1967
Cornell starts as a small one-person welding and repair shop. In the first few years, we grow to have five truck-mounted portable welding machines. We perform in-plant maintenance work for local industries, and produce metal products and ornamental iron work for industrial, commercial and residential applications.
history in the making
1970
In the early 1970s, Cornell begins to design and manufacture forms and molds for the precast concrete industry - an important part of the company even today. We also produce a safe liquid manure spreader for local agricultural use.
1974
In 1976, Cornell moves into the current location at 960 Keyes Drive, Woodstock. In response to tremendous growth, additions are made to head office, and the building next door is acquired.
The company grows and moves twice into larger facilities. We become incorporated as Cornell Welding & Fabricating Ltd.
1976
1980
Cornell broadens its customer base and evolves into the field of custom metal fabrication. Over the next few years, Cornell adds press brakes, shears, turret presses, flame and plasma cutters, and begins using CNC technology.
On Friday the 13th in January 1989, a serious fire destroys the back half of the main plant. Our employees pull together, working with temporary heat and lighting, to get back into production within a few weeks.
1989
1999
Cornell becomes ISO-9002 certified; two years later Cornell becomes registered in ISO-9001.
The engineering department acquires a CAD system.
1995
2005
Cornell celebrates 40th successful years in business. A 16,000 sq ft addition is completed to Plant 2. New high-tech fabricating and laser cutting equipment are installed to keep ahead of the competition.
Cornell wins the Outstanding Achievement Award for Small Manufacturing, presented by the Woodstock District Chamber of Commerce.
2007
Cornell survives the economic downturn of 2008 and 2009 without any layoffs. Instead, the company pursues more complex weldments and assemblies. Cornell’s loyal customer base expands once we register with the Canadian Controlled Goods Program.
2008
2012
Cornell designs and manufactures a series of new steel forms used in the production of 30 foot long precast highway barriers – the longest size used in Canada to date.
Cornell upgrades fabrication capacity with the installation of a new double-headed high-def plasma cutting machine, and a 50-foot cutting bed.
We proudly mark our 45th anniversary. A year later we receive the Award of Excellence for Outstanding Achievement in Manufacturing, again presented by the Woodstock District Chamber of Commerce.
2014
2015
20
16
A powerful new 6,000 Watt fibre laser cutter is Plant 1, enabling the company to manufacture very complex shapes from a variety of materials.
2017
Cornell happily celebrates its golden anniversary in business - a milestone 50 years of operation, made possible by employees, customers, and suppliers.
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