Semath Industries facts for kids
| Industry | Brick Factory |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Sumas First Nation |
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Key people
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| Owner | Sumas First Nation |
Se:math Industries was a special brick factory. It took over the work of the old Clayburn Brick Foundry. This historic factory first opened its doors way back in 1905.
Contents
The Story of Clayburn Bricks
How the First Brick Factory Started
A man named Charles Maclure started the very first brick factory in British Columbia in 1905. This factory was special because it used high-quality clay. The bricks made from this clay were known for being super strong. They could handle very hot temperatures without breaking.
A Village Built on Bricks
A whole community grew up around this factory. It was called Clayburn, Abbotsford. The village became famous for its brick-making history. You could see old brick buildings and homes where the brick workers lived. These buildings lined the main street.
Changes Over Time
After about 25 years, people started buying fewer bricks from Clayburn. Cheaper bricks from other places became available. So, in 1931, the factory was taken apart. The brick-making work then moved closer to Sumas mountain.
Se:math Industries and Sumas First Nation
Sumas First Nation Takes Over
For a long time, many workers at the brick factory were from the Se:math people. They are part of the Sumas First Nation. In the 1970s, the factory started having problems. This was because products from all over the world were becoming popular.
In 1981, the Sumas First Nation took control. They not only owned the land but also the factory itself. They renamed it Sumas Clay Products. The Sumas First Nation ran the factory for more than 20 years.
A New Beginning for the Factory
By 2009, the factory was struggling financially. But some people had a great idea! Rahul Lakhote, Ray Boyes, and artist Ray Silver found money to restart the factory. They wanted to make special, handmade bricks. This new company was called Se:math Industries.
The factory has unique "bee-hive kilns." These are special ovens for baking bricks. They are the only ones still working in the whole country! For a while, other companies, Gunina Partners Inc. and Xey:teleq Enterprises, helped run the factory. However, these companies later closed down.
