On the evening of July 24th, 2023, a fire tore through Niagara Investment Castings, leaving destruction in its wake and uncertain days ahead. What followed was not merely a recovery but a demonstration of what commitment and leadership can accomplish.

Damage from the fire was approximately $3 million, with 30 percent of the facility lost in the blaze, and several key pieces of equipment destroyed.  The cause of the fire would not be able to be determined due to the severity of the damage.

Incredibly, other key areas of the plant were undamaged by the fire, heat, and water, and a decision was made by the management team of Niagara Investment Castings to continue to operate from the crippled facility to continue to serve their customers, and that’s exactly what was accomplished one and a half years later. 

The clean up began soon after the fire, crucial utility services were reconnected, and temporary walls were erected to section off the section of the plant that was left standing from the destruction, and by September, all employees were back at their jobs.

A Well Deserved Celebration of Resilience

Since the fire in July 2023, the Associates and Management of NIC worked through some of the toughest conditions imaginable, while the portion of the facility that was lost was painstakingly rebuilt around them as they worked to serve their diverse customer base of over 300 different clients around the world.

On December 11th, 2024, Niagara Investment Castings Ltd marked a triumphant milestone—its grand reopening of the newly completed rebuild, the milestone marked with a company-wide celebration of tenacity, unity, and the extraordinary effort of a team that refused to let adversity define their future.  

As stated by the Team at Zynik, the owners of Niagara Investment Castings, “we believe that the true foundation of any lasting achievement lies in the people behind it. The journey of Niagara Investment Castings over the past 18 months is a testament to that principle. Faced with devastation, the associates of Niagara Investment Castings chose action over despair, proving that resilience is not simply about surviving but about rebuilding with intention and strength.”

A Trial by Fire

Bob Borthwick, President of Niagara Investment Castings, opened the ceremony with gratitude and pride for his team:

This is the celebration of resilience, the hard work, and the unwavering support of an incredible team… if it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t be here today. You picked us up, cleaned us off, and got us back up and running.”

In the days that followed the fire, employees showed up ready to do what needed to be done, whether it meant sourcing equipment from other plants, coordinating with customers, or clearing debris by hand. Every step was deliberate. Every decision, purposeful.

The focus was clear: rebuild not just a facility, but the trust and continuity that customers rely on.

Leadership in Crisis

True leadership shows itself when the stakes are at their highest,” said Paul Tuzi, CEO of the Zynik Manufacturing Group, as he addressed the crowd gathered for the reopening. “In those moments, you need someone who can stand firm, stay clear-headed, and guide their team forward. That’s exactly what Bob Borthwick did here.”

Tuzi praised Borthwick’s steady resolve, noting how his leadership set the tone for the entire recovery. 

Every day brought new obstacles,” Tuzi continued. “And every day, Bob and the associates stepped forward, solving problems that seemed unsolvable. Their ingenuity and perseverance made this comeback possible.”

It wasn’t just the internal leadership that shone through. Local leaders acknowledged the deeper importance of Niagara Investment Castings to the community. Mat Siscoe, Mayor of the City of St. Catharines, spoke to the vital role the company plays in the city, emphasizing the impact of keeping jobs local:

“We knew how critical it was to support Niagara Investment Castings in every way we could because jobs like these matter. They aren’t just numbers—they’re families, homes, and futures right here in our city. This company’s ability to rebuild ensured that livelihoods stayed intact and that our community continued to thrive.”

The Mayor reflected on the collective effort to remove barriers during the recovery process:

At the city, our priority was simple: don’t get in the way. We worked to clear the path, knowing how much was at stake—and seeing this facility reopen today proves what’s possible when we work together.”

A Voice for the Workforce

The sentiment of unity and perseverance was further underscored by Union Representative John Cato, who spoke candidly about the strength of collaboration during the recovery:

What happened here is extraordinary. From the very beginning, Niagara Investment Castings made it clear that their people came first. They ensured benefits were extended, insurance was supported, and most importantly, they prioritized getting everyone back to work. That kind of care and commitment is something we don’t see often enough.”

Cato reflected on the significance of bringing jobs back to the community at such a critical time:

This wasn’t just about rebuilding a company—it was about rebuilding lives. Seeing everyone back to work, fully engaged and fully valued, is a testament to what’s possible when leadership and labor work hand in hand.

A Collective Effort

Rebuilding Niagara Investment Castings required more than strategic planning; it required trust—between associates, customers, and leadership. It was trust that carried the company through its darkest days and allowed them to achieve a goal that was lofty, but crucial …. To ensure not a single customer was lost since the time of the fire.  

Gratitude and Recognition

The reopening ceremony was a reflection of this collective achievement. Iqbal Kassam, Chairman and CEO of Zynik, captured the significance of the moment in his address to the team:

“This is not just about saving a business; it is about saving livelihoods, protecting relationships, and securing a legacy that will endure for decades to come. Your persistence, loyalty, and dedication are the reason we stand here today.”

Iqbal Kassam, Chairman & CEO, Zynik

The event culminated with a well-earned recognition presented to each of the associates, underscoring their invaluable contributions. From the team at Zynik, they understand such recognition is not transactional; it’s a reflection of a deeply held belief that people are at the heart of every success story.

A New Chapter

Niagara Investment Castings’ reopening marks not just a return to more normal operations, but the beginning of a new chapter. One forged through resilience, strengthened by unity, and fueled by the commitment of its people.

“We celebrate this achievement not simply as a milestone for a business but as a story of what’s possible when people come together with shared purpose. To the team at Niagara Investment Castings, we are proud of your resolve, inspired by your success, and honored to stand alongside you as you forge ahead.”

We are proud of what we have accomplished here at Niagara Investment Castings, and here’s to the future—a future built on resilience, trust, and the enduring spirit of an extraordinary team.

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