History
Sun-North Systems Ltd. was incorporated in 1986 by the sole shareholder, Daniel Lambert. Mr. Lambert began production of Altra-WallTM in his garage in Hensall and continued in that location until 1987 at which time an office/manufacturing facility was leased in Seaforth, Ontario. During the next five years sales continued to grow rapidly eventually prompting construction of a 10,000 S.F. new office and manufacturing plant in late 1993. Continued growth in 1994, 1995 and 1996 forced the construction of two additions, for a total of 27,500 S.F. of plant and office facilities.

Products
Sun-North manufactures natural ventilation systems and related accessories for the agricultural industry. Altra-WallTM, a sliding rigid panel with an R12 insulation value, is the mainstay of the company. The simplicity, longevity and the extremely low maintenance required for operation of the system makes the product very attractive to the end user. The Altra-WallTM natural ventilation system can be utilized in almost every situation and for every type of livestock. In addition to the standard sliding panel, we manufacture a Bi-Pass and Folding panel design that adds to our product list. Other items manufactured by Sun-North are Sun-BriteTM panels, North-LiteTM panels, tunnel vent panels, poly curtains, and insulated chimneys. In 1998 Sun-North introduced Altra-Seal, a sliding panels which provides a greater air seal and can be used in conjunction with mechanical ventilation systems.

Sun-North actively exports its products to the United States and Europe.

Introduction
All livestock and poultry buildings require continuous ventilation 365 days of the year to maintain a healthy and productive environment. Air quality and temperature have a profound effect on the growth and health of the livestock and therefore on the profitability of the producer. Natural ventilation has been around since housing for livestock began. During the past decades the trend has been to ventilate confined livestock with fans, however with the advent of pollution control and high energy costs, natural ventilation has been redesigned and refined to offer a more viable and reliable source of ventilation for all types of livestock.

Naturally ventilated buildings depend upon the natural forces of wind and temperature difference (chimney effect) to move air. This effect is achieved by sidewall openings combined with ridge openings or chimneys. The sidewall openings are covered by several different types of sliding or folding products which may be manually or thermostatically controlled. Sun-North Systems Ltd. has been an innovative leader in the design and production of natural ventilation systems.

Research to date indicates natural ventilation is recommended for production facilities where high ventilation rates are necessary during warm summer weather and good temperature control is needed during the winter.

With swine, natural ventilation can be used for growing/finishing units as well as gestation unit. With dairy, tie stall or free stall barns as well as barns for replacement heifers and calves are good candidates for natural ventilation. It can also be used successfully by beef and sheep producers and in warmer climates by broiler and turkey producers.

Advantages of Natural Ventilation
1. Reduced operating costs. Since fans are not used, maintenance and electricity cost is virtually eliminated.

2. Reduced noise levels. Stress levels are lower for both the livestock and workers. Any unusual animal sounds as well as conversations between workers are easily heard making working conditions safer.

3. Improved odour and humidity control.

4. Ventilation functions in the event of a power failure. All openings will remain at their settings if the power fails. The panels can be operated manually.

5. Daylight brightens naturally ventilated buildings. This makes them more comfortable to work in.