PORT HARDY—Hardy Buoys marked a milesone this week, celebrating 20 years in business on the North Island.
Hardy Buoys Smoked Fish Inc. was founded in 1994 by Bruce and Carol Dirom, initially as a hobby business. Since then it has evolved into one of the largest employers in Port Hardy.
On June 4, 1994, Bruce, Carol and a single employee opened the doors to a 3,000 square foot seasonal seafood storage and smokehouse facility. By the second year in business, Hardy Buoys Smoked Fish was selling into major grocery store chains on Vancouver Island, and the seasonal business became year-round, supplying product for wholesale.
Demand grew steadily and in 2008 the business took over its current home, a 50,000 sq.ft. building, operating out of 27,000 sq.ft., with the remainder used as warehouse space.
The business now employs 84 people year round for its wholesale and commercial business, expanding to 84in the summer months to look after its sport fishing clientele, and its products can be found in major grocery store chains across Canada.
The business has also been active in the community, sponsoring local sporting teams and youth organizations and taking part in events like Relay for Life, and Cops for Cancer.