Our History

On May 21, 1971, Less than three weeks after opening, a fire destroyed nearly all of D&R’s original facility.

From May to September 1971, D&R operated out of temporary rented space on Sheppard Avenue.

From September 1971 to January 1973, operations moved to a small rented facility on Woodbine Avenue, which proved undersized for production needs.

D&R relocated to a larger Woodbine Avenue facility better suited to its operations, remaining there for the next 12 years.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Harry Oldenhof retires.

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

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

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

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

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

D&R plans relocation to new purpose built facility.