In 1946, two veteran Royal Canadian Air Force buddies pooled their limited savings to begin producing concrete masonry, a much-needed commodity in post-war Canada. With the help of family, they built their business block by block, holding it together through Ontario’s business cycles.
Three generations and 67 years, later, Hamilton-based Day & Campbell Ltd. is still following founders’ vision and remains a force in conventional and premium concrete masonry- producing as many as 25,000 blocks a day. D&C’s Modem Masonry Architectural Line offers units with the look of granite and marble, protected from graffiti, salts and natural elements by plant-applied sealants.
As a family business, D&C has always concentrated on what’s tried and true, adhering to the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” adage. That is, until a 50 year old boiler, indispensable for curing block, malfunctioned during peak season. If customer demands weren’t enough, the producer’s insurance carrier demanded a shift to a safer, more modem heat or steam source.
D&C General Manager Justin Campbell had already begun looking at the possibility of purchasing a new boiler before the old one broke down, so much of the homework was already done. He turned to Clayton Industries, which was able to immediately deliver a high-efficiency, 300-hp steam generator for interim use. Although smaller than the old boiler, the new generator ran more efficiently while consuming much less fuel .
Observing the fuel savings and steam output performance, D&C’s management informed Clayton Industries that a 500-hp steam generator would suit the near and long term: It will enable the plant to handle present production more efficiently than the old boiler and accommodate business growth ahead. “Clayton shares our passion for keeping that air of family-doing business right, creating a great product and always focusing on customer service,” Campbell affirms.
