Looking after 40-some families is awesome. Helping them to make a living is a big part of why we do what we do. Tom Gunsinger, co-owner of Bel-Con Design-Builders
Bel-Con Design-Builders is located in Belleville and employs over 40 people both in the office and in the field. They are currently trying to fill a variety of positions as the company grows. Bel-Con is a design builder for industrial, which is the biggest part of their business, as well as commercial and institutional entities.
Bel-Con contributes to the prosperity of the Bay of Quinte by providing:
- New-build facilities or warehouses for companies that are just starting up in Bay of Quinte (which means there is a new employer in town)
- Renovation work on companies that are already here (ensuring that those companies stay in the region)
- Expansions for established facilities (which means the expanded company will probably soon be hiring)
Co-owner Tom Gunsinger sees Bay of Quinte as a great place to do business and considers it important to give back by supporting the local community. Bel-Con assists local organizations, like:
- Belleville General Hospital Foundation
- Grace Inn
- Gleaners
- Trenton Food Bank
- Christmas Sharing
…and a number of minor sports teams.
Succeeding in and Enriching Bay of Quinte
Bel-Con Design-Builders was one of the first builders in the area to operate under the design-build model, in which a consulting team puts together a design for their client and then implements the whole build, expansion, or renovation. This is in contrast to the traditional contractor model in which architects and engineers develop a set of plans to be bid on by builders.
The design-build model is advantageous for the customer. Communications are easier and more streamlined because there is a single source to talk to; clients can easily convey their requests to the design team. This method improves the timeline of a build.
Some of Bel-Con’s clients in Bay of Quinte include:
- WK Kellogg Co
- SafeStart
- Hanon Systems Canada
- Triangle Fluid Controls
- Quality Custom Blending
- Sprague Foods
Bel-Con works with the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), who have an office in the region, to ensure construction financing allows projects to get their start and add to the richness and vibrancy of the region. Bel-Con also accesses the skills that Loyalist College can provide. Some of their employees came out of those programs; Tom himself is a 1982 Loyalist graduate.
Bel-Con Design-Builders: Founded and Staying in Bay of Quinte
Bel-Con began in Bay of Quinte over 50 years ago. Co-owners Tom Gunsinger and Michelle Stephens bought the company just over 20 years ago.
Learn more about how the Quinte Economic Development Commission (QEDC) supports businesses like Bel-Con in Bay of Quinte.
