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A Canadian company using Canadian steel successfully competing against offshore competitors on international markets, Leland Industries Inc. is a rapidly expanding manufacturer and distributor of fasteners. Serving manufacturers, industry and construction, Leland has established rigorous benchmarks of quality that surpass the test of today's exacting needs.

As a manufacturer of specialty fasteners, Leland Industries is now the single source of grain bin fasteners for almost all North American grain bin manufacturers and Quonset-style buildings. In addition, Leland also produces steel and stainless steel nuts, bolts, and screws for sheet steel fabricators, metal building manufacturers, professional contractors, and manufacturers of culverts and sectional garage doors.

With the support of his wife Dianne, Byron Nelson founded Leland Industries in 1983 and became the company President. First acquiring experience as a fastener distributor, Leland Industries then became a successful manufacturer of fasteners as well, developing a Canadian niche market.

Entrepreneurial, innovative, hardworking and willing to do what was needed to realize his vision -- practical skills acquired in his youth while working at the family farm in Wadena, Saskatchewan -- Nelson established Leland Industries with one machine. Incorporating in 1984, Leland moved to a 2,000 square foot unit in Scarborough, Ontario, with five employees. Concentrating on the steel-clad building and grain bin industries, Leland was successfully able to expand its production, convincing manufacturers to switch to its product line.

Although the company moved to a 12,000 square foot location on Gibson Road in Markham, Ontario, in 1991 Leland Industries was forced to relocate once again because of growing sales, to a 40,000 square foot facility on Torbay Road in Markham. In 1992 Leland opened branches in Edmonton and Calgary, with a third western location established in 1994 in Vancouver. In 1995 a new branch was also opened in Quebec. Subsequently, other branches and distribution centres were opened in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Kansas City, Kansas.  Current head office and plant facilities comprise approximately 155,000 square feet on a 10 acre site along Commander Boulevard, Toronto.

Always responsive to customers' needs, Leland initiated an in-house painting operation to provide superior painted fasteners matching the colour of the cladding. Indeed, Leland's innovation led to the creation of a proprietary paint machine utilizing powder paints rather than liquid. Ideal for the environment, the new paint is also tougher and longer lasting. Other in-house services include special engineered fasteners, custom coatings, trimming and assemblies, distinct coloured painting, and individualized packaging and labeling.

Furthermore, the company has a vast investment in the development of manufacturing and multi-component assembly systems and other technological breakthroughs, such as electrostatic powder-base finishing. Other equipment includes over 150 pieces of machinery for heading, thread rolling, slotting, trimming, point forging, shank slotting, cold nut forming, assembly, painting and packaging.

Looking at the success of Leland, Nelson attributes it to the quality of service that the company offers in its niche markets. Since the company's founding, service has always been one of Leland's top priorities. From the placement of an order to the delivery of the final product, employees work together to guarantee customer satisfaction.

The next generation of Nelsons is already involved with the company. Duane Nelson oversees the computer operations of the company, while Jason Nelson is in charge of production and scheduling.

With approximately 150 employees currently handling 10,000 tons of raw material annually, Leland is once again poised to expand its facilities and production capacity. The addition of another branch in South Carolina is in the final stages, and will be operational before the end of 2000. But as it continues to grow, Leland Industries remains committed to sustaining the quality of manufacturing and service that has made it so successful. 

Leland Indusdustries may be contacted by email at info@lelandindustries.com.