On any given day, you can hear the buzz of circular saws, forklifts, compressors and various machines coming from the first floor of the Mill Building at the Cotton Factory.
Crescent Cabinet Co. Ltd., is an award-winning company owned and operated by Livio Passalent, one of the longest running businesses in the Cotton Factory, started by his father, Danny Passalent, in 1964 and moved into The Cotton Factory in 1968.
Crescent Cabinet manufactures quality custom millwork for both commercial and residential clientele. If you are from the Hamilton area, you may have experienced their work in places like the Rock Garden at the Royal Botanical Gardens, McMaster Innovation Park, and the Westdale theatre in Hamilton to name only a few.
“At the time my father started Crescent Cabinets, the Cotton Factory was owned by Stelco Holdings Inc. Back then, Allan Candy occupied the first floor and used it as a warehouse” says Passalent.
“The building was primarily used as a warehouse and industrial facility. Beauty Industries (Clothing Company) occupied the 2nd floor of the factory, including the office building.”
Passalent grew up in the family business, working with his father in the summer months and on weekends. He set off for a career in political science and business and earned a degree from McMaster University. However, he kept being pulled back to his wood working roots.
Against the wishes of his father who encouraged his son to seek a different career path, Passalent decided to help build the family business and that production and carpentry would become his life.
“There has been a big change in the products we are producing. The manufacturing process is different. We use heavier technology which is far superior than it was in the early days. The process is much more accurate with a better finish in the end.”
When asked about how business has been affected by the pandemic, Passalent shared about the difficulties navigating through protocols and how securing raw materials has become a problem.
“Making sure protocols are being followed, having machines cleaned frequently and masks worn has had its challenges. However, we have been very busy doing work for some hospitals, which has kept us going because we are seen as an essential service. We have also begun working on residential projects with existing permits now that protocols have shifted.”
“I am starting to see challenges in the next few months as a result of the pandemic. Securing material has become problematic. It can stall not only our business but the entire economy.”
Crescent Cabinet Co. Ltd., currently employs 13 staff, a number which can fluctuate depending on the economy. When asked what advice he would give to anyone looking to get into the business, Passalent recommends studying hard and never stop learning. “Persevere and there will be a day when you can say I am very happy with what I can do.”
What is it like working in the a building filled with artists and multiple creative businesses?
“We have always supported the arts. I was on the board of Cobalt Connects which began as the Imperial Cotton Centre for Arts. I am also involved with many trade organizations as a way to give back to the community.”
“We do many interesting projects. Each one is unique. The work gives me great satisfaction because no two jobs are alike.” says Passalent
To see some of the work they are most proud of visit their website at http://www.crescentcabinet.com