CELEBRATING SMALL BUSINESS WEEK: How Hiebert Cabinets rebuilt after a devastating 2024 fire

Posted on October 22, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

A fire tore through Hiebert Cabinets’ production facility in the middle of the night in 2024, threatening years of craftsmanship and the wiping out projects in progress for Bow Island and area community. The Bow Island Fire Department responded quickly, but with the building full of wood and cabinetry materials, firefighters weren’t able to save the facility.

Sales and Marketing Manager Tenille Motz-Hiebert says, “The fire was started by a lithium ion battery. It was a blessing to know that it was not anything anyone had done wrong.” The team is also thankful that due to the timing, nobody was in the facility, so nobody was hurt.

Despite losing its production facility, Hiebert Cabinets never closed its doors. The owners made a decision early on that shaped the company’s entire recovery: no one would lose their job.

“It was very important for John Hiebert to keep everyone employed,” Motz-Hiebert says. Rather than laying off staff while the facility was rebuilt, Hiebert Cabinets redirected its team. “Some jobs changed, such as rebuilding instead of building cabinets.” Employees who once spent their days crafting custom cabinetry picked up tools for a different purpose, helping get the business back on its feet.

The response from Bow Island and Medicine Hat businesses became one of the most memorable parts of the recovery.

“It was really neat to see the community and local support during this time,” Tenille smiles.

That support mattered to customers, too. Many had cabinets in progress when the fire hit, and Hiebert Cabinets made a point of finishing those jobs.

“We wanted to ensure we kept looking after customers,” Motz-Hiebert continues. “They knew they were still getting Hiebert Cabinets.”

Given the scale of the loss, the delays were remarkably contained. On average, in-progress orders were delayed by just two weeks — a timeline Motz-Hiebert credits to the dedication of the team.

“It was neat to see our team and long-term employees fight for the company,” she says. “Every day was different. Every day, we watched the team get stronger.”

Hiebert Cabinets’ has since relocated to a new, larger facility with improved capabilities. The company is fully operational – and even better than before. The experience, while emotional, became a defining chapter for the business rather than an ending.

“It was a little miracle,” Motz-Hiebert says, crediting “a team that fought like crazy for Hiebert Cabinets.”

For a company built on craftsmanship, the fire tested more than equipment and inventory — it tested the loyalty of the people behind the brand. By keeping staff employed, leaning on community support, and refusing to compromise on customer commitments, Hiebert Cabinets emerged from the crisis with its reputation intact and, by Motz-Hiebert’s account, a stronger team than before.

Hiebert Cabinets is grateful for your continued support. Stay tuned for the grand re-opening once the interior displays in the new facility are complete.