Simplex Celebrates 100 Years of Service
August 30, 2007 • Montreal, Quebec-based Simplex Tool and Equipment Rental recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. Founded in 1907 by Louis Henry Véronneau, the company is today the largest independent tool and equipment rental company in
Simplex has managed to evolve with changes in the market and economic ups and downs • from the Great Depression in 1929 to the 1993 recession to become the company it is today with annual sales of $65 million, 500 employees and 32 locations.
“We have taken our inspiration from one basic principle, which my great grandfather instilled in the company: customer service,” said André Véronneau, current president and CEO of Simplex and the great grandson of Louis Henry.
Simplex today rents a number of items ranging from cordless drills to 135-foot boom lifts and forklift trucks. During the past 18 months, the company has begun to move into heavy construction equipment with the purchase of loaders, backhoes, dump trucks, and rollers. "We took part in the heavy equipment exhibition called Expo Grands Travaux at Olympic Stadium in September 2006,” said Louis Véronneau, joint owner and vice president of development. “This event confirmed to us the growing interest that contractors have in renting machinery."
The company's approach, which emphasizes both listening to customer needs and real vision, helps Simplex achieve success. "In the years to come, we intend to expand our network to the whole of
