Brand Story
Rainhouse wasn’t built overnight. It began with a single machine, a belief in doing things better, and a commitment to creating lasting impact through manufacturing. Today, we continue that work with the same focus. We solve real-world challenges with precision, creativity, and care. This is where we began, how we’ve grown, and why we still believe that what we make, and how we make it, matters. Discover more about Rainhouse below.
From Mechanic to Manufacturer: A Founder’s Journey
What began as one engineer’s leap of faith has grown into a multi-disciplinary, quality-focused manufacturing company with a clear purpose: to build a better future through craftsmanship, innovation, and trust.
In the 1990s, Ray Brougham worked as an industrial mechanic in the forestry industry. He enjoyed the work, but after years of collaborating with engineers, he felt ready for more. At the age of 39, despite doubts, Ray enrolled in mechanical engineering at the University of Victoria. That choice changed the course of his life.
After graduating, Ray worked out of a shared space with Redlen Technologies while taking on independent design and fabrication contracts. When the projects grew beyond what he could handle alone, he founded Prototype Equipment Design (PED) in 2001 from his basement.
With only a lathe and one CNC machine, PED got its start in a small space. It didn’t stay small for long.
Growth, Reinvention, and Rainhouse
By 2004, PED had moved into 532 William Street in Victoria, now Rainhouse’s headquarters. As the company expanded, so did its challenges. Clients began outsourcing overseas, so Ray adapted. He shifted focus to industries that value quality and reliability: marine, aerospace, and defence.
In 2017, PED rebranded to Rainhouse Manufacturing Canada Ltd. The new name reflected the company’s growing capabilities and long-term vision.
Growth, Reinvention, and Rainhouse
By 2004, PED had moved into 532 William Street in Victoria, now Rainhouse’s headquarters. As the company expanded, so did its challenges. Clients began outsourcing overseas, so Ray adapted. He shifted focus to industries that value quality and reliability: marine, aerospace, and defence.
In 2017, PED rebranded to Rainhouse Manufacturing Canada Ltd. The new name reflected the company’s growing capabilities and long-term vision.
Leadership That Grows From Within
In 2004, Kory Pollner joined Rainhouse as a machinist. He stood out as a creative thinker and problem-solver. In 2010, Chris Lichty joined with a strong background in CNC programming and team leadership.
In 2019, Ray invited both to become shareholders. Today, the leadership team includes:
- Ray Brougham, Founder & President
- Kory Pollner, Quality Director
- Chris Lichty, VP of Manufacturing
Rainhouse Through the Years
From a single lathe in a basement to a full-service manufacturing facility serving aerospace and defence clients, these are the milestones that shaped who we are today.
2025
New 4-Axis Milling Machine
Datron M8CubeX-Axis: 1000mm
Y-Axis: 700mm
Z-Axis: 200mm
2025
New Coordinate-Measuring Machine (CMM)
Zeiss ConturaX-Axis: 500mm
Y-Axis: 400mm
Z-Axis: 400mm
2024
New Certification
AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certifications.2023
New 8-Axis Turning
Nakamura-Tome WT150iiMax. Turning Diameter: 190mm
Max. Turning Length: 515mm
Left Spindle Speed: 4,500 RPM
Right Spindle Speed: 5,000 RPM
LNS Bar Feeder: 1200mm (L) | 65mm (D)
2021
Rainhouse Celebrates 20 Years of History
Like many things in life, this journey has come with challenges but has also brought joy, growth, and the best team!2020
Expansion of Headquarters
As big believers in innovation, Rainhouse created an in-house research and development (R&D) department. We have accomplished working with an international consortium to develop smart cutting tools.2019
New 5 Axis Milling
Matsuura MX-520Work Envelope mm(in): 520x350H(20.47×13.77H) | 710x350H (27.95×13.77H)*with conditions
Spindle Speed: 12,000 RPM
2019
Chris Lichty and Kory Pollner Become Rainhouse Shareholders
Throughout this long and exciting journey, Ray found two allies who share his vision and demonstrate their passion for what they do every day. Seeing their full potential and love for what they do, in 2019, Ray decided to offer the opportunity to Kory Pollner and Chris Lichty to buy into the company.2019
New Pick and Place Machine
Manncorp Pick and Place machine for printed circuit board assembly.2017
Rainhouse Holds its First Engineering Showcase
Rainhouse’s engineering showcase creates an opportunity for local students to exhibit their latest projects as well as increases awareness of opportunities available in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields by creating networking opportunities for students, industry, and the general public.2017
Prototype Equipment Design Rebrands to Rainhouse Manufacturing Canada Ltd.
PED changed its name and appearance to better reflect our West Coast location and the broadened scope of our business.2015
New Certifications
Controlled Goods registered.2013
New Coordinate-Measuring Machine (CMM)
Made to Measure BlackhawkX-Axis: 600mm
Y-Axis: 800mm
Z-Axis: 500mm
2013
New Certifications
1. ISO 9001:2015 certified.
2. Class MA Boiler and Pressure Vessel Licenced (License No.: LPB0201365).
2011
New Capabilities Acquired
Manncorp Pick and Place machine and reflow oven for printed circuit board assembly.2010
Chris Lichty was Hired
Chris is passionate about learning how things work and all things manufacturing. He is an experienced machinist with 15+ years’ experience who can make almost any imaginable part a reality.2009
PED Expanded its Office Space to 528 William Street
Rainhouse adds 6 CNC machining centres. The company’s success was showing as they had numerous projects, new partnerships, and some growing pains.
2009
Teresa Wong was Hired
Teresa is a leader at Rainhouse with responsibilities including the oversight of our supply chain coordination, electronic manufacturing services, and office management.2004
Kory Pollner was Hired
A west coast native, born on Vancouver Island, Kory has 25+ years’ experience in machining and manufacturing. Kory can basically do it all; he is a great machinist, critical thinker, and creative problem solver.2004
PED Moved its Headquarters to 532 William Street
PED was doing well adding 2 CNC machines to its capabilities. Ray began specializing in private company projects in the marine and defence industries as well as continuing to build strong interpersonal connections with his clients.2001
