A hundred years of history

Louis Henry Véronneau, inventor of a floor sanding machine, founds Simplex Floor & Appliance, now Location d'outils Simplex, in Montreal.

The Crash hits. Louis Henry is forced to close the other companies he started up on the basis of other inventions he had patented. His one remaining enterprise, Simplex, specializes in floor sanding. His son Roger takes over the company.

The Second World War is in full swing. For Simplex, this means a major contract renting floor sanders to the Canadian Army. After 10 lean years, things are finally looking up again. Guy, the 3rd generation of Véronneaus in the business, has been with Simplex for two years.

Roger (2^nd generation) turns over the company to his sons Guy, Bernard and Jules. They decide to end the floor sanding business and to concentrate on renting sanders and other floor maintenance tools.

The company moves from 462 Jean Talon East, in front of the old Jean Talon railway station, to 9740 L'Acadie Boulevard, site of the present head office.

After widening its inventory of rental tools throughout the first part of the 60's, Simplex buys its first forklift.

Simplex purchases its first articulating booms and scissor lifts. Construction of a workshop at 1361 Chabanel St.

Guy's sons André and Louis start Jalon Tool Rentals in Ville d'Anjou.

Guy buys out his brothers and invites André to take over as general manager of Simplex.

The opening of a new branch in Quebec City. The construction of a second workshop on Rue Des Futailles in the east end of Montreal.

Jalon and Simplex merge. Louis and André are reunited.

Opening of new branches in Ottawa and Laval.

The first acquisition of a competitor in Repentigny.

Opening of branches in Alma, Danville (Asbestos), and Longueuil.

Acquisition of centers in Farnham, Granby, Sherbrooke and Victoriaville

The National Post recognizes Simplex as one of the "50 best managed private companies in Canada."

Opening of branches in Chicoutimi, Deauville and Drummondville.

Branches open in Hull, Trois-Rivières, Dorval, Blainville, St-Hyacinthe et Lévis.

Acquisition of branches in St-Eustache, St-Jérôme, St-Nicolas, and the opening of another in Sept-Îles

Acquisition of branches in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu and Marieville. For the fourth year in a row, Simplex is recognized as one of the 50 best managed private companies in Canada.

Guy Véronneau still comes to the office, 67 years after first starting in the business. The company now has 460 employees and more than 50,000 items in stock. The Baie Comeau branch opens.

Acquisition of branches in Beloeil and La Tuque

Simplex Equipment Rental's Centennial.

Acquisition of a new branch in St-Antonin (near Rivière-du-Loup)

Opening of a new branch in Cornwall, Ontario

Implementation of two branches in Sainte-Catherine and Joliette

Acquisition of Les entreprises Nelson Ouellet in Rivière-du-Loup

Implementation of two branches in Bécancour and Beauport

Implementation of a new branch in Val d'Or

Acquisition Chariots élévateurs Blainville in Terrebonne

Acquisition of two Location Gants blancs branches in Saint-Hilaire and Saint-Basile-le-Grand