MASHinery Inc.: A New Hands-On Construction Playground in North Bay, Ontario

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MASHinery Inc. in North Bay, Ontario, offers a unique opportunity for visitors to operate heavy construction equipment, aiming to engage the public and inspire interest in skilled trades.

In North Bay, Ontario, a new attraction has emerged that transforms the public's fascination with heavy machinery into an interactive experience. MASHinery Inc., located on Highway 11 North, invites guests of all ages—from five to 80—to take the operator's seat of real construction equipment under the supervision of trained professionals. The facility has quickly gained popularity among families and visitors seeking a unique adventure. Founded by Ken Sim, who also owns Canor Construction, the idea for MASHinery had been brewing in his mind for years. His inspiration struck during visits to Las Vegas, where he experienced a similar attraction called Dig This, which allows participants to operate heavy machinery. Sim noted that the idea resonated with him, especially as his children were engaged with content featuring construction machinery. With the necessary equipment and land available, he felt compelled to bring this concept to Canada. The attraction officially opened its doors earlier this summer, providing a range of experiences from operating mini-excavators to the thrilling car-smash activity using a full-sized vehicle. MASHinery Inc. caters to diverse interests, offering visitors the chance to operate various types of machinery, including bulldozers, skid steers, rock trucks, loaders, and backhoes. A dedicated kids’ zone is available for younger enthusiasts, featuring smaller excavators and beginner-friendly digging activities. Online booking is facilitated through the company’s website, with approximately 15 different experience packages available, ranging from $100 for introductory sessions to $1,000 for premium experiences like the car-smash package. Upon arrival, participants receive a safety briefing, watch an instructional video, and are equipped with safety gear, including hard hats and communication headsets, ensuring a secure environment. Each guest is paired with a certified trainer throughout their experience. Safety is paramount, with trainers able to communicate with participants via headsets and equipped to shut down machinery remotely if necessary. The standout attraction is the car-smash experience, where participants can personalize a vehicle with spray paint before operating an excavator to crush it under professional guidance. This unique offering has attracted a varied demographic, challenging traditional gender norms associated with construction equipment, as participation among young children has been nearly equal among boys and girls. Based on feedback, the company is even considering introducing pink safety vests for female participants. Beyond entertainment, Sim hopes that MASHinery will inspire young people to pursue careers in the skilled trades and construction industry, addressing the ongoing challenge of finding qualified equipment operators. He emphasizes the importance of early exposure to these careers, stating, "If kids start early and get a knack for it, that’d be great." Looking ahead, MASHinery is considering year-round operations, with plans to continue offering car-smashing and other activities, even during the colder months when traditional digging events may not be feasible.

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