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From its humble beginning in the late 1960s in rented facilities in Halifax to its present position as the leading manufacturer of insulation products in Atlantic Canada, TRUEFOAM Limited has concentrated on the fundamentals necessary for success in the Atlantic Canada economy: innovation and service. The company's visionary from its conception until his retirement in the mid 1980s was Karl Linton, who, in 1968 with several colleagues from the construction industry, launched the company. For many years the only product manufactured by TRUEFOAM was expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation. The lightweight yet cost effective insulation, relatively new in North America, offered potential for local manufacture due to the high costs associated with shipping a large mass. Sales grew steadily, and in 1975 the company built a modern plant in the Burnside Industrial Park, Dartmouth. As well, a new facility was established in the Fredericton Industrial Park. Innovative product development became synonymous with the TRUEFOAM name. New standards were set for basement insulation through the innovative slotted design of Truewall, followed by the invention of Insul-Wall. This patented product was the first use of EPS in wood frame construction conbining new material with conventional framing, thereby producing a highly energy efficient insulated wall system. In 1984 Eric MacNearney, one of the original shareholders and a professional engineer with experience in the oil, construction and property development industries, purchased the remaining shares from Mr. Linton and assumed the position or President & General Manager. With the view that insulation sales would flatten over time, a policy of diversification was developed. As well, it was management's philosophy to maintain and increase employment in an economically depressed province. Thus, the company purchased the assets of a fiberglass company out of receivership and, with the financial backing of TRUEFOAM, two additional fiberglass plants were opened. But because of the desire to expand its core business, namely the EPS product lines, after 10 years TRUEFOAM withdrew from the manufacture of fiberglass reinforced plastic products. In 1988 TRUEFOAM acquired its first shape moulding machine. Thirteen machines now service their fishing and aquaculture customer base in Eastern Canada and the New England states. Currently, there are 25 different models for packaging and shipping salmon, lobster and fillets, with new models being developed on a continual basis. Celebrating its 30th year of business, TRUEFOAM is committed to using the newest and best equipment and techniques in manufacturing it's products. Indeed, TRUEFOAM was recently instrumental in establishing the first polystyrene shape moulding operation in Newfoundland. Through operational successes, quality products and continued shareholder and employee commitment, Truefoam has become a leader in both of, its main product lines. The EPS insulation is tested to exacting standards, and all board produced is certified to meet or exceed the industry standard. The Styropack packaging line provides a superior package for shipping fresh fish and live seafood around the world. With an eye to the future, management philosophy continues to be long-term financial stability through careful, controlled growth while remaining flexible and receptive to new opportunities. [back] |