In 1988, Paul Ferguson, an electrical technician by trade and former miner with a deep desire to apply his strong entrepreneurial skills, entered into a partnership with Maki Electrical. By the early 90’s, he decided to focus on providing services to the mining industry and thus completed the purchase of Walden to take the company to its full potential, and put it in a position to enter the industrial sector. Very shortly thereafter, he was awarded a contract by INCO and never looked back. The company expanded to Walden Equipment in 1996, offering new and used equipment on a purchase or rental basis. In 2008, J&S Schmidt was acquired, specializing in the manufacturing of mining and industrial equipment. Today, Walden Group is helmed by Paul’s son, Kris Ferguson, who has taken it beyond being a traditional mining equipment supplier to that of a strategic partner in achieving mining excellence. The Company’s expertise spans the electrical, industrial, and mining sectors, across Canada, the US, Brazil and Mexico, with a focus on innovation for improved efficiency, safety, and sustainability. “Beyond providing machines and industrial services, we have forged lasting partnerships by understanding our customers’ unique requirements and delivering tailored solutions to their operation’s success,” said Ferguson.
Kris Ferguson, President of Walden Group at the PDAC Convention in Toronto.
Walden Group has established a significant presence throughout Northern Ontario, with a strong foothold in various mining communities that include: Timmins, Red Lake, Thunder Bay, Wawa, Kirkland Lake, Dubreuilville and, of course, Sudbury. Their wide-reaching network across these regions allows them to better understand and cater to the diverse needs of local mining operations. They’re proud to be an integral part of Northern Ontario communities to support their growth and development, while providing top-tier mining equipment and services to help them thrive.
They see a promising future filled with opportunities for both our company and the mining industry in Northern Ontario as a whole. Northern Ontario is rich in mineral resources and with advancements in mining technology and sustainable practices, there’s great potential for increased exploration and development. We anticipate growing demand for our innovative mining equipment and services, aligning with the industry’s shift towards sustainability. Northern Ontario’s supportive infrastructure and skilled workforce continue to make it an attractive hub for mining operations. Collaborations with local communities and indigenous groups is also key to sustainable growth. “We’re eager to contribute to the economic development of Northern Ontario and strengthen our position as a leader in mining solutions, making the future a bright one for both Walden Group and the mining industry in this region,” added Ferguson.
Walden Equipment had the unique opportunity to provide indirect assistance during the 2010 rescue mission of the 33 Chilean miners who were trapped underground. With their specialized personnel, riding winches and expertise in tensioning equipment, they were approached to contribute to this historic rescue operation. Their team had mobilized, and the equipment was enroute to Chile – demonstrating their commitment to supporting this vital rescue effort. The rescue was achieved before their equipment reached its destination, so while they didn’t play a direct role in the rescue, they were relieved that the miners were brought to the surface unharmed and they remain dedicated to offering top-notch equipment and expertise for challenging situations whenever and wherever they arise.
Walden Group is deeply committed to the well-being of the communities where they operate. They actively participate in various community initiatives, such as the Celebrity Hockey Classic Series in support of Easter Seals, where we partner with NHL celebrities and industry peers to raise funds for children with disabilities. We also support the Edgar Burton Food Drives, helping to ensure that those in need have access to essential resources. Our dedication to fighting cancer is evident through our involvement in events like Miners for Cancer. Additionally, they organize and host the annual Walden Invitational Golf Tournament, which not only fosters community bonds but also serves as a crucial fundraiser for the Northern Cancer Foundation. At Walden Group, we believe in giving back and making a positive impact in the communities we call home.
Joining MineConnect was a strategic move for us, as membership offers a range of benefits that has helped us grow our businesses, such as providing up-to-date industry news and hosting events that help to keep us connected with industry peers. MineConnect has provided networking opportunities, access to a list of suppliers at the click of a button, promotion within the mining industry and beyond, and even provides a calendar of global conferences and local training opportunities that we may not have knowledge of otherwise.
