The grand opening of TS&M Supply’s new head office and distribution centre in Estevan provided an opportunity to invite the community to celebrate, and to reflect on the company’s history.
The festivities on July 22 attracted hundreds of people. They enjoyed lunch, purchased raffle tickets and toured the building. Representatives of TS&M and its parent organization, DistributionNow, were joined by Mayor Roy Ludwig for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“I am very happy and pleased with how our company has grown and expanded over the years,” TS&M general manager Doug Hunt told the audience. “Those of you who have been around for long enough can remember the multiple expansions (and) additions, working out of Quonsets and eventually new buildings that TS&M has had over the years.
“I commend all the great employees who have worked through all the different changes, and despite some hardships with space, flooding and other limitations, we have succeeded in growing this business together the way we always envisioned it could be.”
The new building boasts more than 46,000 square feet of space, spread over two floors. It gives the oilfield and industrial supply company 58,000 square feet of space for its operations in Estevan.
The new building houses their repair shop, the artificial lift systems department, the fibreglass division and the multi-plex systems. It’s also home to TS&M’s main order desk, administrative department and automation services.
TS&M’s Estevan Fire and Safety is also based out of the new building.
Most of their services were in the new building last fall. The exception was fibreglass, which didn’t move in until about a month ago.
Hunt also paid tribute to TS&M’s history. The business started as Technical Sales & Maintenance in 1970, as a repair shop and side business for Bob Larter and Darwin Sawyer. In 1973, the company was purchased by three businessmen: Roy Arndt, Dave Bergum and Ken Dowhanuik.
Dale Fox became TS&M’s fourth partner in 1976.
Arndt retired in 1991, while Dowhanuik and Fox continued to operate the company until they sold it to Westburne in 1997. Dowhanuik retired later that year, while Fox stepped aside in 1999.
Arndt, Dowhanuik and Fox were all in attendance at the grand opening.
“I would like to thank all three of these gentlemen for starting such a great company, passing down the values and customer service that has made us successful to this day,” said Hunt. “It is truly an honour that they could take the time to come out to join us in our grand opening community celebration today.”
TS&M Supply has now grown to 16 locations, with branches in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta, Ontario and Williston, N.D. The company employs approximately 200 people, with 120 in the Estevan office.
