A Journey Through Business Excellence
Shnier has a rich and storied history. The journey began all the way back in 1938, when the first sponge rubber products were sold out of Toronto, Ontario. Since then, the company has continued to evolve towards becoming Canada’s leading national floor covering company.
Here’s our story
In 1938
Company founded by George Edward Shnier selling sponge rubber products
In 1947
Rubber carpet undercushion is added to the Shnier product line
In 1955
Moses, Norman, Irving and Cecil Shnier join the business
In 1957
Shnier begins distributing Armstrong products
In 1965
Shnier becomes the largest floor covering distributor in Canada and fourth largest in North America
In 1969
Shnier becomes a public company listing shares on the TSX
In 1974
Employee profit sharing program established
In 1975
Shnier diversifies into broadloom launching the Richmond carpet line
In 1984
Shnier introduces “COLA” internet business to business online customer access
In 1992
First flooring company to carryout a consumer direct mail flyer ad campaign
In 1995
Shnier introduces laminate flooring to Canada, pioneering a new flooring category
In 1997
Shnier diversifies into ceramic tile in launching the proprietary Casa Roma brand
In 2000
Grand opening of Kenview Blvd. Toronto facility
In 2000
First annual Shnier Summit dealer convention is held
In 2001
“FloorsFirst” dealer alignment marketing program is launched
In 2002
Shnier enters the wood flooring market with the introduction of the Laurentian proprietary brand and several licensed brands
In 2004
In partnership with Amorim Corporation, Shnier begins distribution of Wicanders brand cork flooring
In 2007
Shnier family sells the company to private equity firm
In 2009
Shnier offers innovative new custom dealer websites
In 2010
Shnier receives several awards including the Brampton Business Achievement Award, and the Best Meeting in Canada award by M & IT.
In 2017
Gesco becomes parent company of Shnier
In 2018
Shnier celebrates 80 years of success
In 2023
Ironbridge acquires Gesco