acquisition—are you now the sole owner?

Boundary Electric was acquired on July 22nd by Ampere Alliance. They’re based in Alberta and also own some of the electric infrastructure outside Kamloops, as well as Saber Electric in Calgary. While I still hold equity in the parent company, Boundary Electric is now an entity under Ampere Alliance.

Was the acquisition process challenging, or did it go smoothly?

It was quite a process. There were a couple of partners here, and we all recognized that the business needed to move to the next level. To achieve that, we explored several suitors and evaluated companies in the electrical space.

What ultimately attracted us to Ampere Alliance was their entrepreneurial drive to grow businesses. Their senior management team is relatively young and innovative, with a lot of experience, which resonated with us. Our senior management team at Boundary Electric is in their 30s and 40s, so there was a strong alignment there.

Culture was another big factor. Their approach to culture—emphasizing vulnerability and one-on-one connections—aligned perfectly with ours. Once we got through the due diligence and financial aspects, it became clear that the two companies could operate like sister and brother companies.

Have there been noticeable benefits since the acquisition?

Absolutely. One of the most exciting things is how quickly we’ve been able to leverage each other’s strengths. For example, Saber specializes in medium- and low-voltage switchgear, while Boundary Electric excels in transformers and data centres. Within weeks of the acquisition, we were already transferring business opportunities between the companies. It’s been a seamless collaboration.

Can you share an example of how the acquisition has benefited both companies?

One of the primary reasons Ampere Alliance acquired Boundary Electric was for our expertise in transformers, which is a large part of our core business. Saber Electric, one of their other companies, had been struggling to find a reliable partner for transformers in the marketplace. Once the acquisition was complete, we started conversations and quickly became their go-to supplier, helping support their ongoing projects across the United States.

Expanding facilities and workforce in Grand Forks

What does this mean for Boundary Electric and Grand Forks? Will this lead to growth, like expanding facilities or adding new employees?

Great question. Right now, we’re in the process of moving from our legacy facility to a new, upgraded 50,000-square-foot facility in Grand Forks, which is undergoing a full renovation. We expect to officially move in by March. This new space will triple our workflow and workspace capacity, allowing for significant expansion in Grand Forks.

At the time of this interview, we have 20 to 30 job openings that we’re actively looking to fill. Additionally, we have a 40,000-square-foot facility in Trail, British Columbia, which will remain operational and continue to grow. There’s also ongoing discussion about expanding throughout the Kootenays, as well as into other parts of Canada and the U.S.

That’s impressive, and it’s exciting for the Kootenay and Boundary regions.

It really is. Operating here is strategic for several reasons. Our proximity to the U.S. border gives us a major advantage when it comes to importing and exporting. Some people have suggested this business could be based in a larger centre like Vancouver, but being here makes sense. The cross-border logistics are seamless, and the skilled labour we have in the Kootenays is a huge asset. Plus, the local manufacturing expertise sets us up for a bright future.

Attracting and retaining skilled talent in rural communities

Speaking of labour, how challenging is it to find skilled workers?

It’s definitely a challenge, but we’ve found some unique advantages here, especially post-COVID. There’s been a trend of people wanting to leave larger centres like Vancouver or Calgary for smaller communities. Many are looking for a better work-life balance, and when they find job opportunities here—whether in manufacturing, engineering, or as electricians—it aligns with their desire to relocate.

A lot of times, one partner might be able to work remotely, while the other takes on a role in our facilities. That dynamic has helped us attract talent. While there’s a labour shortage across Canada, we don’t feel the impact as strongly because we’re doing interesting, meaningful work, we have a great company culture, and we’re in a beautiful part of the country.

Do you have any advice for young people looking for a career, whether in your communities or beyond? And what opportunities are available at your facilities?

Boundary Electric is hiring for a variety of roles, including project managers, engineers, engineering technologists, electricians, fabricators, painters, salespeople, and administrative support staff. There’s plenty of opportunity here, both within our company and in the broader industry.

For young professionals, my advice is to stay flexible with the roles you consider and not be afraid to try something outside the norm. Have the courage to take on difficult challenges—those experiences are incredibly rewarding and valuable for personal and professional growth.

You mentioned being a champion for company culture earlier. Could you elaborate on what that involves?

Our main purpose as a company is to transform our people and energize the world. That’s our driving mission, and it’s something we focus on every day.

When it comes to culture, one of our core values is being “all heart.” This means staying grounded and leading with compassion. A big part of our success comes from genuinely caring about our employees’ well-being and adapting to their needs whenever possible.

For example, in the Boundary region, schools don’t operate on Fridays. To accommodate working parents, we offer flexible arrangements, like allowing employees to work from home on Fridays if childcare is an issue.
We also make a point to put thought and heart into team-building events and other initiatives. It’s not just about ticking a box—it’s about ensuring those efforts have a meaningful impact.

At the end of the day, when you care for your people and their well-being, it translates into exceptional work. That’s the foundation of a great business and a great product.

Boundary Electric’s foray into cryptocurrency and data centres

I’m curious about your involvement in cryptocurrency and data centres. How did you get into that?

Boundary Electric has traditionally been a company that supplies “picks and shovels” for the electrical manufacturing industry. We provide electrical equipment and transformers for sectors like utilities, oil and gas, mining, and renewables—which is a significant part of our business.

About seven years ago, we got a call about one of our transformers that had been installed at a facility. It had a Boundary Electric sticker on it, and the customer asked if we could supply a large amount of power to their building. At the time, we didn’t fully understand the use case. We were curious why someone would need that much electricity.

As we dug into it, we learned more during the quoting and bidding process. We were ultimately awarded the project to supply the electrical infrastructure for a company called Bitfury, which was the first large-scale Bitcoin mining operation in North America. This was in Three Hills, Alberta, and Drumheller. Bitfury was eventually acquired by Hut 8.

From there, things grew organically and quickly. Our involvement in creating the electrical infrastructure—like transformers, switchgear, and other components—caught the attention of others in the industry. Suddenly, everyone wanted to know how to build this technology.

What made it challenging was that we were designing in reverse. We started with the miner (the computer) and worked backward to build the supporting electrical infrastructure. There wasn’t an established design framework for this, so we had to innovate along the way.

After Bitfury, we worked with other companies like DMG Blockchain, for whom we built an 85-megawatt facility in Christina Lake, which is still operational and expanding. Over time, we began building not only the infrastructure but also containerized data centres. This transitioned us into supporting High Performance Computing (HPC) for industries like AI, cloud storage, and more.

We always joke about making sure to put a sticker on every transformer because our involvement in this sector started with a phone call about a sticker! It speaks to our innovation and adaptability as a team.

Since then, we’ve exported these containerized solutions to the U.S., Argentina, the Gulf of Mexico, Texas, Colorado, South Dakota, and many other places. It’s been a chaotic but exciting seven-year journey.

So you came in on the ground floor and essentially learned it all from square one?

Exactly. We partnered with experts on the computer side while we focused on the electrical infrastructure. Together, we merged those two areas of expertise.

This collaboration has set us up for the next phase—High Performance Computing (HPC). With the rise of AI, tools like ChatGPT, and increasing demand for cloud-based solutions, the business is evolving in that direction.

We’ve already built a prototype HPC data center in Texas and are expecting a significant follow-up order. We’ve attended HPC conferences throughout the USA, most recently in Atlanta, Georgia.

What exactly is a mobile data centre? Is it something you build using a shipping container?

Yes, there are different approaches. In the traditional crypto space, we’ve often used existing shipping containers. We break them down, strip out the interior, and then rebuild them with the necessary infrastructure to support Bitcoin mining. That approach is usually the most cost-effective, as there are constraints on cost. Clients in the crypto space want a high-quality product, but it has to fit within their financial models.

On the High Performance Computing (HPC) side, the systems are more robust. The structures are similar in size—typically around 40 to 50 feet—but they’re built to meet higher standards. For example, HPC data centres often need to meet tiered data centre requirements for clients like Apple, Netflix, or other major players. These systems require redundancies, HVAC systems, and advanced cooling solutions, things that aren’t always necessary in the crypto space.

That makes it relatable—like ensuring people don’t lose their backed-up photos or that AI systems run smoothly.

Exactly. Everyone stores photos on their phone or is starting to use AI in some form, so it’s easy to connect with those concepts.

Transforming the electrical industry with innovation

Can you tell me more about your approach to sustainability?

Absolutely! One of the key aspects we focus on is the efficiency of transformers. We offer clients the option of using two different types of transformer cores, including the amorphous core, which is more efficient. While the increase in efficiency might only be a few percentage points, when you look at the long-term operation of transformers, especially for utilities, it makes a big difference. For example, utilities calculate "no-load losses," which is the energy a transformer uses even when no one is drawing power. By using these more efficient transformer cores, we help reduce those losses, which is a direct win for sustainability.

In addition to repairing and refurbishing transformers for utilities, we’re also providing products that are more energy-efficient than traditional transformers, contributing to a more sustainable energy landscape.

Are there any well-known brands you’re working with, or is that still a few steps removed from your involvement?

It’s often a few levels removed. We have a significant customer in the U.S. we’ve been working with for six or seven years—Crucial Industries is one. If you look through their press releases, you can get an idea of who their end clients are.

In most cases, we’re providing the “picks and shovels” again—we’re manufacturing the infrastructure for other companies. Often, we don’t even know who the end clients are.

What projects or areas are you particularly excited about moving forward?

We have two big business lines that we're really excited about, and we’re focused on pushing both forward.

The first is what we call our Engineering and Innovation Department. This includes:

Our data centres—both for crypto and High Performance Computing (HPC).
Our integration group, which handles transformers, switchgear distribution, and unit substation scenarios. These applications span traditional mining, crypto mining, oil and gas, and other industrial uses.
Our medium-voltage switchgear group, which builds custom switchgear. We handle everything in-house, from fabrication to paint. It’s a highly creative area of our business, and we’re excited about its potential.

The second is our Transformer Group. Transformers in North America are currently in incredibly high demand, with manufacturing booked out for two to three years. We’re looking to significantly expand our supply by manufacturing directly out of our Grand Forks facilities for the North American market.

Transformers are critical for many projects, and the current shortage is slowing progress across North America. We’re excited to be part of the solution, shipping transformers as far as Nunavut in Canada and Texas in the U.S.—all from the Kootenay/Boundary regions.

That’s incredible! Do you get to travel to these places and see the projects firsthand?

I do travel quite a bit. For example, I was in Asia for the last three weeks working on supply chain issues. Next week, we’re heading to Houston and Atlanta. Sometimes we visit project sites—especially in Texas or on mine sites. While we’re primarily manufacturers, we collaborate closely with those implementing our systems and will go on-site to provide support if needed.

Navigating global supply chain challenges

How is the supply chain situation now? We heard a lot about challenges during COVID—has it improved?

Supply chain issues, especially for transformers, remain a big challenge. One reason is the competition for materials across industries. For example: The EV sector uses the same core steel as transformers. Since EVs are often considered luxury products, companies can increase prices, which impacts affordability for transformers.

Meanwhile, the demand for transformers is soaring due to renewables, aging infrastructure, data centers, household power consumption growth, and general industrial expansion.

All these competing interests mean transformers are in short supply, and the problem will likely persist for the next four or five years.

We’ve had to adopt a more global approach to mitigate this, sourcing from across the world. But as a company with 77 years of history, our reputation matters. When someone buys from Boundary Electric, they expect high quality. That’s why we personally inspect factories—like those in Asia—to ensure their standards align with ours.

The supply chain is still a challenge, and while there’s new production coming online, it’s matched by equally growing demand.

It’s fantastic that Boundary Electric is on the forefront of addressing such important industry challenges. How do you view your role in putting the Kootenay/Boundary regions on the map?

We have this opportunity to grow the area and make a real mark. The transformer industry doesn’t need to be in big cities like Vancouver or Toronto; it can thrive in rural areas. Historically, many transformer manufacturers have been located in small towns, so this region is perfectly positioned for success. Being in the Kootenay Boundary area gives us a chance to highlight the potential of this region on a global scale.

A proud history and a promising future

What’s the vision for Boundary Electric moving forward?

We're really excited about the recent acquisitions and the direction we're heading. Boundary Electric has the chance to grow into a cornerstone of manufacturing—not just in Canada, but globally. We want to build something that serves North America and the world, all while staying based here. That’s what excites us.

We use this as part of our recruitment strategy too—our people can be on a call with a client in Argentina and then go mountain biking in Christina Lake after work. It's about creating an environment where people are not only doing interesting work but also enjoying the incredible lifestyle this area offers.

Our management team recently completed a business optimization strategy, and we’re committed to putting this region on the map for everything that’s great about it. We’re focused on building a thriving, global business that still stays grounded in the values of the Kootenay Boundary area.

Boundary Electric has been around for quite some time now—what’s the company’s history?

Boundary Electric was founded in 1947. It originally started as a motor rewind shop and service contracting business. At its peak, we had 300 electricians and operated facilities in places like Castlegar, Vancouver, and Sparwood. In 1985, the company reorganized and shifted focus toward surplus electrical equipment sales, which is still a big part of what we do.

One of the services we offer is reconditioning old transformers for utilities. Many utilities would normally junk their transformers, but we take them off their hands, recondition them, and extend their lifespan by 10 or 15 years. This helps ease the strain on the market and alleviates the need for new equipment.

In the 1990s, we started focusing more on original equipment manufacturing (OEM), and over the past few years, we’ve really honed in on engineering and innovation. That’s the core of where we’re going now.

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