Don Barnet - President

Steelworks Design opened its doors in 2002 through the vision, dedication, and expertise of a determined entrepreneur – Don Barnet. After completing a 5-year Mechanical Engineering degree at GMI in Flint, Michigan (1990), Don Barnet spent 11 years working in the manufacturing industry before starting his own company. Don began his career in the automotive industry working for the GM Car Plant in Oshawa in the capacity of Manufacturing Engineer for 4 years. Don then left GM to work for Olofstrom Automation as a project coordinator for 1.5 years, building welding lines for the automotive industry. He then returned to GM in the OshawaTruck Plant for the remaining 6 years as a Manufacturing Engineer, where he was then promoted to Senior Manufacturing Engineer.

In his previous capacities Don was purchasing and installing the types of equipment that Steelworks is now selling. Don’s extensive manufacturing experience gives Steelworks a comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of our customers’ needs. Don’s decade of experience in large automotive plants also gave him invaluable insights into the need for leadership in providing sound engineering solutions within a manufacturing setting.

At Steelworks, Don has created an environment where his vision for excellence leads the design of engineering solutions for automation and fabrication.

Rhonda Barnet - General Manager

Rhonda Barnet joined the Steelworks Design Team in 2004 in the capacity of General Manager. After completing a 3-year Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Computer Science at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario (1990), Rhonda spent 7 years working for a local Engineering firm before starting her own bookkeeping business. Rhonda has spent the last 9 years of her career studying and implementing new governance models in the non-profit sector, and offering financial analysis to a variety of small local businesses. In her capacity as General Manager at Steelworks, Rhonda continues to work in the areas of strategic planning, governance, business development, and financial management.

Matthew Higginson - Engineering Manager

Matt just recently joined the Steelworks Design Team in the capacity of Engineering Manager. He holds a B.A.Sc. University of Western Ontario in 1996, Mechanical Engineering. He is competent using Solidworks, Solid Edge and Pro Engineer 3-D modelling software, and Autocad, as well as both Cosmos and ANSYS finite element analysis software. Matthew holds 2 patents for unique inventions. Matt is a welcome addition to the team!

Ronald Trotter - Production Manager

Ron has been a part of the Steelworks Design Team since 2004. He is a Journeyman Machinist, a Journeyman Millwright and holds his certification with CWB as a Welding Supervisor.

ADVISORY BOARD

Steelworks Design has a first class team of Engineering, drafting and design experts, and efficient support staff to manage our workload, ensuring that our products and services are delivered in a timely manner. In 2006 Steelworks appointed a team of 3 local prominent business professionals to form an advisory board. The purpose of this team is to support Steelworks’ management in the implementation of strategic planning, problem solving and business development. They meet on a quarterly basis.

Nancy Herr

• Vice-President and Secretary Treasurer of ODIM Spectrum
• 40 years of progressive involvement in financial management, roll and corporate mergers and acquisitions
• CMA designate in 1992
• Active in Community organizations: Breast Cancer, Ennismore Curling Club

Tim Barrie

• President of a plastic injection moulding operation in Peterborough, Ontario
• Formerly employed by General Motors in Oshawa
• Practical experience in manufacturing processes and operations
• MBA from the Schulich School of Business
• Community volunteer with hospital, university and sports organizations

Dave Paterson

• Business consultant and community volunteer
• Currently involved in a wide variety of projects and business initiatives
• Formerly employed in Canada and the United States by various Johnson & Johnson companies between 1973 and 2002 in various positions of increasing responsibility
• Has practical experience in accounting, finance, operations, human resources, sales, marketing and business process management
• Completed the CMA (Certified management Accountant) program in 1974

Back To Top