What is Exemcor?
Meet one of our newest incubator members Exemcor, an engineering design company that develops prototype parts for the automotive, aerospace and plastic industries through the use of 3D printing. The company consists of 4 partners: Saad Zafar (Operations Management, University of Windsor ’11), Chris Deschamps (3D Print Specialist, St. Clair College ’03), Verdan Jerkovic (Design Expert, 3rd Year University of Windsor Engineering Student- Mechanical), and Adam Nika (Design Expert, 3rd year University of Windsor Engineering Student- Mechanical). The team had come together through previous work connections and networking opportunities presented from Dr. Jill Urbanic, an engineering professor at the University of Windsor.
Exemcor is a fairly new company, having only registered their business in September with operations commencing in November 2015. The EPICentre recently sat down with them to discuss their business.
How/why did you form your business and how did you hear about the EPICentre?
Exemcor contacted the EPICentre after a referral from Dr. Urbanic. Verdan and Adam are both engineering students at the University where she teaches. They had presented the business concept of commercializing the production of 3D parts and design services along with Saad. However, after a discussion with Dr. Urbanic, they realized that they lacked 3D printing knowledge, which was where Chris, Dr. Urbanic’s research assistant, came in. The team then approached the EPICentre for help on how to get their business off the ground and to get it registered and operating.
People are not aware of 3D printing capabilities, and people in the industry themselves don’t even know the possibilities out there. There is a whole new, untapped market that has yet to be explored.
Currently, we are working on expanding our business into low volume manufacturing for local businesses.
What business strategy are you implementing currently?
Since we are a fairly new company, we want to get our name out there. We’re offering free initial prototype design and manufacturing services to ensure 100% satisfaction from our clients. Our aim is to get the word out there on how useful and versatile 3D printing can be. The capabilities are endless. Our hope is to help businesses understand that there are full service prototype and design manufacturing businesses in Canada that are able to help them with their needs. We face the issue nowadays where businesses are outsourcing their manufacturing parts because they think it’s cheaper. Not only can 3D printing do the same manufacturing jobs that are being outsourced, but the costs are significantly less and local shipping times are much faster when compared to international shipping.
How did EPICentre help you with your business?
The EPICentre provided us with an office/testing space that we could use, which was really helpful for experimenting with the different products we could potentially manufacture. On top of that, we were provided with a mentor, Gerry Simpson, who helped us immensely. Gerry had provided free consulting for our business, helped us put together a business plan and ultimately set us up with our first few clients. His ability to help us network has accelerated our business from a simple concept to a functioning business with three new clients in the span of three months.
What stage of the business stage are you at?
We are at the growth stage right now, we’re established but trying to grow. 3D printing is a relatively new concept.
Where do you see your business in a year from now?
Exemcor hopes to obtain at least 10-15 unique products/clients in a bigger office space and manufacturing centre with its own equipment. Hopefully by then we are turning a good profit and growing our business.
What differentiates your business from others in the same field?
Currently, there are no businesses like Exemcor in Windsor. Although there are businesses with 3D printing services in Windsor, what sets us apart from other printing facilities is that we offer a full turnkey service. For most businesses, there are no in-house designers that are able to help their clients with design services like we do. With Exemcor, we offer the whole deal. We will sit down with our clients in order to help them design and create their product to best suit their needs. 3D printing has so many capabilities and we want to make sure that everybody becomes aware of them.
What other ventures is Exemcor currently pursuing?
Currently, we’re in the process of establishing our business and getting our own clients. We’re looking into low volume manufacturing in order to penetrate the 3D printing market. In the meantime, we are keeping busy by getting involved with the community. Currently, we are working to create 3D prosthetics for those in need in order to subsidize their health costs.
Do you have any words of advice for anyone looking to start their own business?
Saad: Find a good mentor and have a business plan in place. Stay away from applying to loans right away until you know where you’re going with your business, when and why.
Chris: Be properly capitalized, not for the sake of getting money but know why you need it first.
Adam: If you’re a student start up, join the EPICentre. Their wide range of free resources can help you save money (because little things add up).
For inquiries on Exemcor 3D printing services, please contact: exemcor@exemcor.com or visit www.exemcor.com. Their offices are located at the Ed Lumley Engineering Building on California Avenue with staff on hand Monday to Fridays after 5pm.
