The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

A Mount Pleasant-based business that was ravaged by fire last year yesterday said it expects to be “back up and fully operational” by mid-May, its recovery having taken less than 12 months.

Darren Ginns, SMG Millworks’ president and chief executive, told Tribune Business: “We are very excited. We hope to be completely back up and operational by May 15.

“We have received most of our millwork equipment, and the other equipment will be installed by the end of the month. The technology with the 2015 millwork equipment will give us the opportunity to increase the quality of our product from where we were before the fire.

“Our old facility was five old warehouses put together over many years. It was not the perfect manufacturing facility. The new 10,000 square foot facility is one open space designed for manufacturing. With the state-of-the-art millwork equipment and spray booths we will be able to strive for the quality cabinetry products that our clients have expected from SMG Millwork over the years.”

    Mr Ginns added: “We have also invested money into new 3-D computer design programs. This gives clients the opportunity to see their cabinetry in 3-D. Our in-house designers are really enjoying the new program.”

 While not commenting on specific employment numbers, Mr Ginns said the company has added several qualified cabinetry makers to its staff in the last few weeks, and is expecting to hire additional cabinetmakers during the next six months as it becomes fully operational.    

Mr Ginns added: “SMG offers a full service when it comes to cabinetry. From custom designs of all your cabinetry and furniture in your house, to your front desk and boardroom table in your offices.

“When purchasing from outside of the Bahamas you always have the possibility of running into problems - the product arrives and it is broken, scratched, the wrong size and even the wrong colour. 

“With us there is no need to fly in your Cabinet installers. Our qualified custom millwork installers are on staff. We also have the ability to build furniture pieces. It’s just not kitchens. We’re kitchens, vanities, walk-in closets, entertainment units and custom furniture pieces. Whatever is needed we have the ability to build here.”

Mr Ginns said he was grateful for the support of companies and developers such as Albany, Mosko Construction, Capstone Construction, Baha Mar others that continued to support Bahamian-made products.

SMG Millworks is known for its custom millwork found in homes in Old Fort Bay, Lyford Cay, Ocean Club, Albany and other exclusive areas.

Its commercial work has included projects such as the Mahogany House, Albany, Baha Mar and many other projects throughout the Bahamas.