Providing founders with the tools and resources that they need to help drive their business forward is one of North Forge’s founding principles. For over 8 years, Princess Auto has assisted North Forge with this goal by providing Fabrication Lab Members with the tools they need to turn their product ideas into a reality.

Princess Auto Ltd. is a Canadian retail chain specializing in farm, industrial, garage, hydraulics and surplus items. The business is headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where it has partnered with local organizations for years to build relationships with its community. The company is always looking for new and diverse ways to get involved in the entrepreneurial community and supporting the Princess Auto Tool Room is just one of the many ways that the organization has supported local businesses. 

Noel Ablao, Category Leader, Truck & Trailer at Princess Auto said “Our customers come into our stores to problem-solve and dream about what they can build,” says Noel. “When we bring our team members to Winnipeg for training, we like to visit North Forge to inspire the creativity of our team members to problem-solve and imagine possibilities with our customers. The Princess Auto Tool Room gives us a great hands-on testing environment with their members on tools that Princess Auto Ltd. has donated for their use. We receive tool and equipment feedback and at the same time, we are giving back to the startup and entrepreneurial community by helping their members with Princess Auto tools and equipment.” 

For nine years, Princess Auto has sponsored the North Forge Fabrication Lab, previously known as AssetWorks, by funding the Princess Auto Tool Room, a room where Fab Lab members can access the tools and supplies they need for their operations. Members of the Fabrication Lab are able to gain access to supplies they may not otherwise own themselves, which can drive their product ideas forward. 

“Having the Princess Auto Tool Room helps members broaden their horizons in ways we did not think possible. Members now have access to tools they may not necessarily own, which simplifies their creation process,” says Jordynn Friesen, the volunteer member in charge of maintaining the room. 

“Nothing is more frustrating than being mid-project only to realize you do not have the right tools to complete it. That doesn’t happen at North Forge!” 

To learn more about Princess Auto, click here