Author: Jenna Kennedy

Troy Whitman is a seasoned sales professional with over 20 years of experience in building relationships, solving challenges, and driving results. As a key part of the BID Canada team, Troy works closely with clients to deliver tailored solutions in the material handling industry. From belt conveyors to screws and bucket elevators, Troy’s expertise ensures that customers get the right products and support to keep their operations running smoothly.

Troy’s success stems from his ability to spot opportunities and stay ahead of industry trends. Certified by the Canadian Professional Sales Association (CPSA) and having completed Northwestern Kellogg’s Mastering Sales program, he brings a unique mix of formal training and hands-on experience to every project. He’s passionate about finding practical, effective solutions while keeping things straightforward and results-focused.

At BID Canada, Troy is all about collaboration. Whether it’s working with customers to solve specific challenges or supporting his team to meet their goals, he knows that success comes from working together. His approachable style and commitment to building strong relationships make him a trusted partner in every interaction.

When he’s not on the job, Troy keeps busy coaching hockey, where he instills values of teamwork and discipline in young athletes. He’s also an avid traveler and outdoors enthusiast who’s always up for a new adventure. Whether at work or play, Troy brings the same energy, curiosity, and problem-solving mindset to everything he does, making him a valuable part of the BID Canada and McDonough family.

Screw conveyors, also known as auger conveyors, are vital pieces of industrial equipment used for efficiently transporting bulk materials. These materials can range from granular solids like powders and grains to semi-solids, liquids, and even non-flowing materials. The core component of a screw conveyor is a rotating screw shaft with helical flighting, housed within a trough. As the shaft rotates, it propels the material forward in a linear motion. Screw conveyors are versatile and can be designed for horizontal, vertical, or inclined travel paths, depending on the specific needs of the operation.

In 2013, B.I.D. supplied a screw conveyor to our Client for the purpose of conveying shredded bark. Shredded bark, known for its abrasive nature, can cause wear and tear over time. After several years of reliable service, it became clear that the screw might need replacement. As part of the Client’s preventative maintenance program, B.I.D. is now fabricating a replacement screw to ensure their bark screw conveyor continues to operate efficiently.

Resident Trekkie, traveler and curler, Derek has a long history at BID Canada

Derek Lawrence grew up in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, a small coal mining town in Cape Breton. Several members of his large extended family worked for the coal company, the area steel plant, or related construction industries. This led Derek to study Civil Engineering Technology at UCCB (Now Cape Breton University), attend Lakehead University in Thunder Bay for Civil Engineering, and later Memorial University of Newfoundland to complete a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology.

“After completing my time in Thunder Bay in 1999, I had opportunities to go west or stay in Ontario, but the ocean called me home and I found myself in New Brunswick. When I applied to BID as an estimator, I intended to try estimating at BID and living in Woodstock for a year or two and then move back to Nova Scotia. Instead, I met my wife Darlene in Woodstock and built a life here.”

Derek was employed with BID Canada from 2000-2017 and was an estimator, then preliminary conveyor engineer, he attended trade shows, did business development and became sales and estimating manager. In 2017, he started a position as business development manager for Heath & Sherwood, followed by three years at Rulmeca Canada. Similar to the ocean, BID Canada called him home and he returned after the acquisition by McDonough in May 2023.

Derek is a lifelong Trekkie and science fiction fan, and in his spare time he likes to watch movies & TV, reading and pursuing lifelong learning. He is an avid curler, and enjoys traveling, spending with his family and spoiling his nieces and nephew.

Reach out to Derek if you want to talk material handling, and we’re sure he wouldn’t mind discussing Star Trek or curling while you’re at it!

New partnership joins two of New Brunswick’s premiere manufacturing teams and facilities

BID Canada has been acquired and will be partnering with McDonough Manufacturing Company. This acquisition, combined with McDonough’s flagship location in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, allows McDonough and BID Canada to increase production capacity, human resources, and product offerings.

McDonough Manufacturing is a family owned and operated manufacturer of custom sawmill machinery, founded in 1888. BID Canada will continue to operate in our facility in Woodstock, New Brunswick, retaining existing team members under the McDonough umbrella. The BID Canada location will remain focused on our existing customers and projects, while contributing to the production of McDonough sawmill machinery.

This is an exciting chapter, and we are grateful for the support of our many customers, vendors and supporters. We are confident that this expansion will only serve to increase our capabilities and expertise. We thank you for your trust in us and we remain confident that the goodwill we have built will continue to grow with your support.

To learn more about McDonough Manufacturing’s 135 year history, visit www.mcdonough-mfg.com