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RotoPrecision celebrates 50 years in motion |
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MISSISSAUGA, ON-On September 16, 1958, Philip B. French called to order the first general meeting for Philip French Sales Ltd., a start-up that would eventually evolve into the global organization that is RotoPrecision today.
The early company was founded on a line of precision bearings manufactured by the Barden Corporation. "Key elements in those early days," commented Philip French in an early speech, "were an indispensable team, a very supportive partner, and an understanding bank manager."
In 1980, the company changed its name to RotoPrecision Inc. to better reflect its growing national expertise in "precision" components. The head office was ultimately headquartered at 304 Watline in Mississauga where it continues to be located today.
In 1991, Keith Mayo assumed the role of managing director and began a series of steps to strengthen the business. Significant investments were made in inventory, information systems, email, websites and toll-free numbers. In 1994, the company registered under the ISO Quality Standard as a tangible sign of the company's commitment to quality and precision. The company formalized this commitment with the launch of a new mission statement in 1998 to deliver the "perfect customer experience in the markets it serves".
"We believe that the quality of the 'customer experience' is entirely dependent upon our ability to deliver an enhanced level of interaction with customers, and our ability to complete every aspect of the customer transaction perfectly according to specification," says Mayo.
Coinciding with the new mission, the company restructured into three strategic business units to respond more efficiently to the diverse needs of the main customer segments. Distribution and OEM customer divisions were created, as well as corporate services, which served as a common base for shared activities. This included marketing, accounting, and logistics.
A new group of application support specialists was also created as a resource for all divisions whenever technical information was required. Managing this new structure was Gregg Robinson, appointed first as general manager and later as president for the Canadian operations by 2007.
The company began a series of successful acquisitions to expand its global range and leverage its corporate mission into the manufacturing forum. Davley Darmex Lubricants and Strongbar (UK) Linear Shafting were early additions in 1997 and 1998, followed by WIB Bearings in 2003, a Swiss manufacturer of specialty bearings.
RotoPrecision marked its 50th Anniversary on September 16, 2008. A number of activities had been scheduled throughout the year, beginning with the launch of a 50th logo in January 2008. The anniversary celebrations continued with a series of marketing campaigns and will culminate with a formal recognition of this significant milestone at the company's annual Christmas Party in December.
www.rotoprecision.ca
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