In 1968, Brannon Steel started operation with 4 employees working in 3,000 square feet of space. Fifty years later, this leading Brampton-based business employs 170 people in 200,000 square feet of space, supplying quality carbon steel parts to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Caterpillar, as well as various custom fabricators throughout Canada and the United States.
Brannon Steel cuts shapes out of steel using various cutting processes like oxy-fuel cutting, laser cutting or plasma cutting and then adds extra finishing details to fit their customer’s products and equipment. Tom Brannon and his son Al started the business in Toronto, and relocated to Brampton in the early 70s. Kirk Brannon, a cousin and the company’s President, describes how the business has grown in Brampton. “All our growth from 20 employees up to 170 employees, has all been internal growth. And it’s important for us, it’s organic, it’s real. We currently occupy three buildings in Brampton, maybe five years from now it’ll be four buildings. And that’s our plan, to continue to work and grow within the city of Brampton.“
Their attention to quality has recently earned them a Silver Award from Caterpillar as part of that company’s very demanding vendor recognition program.
The company’s location near highways 410 and 407 gives them easy access to important transportation networks in all directions. It also makes it easy for employees to get to work, either from across the GTA, or from right in Brampton through the transit network, biking or walking.
Kirk counts the company’s family approach to their employees as a key achievement. “We have a lot of long-term employees here. We actually have three generations – our first receptionist, and her daughter, and her daughter’s daughter.”
In May, the company hosted a 50th Anniversary party for all current and past retired employees and almost 300 people came out to celebrate. Kirk is quick to credit everyone at Brannon Steel for their 50 years (and counting) of success.
“It’s an important milestone for us, and we’d like to thank all of our employees, both past and current. Without them, we wouldn’t be who we are today. We’re so proud to be celebrating our 50th Anniversary and we look forward to another 50.”