Our History

1971

D&R was established on May 1, 1971, by John DeWit (D) and Yke Reitsma (R). John DeWit and Yke Reitsma were immigrants from the Netherlands and gained valuable experience working for steel fabricators in Canada before setting up D&R on Woodbine Avenue in Markham, Ontario.

1982

Harry Oldenhof joined D&R to become Yke’s new partner as John DeWit retires.

1984

D&R moves from the original location on Woodbine Avenue in Markham to a brand new, purpose built facility at its present location in Pickering, Ontario.

1985

D&R expands with the addition of an 8,000 sq ft south bay – increasing overall production space to 24,000 sq ft.

1987

Charlie Reitsma (son of Yke) joins D&R as a partner in the company.

1996

Yke Reitsma retires but continues working part-time until 1998.

1998

Fred Engelage joins D&R to become a partner to replace Harry Oldenhof.

1999

Harry Oldenhof retires.

2009

Chris Boers, grandson of Yke Reitsma and nephew of Charlie Reitsma, joins D&R as a partner and Production Supervisor.

2010

Dan Engelage, son of Fred Engelage, joins D&R as a Project Manager.

2011

Charlie Reitsma retires. Chris Boers assumes role of Production Manager.

2015

Fred Engelage retires. Andre Haaksma joins D&R as Project Manager and Dan Engelage assumes role of President.

2023

D&R acquires 6-acres of land in Bowmanville, Ontario for development of a 60,000 sq ft purpose built facility.

2027

D&R plans relocation to new purpose built facility.