Company Overview - Roustan Hockey is Canada's last major hockey stick factory, located 60 miles southwest of Toronto, employing 15 workers and producing approximately 400,000 wooden hockey sticks annually under various brands [2][6] - The factory has historical roots dating back to 1847 and has survived significant changes in the manufacturing landscape, including trade globalization [3][11] Trade Challenges - The factory faces challenges due to the trade war initiated by the U.S. government, which has led to tariffs on Canadian exports and uncertainty in cross-border trade [3][5] - Recent changes in customs exemptions have created additional uncertainty, affecting shipments of hockey sticks and other products like goalie pads, which faced a surprising 200% tariff [5][7] Economic Impact - The Canadian economy has contracted by 1.6% in the second quarter, marking the first decline since 2023, with exports dropping by 7.5% due to trade uncertainties [8] - Manufacturing jobs in Canada have decreased by 37,800 in the year leading up to August, highlighting a broader decline in the manufacturing sector [9] Market Dynamics - The wooden hockey stick market is shrinking, with Roustan Hockey holding only 5%-10% of the market share, as the preference shifts towards composite sticks made from advanced materials [14][16] - Global production of hockey sticks is around 5 million annually, with wooden sticks comprising only about 10% of that total [14] Manufacturing Process - The manufacturing process at Roustan's factory is described as low-tech and artisanal, involving manual labor for tasks such as shaping, sanding, and painting the sticks [17][18] - The factory's operations not only contribute to the manufacturing base but also resonate with the cultural significance of hockey in Canada [18]