Our History

Early beginnings

Construction of our facility began in May 1965. Initial production started that September and was up to full-scale manufacturing by the end of the year. At that time, we were a subsidiary of The Columbia Mills Incorporated, of Syracuse, New York. The U.S. company had been in business since 1896 and enjoyed significant Canadian sales. The decision to open a company in Canada was an expression of Columbia’s confidence in the Canadian economy and desire to provide the best possible service to its Canadian customers. The goal was to provide excellence in the quality of our products and services. The company grew from a very small manufacturer of coated fabrics for the domestic market to a company of international stature in the North American and European markets. This was a result of commitment to quality, technological innovation and determination to attain greater levels of efficiency.

Canadian Growth 

To adapt to rising costs and an economic downtown, was shifted from manufacturing to converting and distributing in 1991, retaining only our converting equipment and stocking jumbo rolls for quick delivery.

In 1998, Columbia Finishing Mills was sold to Brian Lynch, becoming Canadian owned. Other divisions were sold to Rexam/DSI and Industrial Coatings Group, Inc.

United States Expansion 

With the consolidation of US distributors, demand for our services in the US grew. By 2022, Columbia Finishing Mills expanded aggressively into the US market, offering both new and beloved products, achieving success comparable to our Canadian achievements.