Robbins and Myers Canada Ltd.: A Century of Innovation and Industry
Robbins and Myers Canada Ltd., established in 1919 as the Canadian branch of the Robbins and Myers Company of Springfield, Ohio, played a significant role in Brantford's industrial history. Known for its advanced motor manufacturing, the company grew from modest beginnings to become a key player in Canada's electric motor industry. The decision to establish a Canadian factory stemmed from Robbins and Myers' desire to better serve its growing Canadian market. Incorporated in 1919, the company initially operated out of the Motor Trucks Ltd. factory, allowing it to begin production immediately. Shortly thereafter, a state-of-the-art facility was constructed at 58 Morrell Street in Brantford, backed by an investment exceeding $750,000. The Canadian branch started by manufacturing vacuum cleaner motors, but this product line was eventually discontinued. The company later shifted its focus to electric motors, diversifying its offerings and becoming capable of producing motors up to 75 horsepower. By the 1940s, Robbins and Myers had developed a reputation for supplying high-quality motors for nearly every application.
A defining aspect of Robbins and Myers Canada Ltd. was its commitment to employing Canadians for Canadian operations. The Brantford plant was managed by a team of Canadian professionals, including K. C. Berney as general manager, R. A. Barbour as sales manager, S. C. Allen as superintendent, and A. W. Babcock as auditor. This localized approach not only fostered community ties but also ensured the company’s products were tailored to meet the specific needs of Canadian customers. Like many manufacturing companies, Robbins and Myers faced challenges throughout its history. One notable event was a sixteen-week strike in 1959, during which workers advocated for better wages and hours. Despite these difficulties, the company maintained its status as a leader in the Canadian electric motor industry, continuing to innovate and expand its product range. In 1978, Robbins and Myers sold its motor division to a group of former executives who formed Etatech Industries Inc. at the Morrell Street facility. This new entity aimed to build on the legacy of its predecessor but struggled to sustain operations, ultimately going into receivership in 1987. Despite this setback, the site at 17 Woodyatt Drive found new life as the Canadian Moyno Fluids facility, specializing in Moyno pumps.
Robbins and Myers Canada Ltd. ceased operations in Brantford in the fall of 1992. Its American parent company acquired Prochem Mixing Equipment Ltd. in Brampton and relocated all production to that facility. This marked the end of Robbins and Myers' direct presence in Brantford after more than seven decades. Despite its closure, Robbins and Myers Canada Ltd. left a lasting impact on Brantford’s industrial heritage. Its commitment to quality, innovation, and local employment made it a cornerstone of the city’s manufacturing sector. The company's legacy lives on as a symbol of Canadian ingenuity and the vital role of industry in shaping the nation’s economy.
References
https://history-api.brantfordlibrary.ca/Document/View/c35a2046-4306-441e-ab2f-3fade46ce2f3
Brantford Expositor. (1927). Brantford Expositor, Semi-Centennial Edition, 1877-1927 (Commemorative Newspapers). Brantford. Public Domain.
Brantford Expositor. (1909, October). Greater Brantford Number. Brantford, Ontario. Public Domain.