The continued growth of the McDermid Company is as much the result of coincidence as of hard work and responsible management.

In the years since its establishment, Earl C. McDermid Limited has endured three serious recessions, has introduced new and innovative products to the Canadian market and has served as a role model to all other paper manufacturers world-wide.

Manitoulin Island-born Earl C. McDermid, president and founder of the now 20-year-old company, met his Saskatchewan-born wife Leona while both were employed at the old Massey Harris farm implement company. Married in 1953, they were soon to find that their common goals reflected their proud heritage and pioneer spirit. This pioneering spirit had been fostered by Leona’s mother, Catherine (Kolokowich) Crouse, daughter of Ukrainian immigrant parents to the prairies. Mrs. Crouse’s first employment with the Winnipeg Free Press was the initial step toward her ultimately receiving the Order of Canada—a recognition she richly deserved.

One of McDermid’s major developments was the refinement of a facsimile thermal-coating process that allowed a single type of paper to function in all facsimile machines with equal excellent results. All producers of facsimile paper, world-wide, now incorporate this generic process.

As far back as 1976 the McDermid company recognized the need to address environmental concerns in the paper industry even though these were not an issue at the time. As a result, the company was instrumental in the development of a toxin-free, chlorine-free paper-making process that saved a paper mill in Sault Ste. Marie. The paper grade that evolved became one of the largest in volume in use in the world today. Shortly thereafter the company recognized not only the inescapable logic but also the potential for recycled paper.

The brand name for McDermid’s recycled paper was Classic Bond. This was difficult to sell because the paper, of genuine recycled components, was not as white as most users were accustomed to and demanded. Today, improved de-inking and recycling techniques have overcome the problem and removed that objection.

In 1985 the company moved to its present location in Downsview, Ontario. The former location on Limestone Cres. was reopened in 1991 as a specialized sheeting and padding operation. This resulted in a total of 105,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space.

The company continues to remain firmly in family hands, with all three children—Lance, Michael and Lori-Anne—dedicated and contributing participants. Substantial hours are invested in constructive efforts to advise government of pending pitfalls in decision-making applicable to industry and commerce.

One of Mr. McDermid’s articles, widely published in North America, foresaw in 1981 the present-day political, economical and geographic changes in the Soviet Union and chronicled them exactly as they happened. This kind of foresight and perception have allowed the company to move strategically into an international export opportunity where McDermid’s timely and innovative product development is needed and appreciated. Always being focussed on ways in which the needs and opportunities of the business world can benefit Canada and the more than 80 employees and agents of the Earl C. McDermid Company, is an ongoing source of purpose and reason for pride.
 

Earl C. McDermid is an all-Canadian family business: 1. Earl C. McDermid, President; 2. Leona McDermid, Secretary-treasurer; 3. Michael McDermid; 4. Lori-Anne McDermid; 5. Lance McDermid