What Sun-North Systems does

Sun-North Systems Ltd. is a privately held Canadian manufacturer founded in 1986 by Daniel Lambert, specializing in natural ventilation systems for livestock and poultry confinement facilities. The company designs and produces five integrated product categories—curtain systems, panel systems, ridge exhaust systems, air movement systems, and electronic automation/controls—engineered to leverage wind and thermal differentials (the chimney effect) instead of mechanical fans for airflow management in dairy, swine, poultry, equine, and specialty livestock barns. Its technology portfolio includes the EDGE Controller (a 15-inch touchscreen platform with remote connectivity that manages multiple barns from a single device), Shepherd Controls for zoned climate management, and HVLS ceiling fans manufactured through sister company Envira-North Systems Ltd.

The firm's commercial model is hardware-centric. Products are sold as capital equipment through a North American and international dealer network, with direct-sales fallback for geographies without local dealers, supplemented by installation services. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; quotes are obtained dealer-by-dealer. Marketing relies heavily on agricultural trade shows (World Dairy Expo, World Pork Expo, National Poultry Show, Canada's Outdoor Farm Show, Grey Bruce Farmers' Week, and others), educational web content, and customer testimonial videos. End customers are mid-market livestock operators across Canada, the United States, the Middle East, Russia, China, and Australia. Marketing claims include up to 85% electricity-cost reduction versus power ventilation and a 15-year product warranty, which support value-based selling against pure mechanical-ventilation alternatives.

The company is founder-controlled, with no disclosed institutional capital or external shareholders, and remains operationally active through 2026. It operates from a 41,000 sq.ft. headquarters and manufacturing facility in Seaforth, Ontario, expanded from a 10,000 sq.ft. Hensall-garage origin, and competes against both mechanical-ventilation specialists and integrated controls providers through a strategic supply relationship with Phason Controls.

Name

Sun-North Systems

Legal name

Sun-North Systems Ltd.

Website

https://sunnorth.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Sun-North Systems Ltd., a privately held Canadian manufacturer founded in 1986, designs and produces natural ventilation systems (curtains, panels, ridge exhausts, air movement, electronic controls) for dairy, swine, poultry, equine, and specialty livestock facilities, sold through North American and international dealers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Agricultural Ventilation Equipment

NAICS

Automatic Environmental Control Manufacturing for Residential, Commercial, and Appliance Use (334512), Ventilation, Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing (3334), Industrial and Commercial Fan and Blower and Air Purification Equipment Manufacturing (333413)

SIC

Air-Cond & Warm Air Heatg Equip & Comm & Indl Refrig Equip (3585), Industrial & Commercial Fans & Blowers & Air Purifing Equip (3564)

akta.pro primary industry

Dampers, Louvers & Ventilation Controls (IMADANAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

HVAC, Water Heaters & Indoor Air Quality Distribution (CRAOAFAJ)

Keywords

• Livestock ventilation systems
• Natural ventilation equipment
• Agricultural building ventilation
• Poultry ventilation systems
• Barn ventilation controls

Headquarters

HQ city

Seaforth

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Equipment Manufacturing and Sales: Sun-North designs, manufactures, and sells natural ventilation equipment including curtain systems, panel systems, ridge exhaust systems, and air movement systems. Products are sold through dealers and direct sales to livestock facility operators.
2. Installation Services: Company provides installation services for their ventilation systems in addition to manufacturing and distribution.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Sun-North Systems designs, manufactures, and distributes natural, power, and dual ventilation systems for livestock and poultry confinement buildings. Its product portfolio includes curtain systems, sliding panel systems, ridge exhaust chimneys and vents, air movement systems (HVLS fans, tunnel, cross-flow, dual, positive pressure, exhaust fans), electronic automation controls, and cooling systems (Core Cool, Smart Soaker). The company sells primarily through dealer networks across North America and international markets, with direct sales for customers without local dealers.

Product overview

Sun-North Systems is the leading international manufacturer of Natural Ventilation Systems for livestock and poultry facilities, with over 30 years of experience designing, manufacturing, and installing systems under diverse climate conditions globally. The company's product portfolio centers on Natural, Power, and Dual ventilation systems organized into five main product categories: (1) Curtain Systems including Roll-Over, Roll-Up, Top Down, No-Main, Split, Parlour, Weather Stop, and Winter Garden curtains for sidewall ventilation; (2) Panel Systems including Nova-Lite XL (polycarbonate), Nova-Lite Vu (acrylic glass), and Altra-Seal (insulated) sliding panels for natural light and ventilation; (3) Ridge Exhaust Systems including Max-Vent Insulated Chimneys, Dura-Lite Ridge Vent, and Dura-Lite Fixed Ridge for exhaust and daylight; (4) Air Movement Systems including Altra-Air Sailfin HVLS Fans, Fresh Air Positive Pressure, Dual/Cross/Tunnel Ventilation, and Exhaust Fans; and (5) Automation & Controls including EDGE Controller, Shepherd Controls, Linear Actuators, Power Drives, and Phason Controls. The portfolio is complemented by Cooling products including Core Cool Systems and Smart Soaker for temperature management. Systems are tailored for dairy, swine, poultry, equine, and custom housing applications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Roll-Over Curtains Curtain system where material rolls onto a pipe rotating at the bottom of the curtain, kept taut for better appearance and longer life. Maximum 9'6" opening height and 200ft length, for livestock barn sidewall ventilation.
• No-Main Curtains Lowest maintenance curtain on the market operating without main cables, designed for large sidewall openings and long barns. Single output maximum length 144', double output 250', opening height 2' to 24'.
• Weather Stop Curtain System Designed to close large doors and openings on open front barns, commodity buildings, storage sheds and pavilions. Permeable fabric allows air movement while blocking rain and snow. Available up to 20ft high.
• Roll-Up Curtains Curtain system allowing many climate control options and protects fabric from elements. Sidewall opening up to 16ft split into two sections with curtains permanently fastened along top and rolling up under sill or eave to prevent UV degradation.
• Original Top Down Curtains Simple and cost-efficient curtain permanently fastened along bottom of wall opening, lowered from top by cable system. Forces cooler air to enter high along sidewall avoiding severe drafts on livestock.
• Split System Curtain Allows opening top of curtain system in cold weather and entire system in very hot weather. Top half folds down to centre sill, bottom half rolls up around keder aluminum tube. For sidewall opening heights up to 8' and widths up to 200'.
• Parlour Curtain System Interior divider curtains providing affordable division between sections such as parlour and holding area. 14 oz. divider curtain protects sensitive milking equipment. For opening heights up to 16' and lengths up to 60'.
• Winter Garden Curtain System Long outdoor run typically on south or leeward side of barn allowing hens access to fresh air and sunlight. Screened-in porch provides protection from predators while controlling wind, rain and snow. Maximum opening height 20', length 60'.
• Nova-Lite XL Panels Sliding polycarbonate panels that are virtually unbreakable with immense light penetration. Five-wall structure 5/8" thickness with R3 insulation value and all aluminum heavy duty window frame assembly.
• Nova-Lite Vu Panels Sliding crystal clear acrylic glass panels virtually unbreakable allowing full light penetration. Variable ventilation opening with all aluminum heavy duty window frame assembly. Opening height 1' to 6', R1.75 insulation value.
• Altra-Seal Insulated Panels Lightweight continuous rigid panel sliding over sidewall openings. Outer sleeve is polyethylene weave with 2.5" high density styrofoam core. Continuous length up to 100ft. Offers continuous seal for dual ventilated barns.
• Max-Vent Insulated Chimneys Exhaust moist, stale air from building envelope without power. Come in different inside dimensions and custom lengths with aluminum roof supports, insulated baffle, stainless steel hardware. Standard ID sizes 24" to 36".
• Dura-Lite Ridge Vent Twinwall polycarbonate glass ridge vent providing natural light and ventilation. Offers 99% light penetration with high thermal resistance while blocking UV transmission. Custom made in various lengths and widths.
• Dura-Lite Fixed Ridge Twinwall polycarbonate glass fixed ridge providing natural light to lower energy bills. Offers 99% light penetration with R1.5 insulation value. Maintenance free with 10 Year manufacturer's warranty.
• Altra-Air Sailfin HVLS Fans High Volume Low Speed ceiling fans that blanket large areas with constantly moving air creating expansive comfort zone. Creates evaporative cooling effect of 3-4°C. Diameter 12' to 24', capable of moving nearly 315,000 cfm. Manufactured by sister company Envira-North Systems.
• Fresh Air Positive Pressure System Provides fresh air makeup using poly tube with small holes distributed along length and circumference, inflated by fan to jet air evenly throughout barn. Designed for young stock environments where drafts can be problematic.
• Dual Ventilation System Combines natural and fan ventilation for extreme climate conditions. Power sidewall fans engage before natural ventilation sidewall panels and ridge systems. Natural ventilation used 80% of time, power assist minimum 20%.
• Cross Flow Ventilation System For wide facilities using panel/curtain openings on one side and blocks of fans along opposing side. Can be linked to misting or evaporative cooling. Panels mounted internally or externally.
• Tunnel Ventilation System Variation of cross flow ventilation maximizing ventilation requirements using end wall of poultry or dairy facility. High velocity air moves across livestock through sliding panels/curtains adjusted by negative pressure from bank of fans.
• Exhaust Fans High performance and energy efficient wall mounted exhaust fans from 12" to 72" diameter. Fan housing made of corrosion resistant fibreglass with high efficient totally enclosed motors. Direct drive or belt and pulley options.
• EDGE Controller Single platform controller handling all control functions for barn. Features 15" colour touchscreen, real-time site-wide status monitoring, built-in self diagnostics, monitors electrical current, remote connectivity, controls multiple barns from one unit.
• Shepherd Controls Electronic controls monitoring multiple regions of animal facility. Adjust individual sidewall panels and ridge outlets taking into account inside temperature, outside weather conditions, wind and rain directions.
• Linear Actuators Light duty actuators (VA18 lifts 800lbs 18" travel, VA24 lifts 500lbs 24" travel) and heavy duty actuators (BX 1500lbs lift, BXX 2500lbs lift). Sizes range from 15" to 76" travel with manual turning nut for power failure operation.
• Power Drives State of the art gear drives for panel and curtain operations. Self-braking with worm wheel transmission, CSA approved electric motors with multi range voltage. Built-in linear limit switch system with safety switches.
• Phason Controls Full lineup of controllers for barn environment management. Includes AutoFlex Connect (complete facility management, remote diagnostics, fully scalable) and Touch Series (touchscreen interface, intelligent ventilation control).
• Core Cool Systems Fully automated cooling system maintaining livestock core body temperature rather than cooling ambient air. Provides proactive temperature management preventing negative effects of temperature swings on health and well-being.
• Smart Soaker Cooling system that soaks cows at feedbunk when cow is present and conditions warrant. Heavy droplets designed to penetrate cow's hair and soak skin for maximum cooling without wasting water. Effective in any barn style.

Quantifiable outcome

• 85% reduction in electricity costs compared to mechanical ventilation
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature9 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Envira-North Systems Ltd.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2003Envira-North Systems is a sister company incorporated in 2003 to manufacture energy efficient ventilation for commercial and agricultural markets. They manufacture the Altra-Air Sailfin HVLS Fan sold worldwide in various diameters using unique blade technology. Sun-North's products are distributed alongside these HVLS fans.
• Global Dairy Institute (GDI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSun-North is a proud member of the Global Dairy Institute, a collaboration of world-leading companies serving the dairy industry worldwide. GDI leverages expertise, skills, and relationships of member companies to provide best information, education and resources to dairy farmers globally.
• Phason ControlscoreTechnology or IntegrationSun-North is a proud supplier of Phason Controls, a world leader in development and manufacture of advanced electronic controls and production management systems. Phason products are used in hog, poultry, dairy, and greenhouse buildings on every continent. Products include AutoFlex Connect, Touch Series, and PEC Plus controllers.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Fancom: Dutch manufacturer of climate computers, ventilation controls, and sensors for pig, poultry, and mushroom production. They compete directly with Sun-North's EDGE and Shepherd controllers in the automation/controls category.
• Hotraco Agri: Dutch manufacturer of climate computers and automation equipment for poultry, pig, and dairy housing. Competes head-to-head with Sun-North's automation and controls product line in dealer-driven international markets.
• SKOV A/S: Danish climate solutions provider for livestock buildings, offering controllers, sensors, and ventilation systems for pig and poultry production globally. Directly comparable in livestock climate-control specialization with a more software-led model.
• Hog Slat: Major North American manufacturer of swine and poultry production equipment, including tunnel and natural ventilation curtains, fans, and controls. Highly comparable to Sun-North in livestock ventilation focus, dealer model, and farmer customer base.
• Vostermans Ventilation: Dutch specialist manufacturer of axial and multifan fans for agricultural, industrial, and horticultural ventilation. Comparable to Sun-North's air movement systems and exhaust fans business with a focus on global ag customers.
• Phason Controls: Phason is both a Sun-North supplier and direct competitor, supplying AutoFlex Connect and Touch Series controllers used in hog, poultry, dairy, and greenhouse buildings worldwide. Their product categories and customer base overlap almost entirely with Sun-North's automation business.
• Envira-North Systems: Envira-North is Sun-North's sister company, incorporated in 2003 to manufacture the Altra-Air Sailfin HVLS fan product line for agricultural and commercial markets. It operates in the same addressable market with shared ownership and overlapping distribution.

Broad incumbents

• Chore-Time (CTB Inc.): CTB subsidiary manufacturing poultry housing equipment including ventilation, feeding, and watering systems. Overlaps with Sun-North on poultry barn ventilation but operates as part of a broader integrated poultry equipment portfolio.
• Munters: Global leader in air treatment and climate solutions including agricultural ventilation, fans, and evaporative cooling. Much larger and broader portfolio than Sun-North but overlaps meaningfully in agricultural climate control and HVLS air movement.
• Big Dutchman: Global market leader in livestock housing equipment for poultry and swine, including natural and tunnel ventilation systems. They overlap with Sun-North on the ventilation product line but operate as a much larger multi-category full equipment supplier to integrators worldwide.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/SunNorthSystems
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCjRFcFQqLlKxIIn6iVnP1_g
• Facebookfacebook.com/SunNorth

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sun-North Systems