Bill and Pat Williams sure don’t look 100 years old, but their companies are.
The Markham couple owns Williams Brothers and Strike First corporations in Scarborough.
Williams Brothers makes metal cabinets and panels for customers throughout North America while First Strike manufactures fire extinguishers used in North America and the Carribean.
Mr. Williams has been in the business for 52 years. His wife, Pat, 67, has worked for the companies since 1991, handling payroll and payables.
“I carried on my grandfather and father’s name and that’s important, really important,” Mr. Williams, 68, said.
Children Andy, Jennifer and Jeff, sons-in-law Shearer and Ian and daughter-in-law Ramona all work for the companies. The two firms employ 110 people.
But these aren’t the easiest times for Canadian businesses, he admitted.
“The (high value of the) loonie has affected our business,” Mr. Williams said.
“The Canadian manufacturer is not on the same level playing field as the Americans. I believe we are taxed heavier and I don’t think our factories are as productive simply due to the fact their production runs are greater than ours, allowing them to be more efficient.
“That is also why Ontario has lost so many jobs (and) I’m not talking about service jobs like Tim Hortons or McDonald’s.”
As well, Mr. Williams noted small businesses “do not get very much help from the federal government when we employ millions of people”.
Even though his companies are 100 years old, they’re definitely not living in the past.
“We have computerized most of our machines and manufacturing in the last 15 years,” Mr. Williams said. “The machines we have, I always say, are only limited by your imagination. And computers broaden horizons with many jobs.”
Retirement isn’t on Mr. Williams’ agenda simply because he’s having too much fun.
“Having to go to work every morning and seeing all your people, it’s good. It keeps me young.”
Check out www.williams-brothers.com or www.strike-first.com for more information on the companies, including how to buy their products.