Congratulation Message from Bob Graham October 21, 2005
When I look around this building, the people and the methods of doing everything, so much has changed over the last ten years since I retired, I’d be lost in here now. Then, if I try to think back over the last fifty years, times have certainly changed since Arnold Urech and I started this business with a used pick up truck, a tool box and a week’s pay in our pocket.
Over the years, with the help of a lot of good people this is what is here today. I intend to be around to see what happens over the next ten years. I’m sure it will be amazing!
Congratulations Lorne and all Lancaster employees on a job well done. ~ Bob Graham, Past President
From Our Customers
Congratulations to Lancaster Sheet Metal Ltd. on your 50th anniversary! Proud to have worked with Lancaster on our Alberici projects at Dofasco, Ford Motor Company, GM/CAMI. and McMaster University. ~ Alberici Constructors
Congratulations on 50 years in business and thank you for our strong partnership together which we hope will last another fifty years! ~ BMO Bank of Montreal
Hearty Congratulations Lorne and Lancaster Crew for your 50th Milestone! Anyone in business that long in this Town is either Nuts, Genius, Lucky, or a Hardened Combination of all three. Here's to your Honest, Successful and Persistent Past and Bright Future.
All at Barclay are proud to have had such a long association with you and look forward to carrying on through the next 50 years. ~ Barclay Construction Group
Congratulations Lancaster Sheet Metal on 50 years of leadership and commitment to the Sheet Metal industry. Regards, ~ Jim DiNovo, Hamilton and District Sheet Metal Contractors Inc.
Congratulations LANCASTER SHEET METAL LTD. on the occasion of your 50th Anniversary. For over 20 years we have enjoyed our working relationship with you and wish you continued success in the future. ~ Allan H. Minaker, Wentworth Financial Services Inc.
Congratulations Lancaster Sheet Metal Ltd. on your 50th Anniversary from the Executive Board and the Membership of the Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 537. ~ Sheet Metal Workers' Local 537
Lancaster Sheet Metal exemplifies excellence in sheet metal contracting. Congratulations on 50 years of outstanding service. ~ John Kemp (President) & Sandy Alyman (General Manager), Hamilton • Halton Construction Association
Congratulations & Best Wishes as you celebrate 50 years of success. ~ Suzanne Bauman, Cowan Insurance Brokers Limited
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! To our friends and colleagues at LANCASTER SHEET METAL LTD. Congratulations on reaching your 50th YEAR IN BUSINESS! ~ Stelco
Congratulations on 50 years in business and we wish you continued success! ~ Ameresco Canada
It has been a real honour to be associated with such a wonderful company as Lancaster Sheet Metal over the last thirty years or more. Your service and workmanship have always been above the exceptional. Congratulations on 50 years of business. ~ Thomas Lo Regio, Mohawk Hospital Services Inc.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Lancaster Sheet Metal on your 50th Anniversary. We wish you continued success!!! ~ Martin-Stewart, General Contractors
I've been a student of business for 35 years - at college, at university, with BDC, with RoyNat, and 16 years as a management consultant. I've learned a lot from Bob Graham and Lorne Hubber - fortitude, commitment, integrity, leadership and a deep loyalty to the team. Lancaster is a role model. Best wishes for the next 50 years. ~ Peter McCann, McCann Corporate Consulting Associates
All of us at The State Group would like to extend our sincerest congratulations to Lancaster Sheet Metal Ltd. for your many years of excellent service and performance. ~ Darcy Martinow & Steve Murphy, The State Group
Congratulations to the whole team of Lancaster Sheet Metal Ltd. on your 50 years in business. We are proud to have a great relationship in the past, present and future. ~ Jim Allison, All Systems Mechanical Ltd.
Congratulations to Lancaster Sheet Metal Ltd. on your 50th Anniversary! ~ Doug Cormier (President) & Sally Ross (Manager), The Mechanical Contractors Association of Hamilton
Law firms also have their favourites clients. Lancaster Sheet Metal Ltd. has always been one of our favourites. Congratulations and best wishes on your 50th anniversary. ~ E. A. Shaker, Counsel, Inch Hammond
S.N. Agnew Mechanical has enjoyed working with your firm over the past 45 years. Thank you for the excellent workmanship and professionalism you have brought to the construction industry. Happy 50th! ~ Vern & Allan Agnew, S.N. Agnew Mechanical
On behalf of all of us here at Masters Insurance (Hamilton) Limited, I want to congratulate you on 50 successful years in business. In an industry which sees most companies survive less than 7 years, it is a testament to Lancaster's knowledge, integrity, professionalism and perhaps most of all perseverance that the company has not only prospered for 50 years but has achieved a stellar reputation for trust and fairness.
On a personal note Lorne, you not only have a business to be extremely proud of, but a family equally worthy of praise. In a sentence, Lancaster Sheet Metal and the Hubber family exude professionalism.
As your surety bond agent, I am proud to be associated with your company and your family. May the next 50 years bring the same level of satisfaction. ~ Doug Corby, Masters Insurance
On behalf of Adam Clark, it has been a pleasure to work with Lancaster Sheet Metal Ltd. for many years, and we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate your company in celebrating 50 years in business. ~ Adam Clark
Congratulations on 50 years of outstanding service to your company! Whenever there is a tough sheet metal assignment, we turn to Lancaster Sheet Metal for their expertise and reliable workmanship. ~ Tom Kemp, James Kemp Construction Limited
Lancaster Sheet Metal has established itself as one of the premier contractors in the construction industry. Your achievement of 50 years in business speaks volumes of the consistent quality and service your firm delivers. It is and has always been a pleasure doing business with your company.
Congratulations. ~ Robert McGowan, McGowan Insulations Ltd.
Congratulations on 50 Years in Business. Lancaster is a True Team Player. ~ Lorne Steeves, STF Construction Limited.
Congratulations on your first 50 years in business. ~ Aker Kvaerner Songer Canada
Proud to call Lancaster “Project Partners!” ~ Larry, Dale, Wynn, Kim, Ron and the rest of Ira McDonald Construction Limited
Comstock Canada Ltd. has enjoyed working with Lancaster Sheet Metal Ltd. over your 50 year history. Your many friends here congratulate you on this very important milestone! ~ Comstock
Congratulations on your 50th!!! For almost 17 years I have had dealings with Lancaster and in all cases I have had superb service in all respects. Working with true professionals like Lynn, Bruce, Rod, and Gary. Keep up the great work. Thanx, ~ Dan Fredson, Hamilton Wentworth District School Board
Congratulations to Lancaster on your 50th Anniversary! ~ Bill Hodgins, EMT Civil Engineering Dofasco
Congratulations to Lancaster on 50th Anniversary ~ Ted & Helen Postma & Family, TRP CONSTRUCTION
Congratulations Lancaster on 50 years in business—keep it up! ~ Frank Lacey, TRIPLE CROWN ENTERPRISES LTD.
From Our Employees
Congratulations Lancaster Sheet Metal for 50 years in the HVAC Industry!
I have been fortunate enough to be employed at Lancaster for 25 of those years. The environment that has been established within a family owned and operated business makes you feel that your efforts and opinions are sincerely appreciated. This is reflected throughout the work force within the company. Each person’s efforts and determination has helped Lancaster through many challenging and exciting projects. I look forward to the future of Lancaster Sheet Metal, as a strong foundation has been set in order to survive within this industry for many more years to come! ~ Bill Koudys
I took my apprenticeship with Lancaster when I turned 18. Next July, 2006, I will have been at Lancaster for 40 years.
Years ago, I was working on a job at the Corrections Centre in Oakville for A.O. Smith. Norm King and I showed up at the job with one little job box and a couple of ladders. A.O. Smith’s foreman, Bob Sacho, and his brother-in-law, called Lancaster a “Mickey Mouse” outfit. The laugh was on them as A.O. Smith went under the next day they were out of work. I ran into him 20 years later on a job in Brockville and I was still working for that “Mickey Mouse” outfit, Lancaster.
Another time, Bill Haynes and I were working on a job in downtown Hamilton when a fleeing bank robber ran past while losing hold of his loot bag. I chased him down and held him until the police arrived. There were lots of “bills” flying that day. In the end we received an award of $50… all in a day’s work!
The most memorable project was in Bracebridge. While working for Adam Clark on the Trans Canada Pipeline, we made one crane lift of 85 tons.
My personal highlights are driving the crane at Bracebridge and McMaster, traveling to work all over Ontario, from Niagara Falls to Windsor and from Kapiskasing to Nanticoke. I even worked through the “Big Ice Storm” in Perth.
At this time, I would like to thank Lancaster, Lorne Hubber and Bob Graham for being wonderful employers over the years. Congratulations on reaching a milestone of 50 years in business. ~ Bill Hubber
My first job at Lancaster was cutting the grass on Saturdays for my Dad when I was 10 and I’m pretty sure I got paid in peanuts from the snack box that use to sit on the filing cabinet. When I was 18, I worked at Dofasco for the summer, pulling window A/C units out of control rooms, offices, and pulpits. At the time, I claimed to know every door number in Dofasco and to have been in every building that required air conditioning. In 1997, I began my sheet metal apprenticeship and upon completion started working in our office as an estimator.
Congratulations to everyone at Lancaster for establishing a company that we can all be proud of and for building a solid foundation that we can continue to build on for many years to come. ~ Blair Hubber
After working at the Maplehurst Detention Centre, I returned to the shop to work and was greeted by Bruce Massey, Sr. He said “Well, you’re finally out of jail!” I replied, “You mean I left minimum security for maximum security…does anyone hear a buzzer??!!…..Kidding aside, CONGRATULATIONS!
Having been in the trade since 1967, I’ve had the opportunity to work for some good companies, as well as owning my own. I must say that it has been a privilege to work with everyone at Lancaster and with the excellent group of young men on board, the future looks very bright. Wishing you continued success, ~ Bob Biggs
A long, long time ago, somewhere in my apprenticeship, Jim Moffatt and I went to a job site. Jim told me to drill some pilot holes into 16 gauge angle. As the site was near completion there was no place to lay the angle. Being a very intelligent apprentice I laid the metal over my lap. Well, the drill bit ran off the metal and into my leg. I put the drill into reverse because that is what one should do when a drill bit is embedded into your leg. Immediately, I dropped my pants to inspect the damage. With my pants at my ankles a 20 something female electrician apprentice walked into the room. I guess my face was a brighter red than the blood oozing from my leg. My advice to the apprentices of 2005 would be "don't drill over any body parts".
Congratulations to Lancaster Sheet Metal for 50 years of great work and experiences. My best wishes to Lorne, Liz, Laurel and Blair. May the company prosper for another 50 years. Thanks for 30+ years as a LSM employee. ~ Bob Waines
It’s hard to believe that it has been seventeen years since starting at Lancaster. My first contact with Lancaster was at Dofasco’s Caster Project that started in 1986. At this time I was working for Commonwealth Construction. Commonwealth’s site trailers were almost side by side with Lancaster’s trailer. This is where Bruce Massey, Gus Carvalho and crew were based. If memory serves me correctly, I believe Lancaster did some work for Commonwealth as a sub-contractor. Through this connection I got to know Bruce.
As the Caster Project was winding down and there was little industrial work on the horizon, Commonwealth decided they were going to round up their wagons and head back west. I was soon going to be out of a job and Bruce approached me about an opening at Lancaster.
Sheet metal….I knew nothing about the sheet metal trade except that it involved duct work. What the heck I thought. I got my resume to Bruce who forwarded it to Lorne. Shortly after this, Lorne called me in for an interview.
Friday afternoon, sometime in August of 1988, I arrived at Lancaster’s office for the interview. I was immediately greeted by Collette. Lorne met me at the door, invited me in and introduced me to Bob Graham as we went into Lorne’s office.
“Oh my God!!!”, I thought, “Look at all the files”. They were piled everywhere. The desk was covered, the credenza was covered and the table against the wall was covered with drawings and files, even the floor had piles of files and papers, there was barely enough room for the three of us. The interview I thought went very well.
Trying to make a decision about whether I should go to Algoma Steel with the Commonwealth guys I had worked with who were now working for Dominion Bridge or go with Lancaster was a little difficult. But, the more thought I put into the decision the more Lancaster’s offered appealed to me. I accepted their offer and as they say…”the rest is history”.
Over the years I have learned that all those files are great to have around, as excellent sound deadening, a soft place to rest your elbows, to raise your work up to a more comfortable level….just kidding. Oh, I learned a little bit about sheet metal too.
It has been a great pleasure and an honour to work for Lorne Hubber and Bob Graham, in my estimation the best employers any person could have.
Lorraine and I would like extend our congratulations to Lancaster Sheet Metal on fifty years of success in the construction industry and wish Lancaster greater success for the next fifty years and beyond. ~ Brad & Lorraine Peters
Lancaster – You’re 50!!!
On this special occasion I would like to congratulate Lorne Hubber and Bob Graham for their endless efforts and leadership.
I had the good fortune to join Lorne and Bob twenty five years ago – July 1980 – as a sheet metal foreman on Dofasco projects. Five years later I was given their trust to supervise the Dofasco operation which lasted 10 years. September 1995 Bob retired, Lorne bought the company and I became Construction Manager.
Moving to 195 Hempstead Drive across the hall from Lorne has been the best learning years in my 35 year career. I have watched us double in size, take on the toughest projects and earn respect from our customers and competitors. I believe Lancaster 2005 can only get stronger when I see the accomplishments our dedicated hardworking team has achieved and the caliber of younger players we have on board. Congratulations and thank you from the Massey family. ~ Bruce Massey, Construction Manager
It has been a pleasure working in the HVAC division for Lancaster for the past 16 years. Congratulations on your 50th and wishing you much continued success. ~ Bruce Massey, Jr.
Best Wishes on your 50th year in business. I have been with Lancaster for over 11 years and have enjoyed working here. Lancaster is a great company to work for ! Congratulations and thanks. ~ Dan Hanzel and family
I’ve worked for Lancaster for eight years and served my apprenticeship here. I’ve been on a variety of projects and have had many great experiences. Congratulations on 50 years of service and many more. ~ Frank Coccaro
Over the years, Lancaster has become like a second family to me. Lorne being like a second father to me. I can say this because on more than one occasion, Lorne has offered me some “fatherly advice”. Lorne is a kind, generous, patient and understanding man. I don’t have any memories of Lorne ever getting angry or losing his temper. I couldn’t have asked for a better boss.
When I got married, Lorne and Liz both came to my wedding. My parents didn’t make speeches at the reception because they weren’t familiar with this tradition. They only knew of the traditions of their homeland of Germany. I was surprised when Lorne stood up and made an impromptu speech. He said some lovely things about me. I felt overwhelmed and touched that he had so many nice things to say. I will never forget it. Thanks Lorne! You’re the best! Congratulations Lancaster on 50 years in business (and many more). Thanks for the memories. ~ Collette Johnson, Bookkeeper
Congratulations to Lorne Hubber and Bob Graham celebrating Lancaster’s 50th Anniversary. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you both for seventeen great years and best wishes on many more! ~ Frank MacNeil, Truck Driver
I began my apprenticeship with Lancaster twenty years ago and I take satisfaction and pride in continuing and maintaining the relationships that Lancaster has with the various School Boards, Hospitals and Institutions in Hamilton. Thanks for a great twenty years and congratulations on your 50th anniversary in business. ~ Gary Cundliffe, Service Technician, Sheet Metal Mechanic
Over twenty-five years ago, I was asked by Bob Black to consider coming to work for Lancaster. I thank my lucky stars for making the right choice. For those of us that have been in the industry as long as I have, it is very easy to understand how fortunate I’ve been to work for the same company all these years. I’ve often been asked by customers and other trades what it’s like to work for Lancaster. I can truly say that I’ve been very happy to be associated with a company whose management gives you the freedom, trust and confidence they’ve given me.
Thank you Lorne and congratulation on Lancaster’s 50th anniversary. ~ Gus Carvalho
I’ve been working at Lancaster since 1994. Lancaster treats you like family, and tries to keep their Lead Hands working even during slow times. Thanks to Bruce for believing in me and for giving me the opportunity to run jobs that are challenging and fast paced. Congratulations to Lorne on running a successful business for 50 years. ~ Harold Marchesini
I worked for Lancaster in 1968 and then again since 1997. I want to congratulate Lancaster on its success and look forward to a productive future. ~ James D. Bruce, Sheet Metal Worker for 45 years
I’ve been with Lancaster eleven of their 50 years and I am still considered to be one of the new guys. I am actually a second generation Lancaster employee, as my father worked for Bob and Lorne years ago. I was also fortunate enough to have two of my brothers work for Lancaster in the Refrigeration Department. One of my fondest memories of Lancaster Sheet Metal was having a role in Lancaster achieving with CWB certification. Achieving this certification is just one of the many examples of how Bob and Lorne and the Lancaster management team have succeeded in being a major player in today’s market and will continue to do so for years to come. Congratulations on your 50 years. ~ Jeff Moffatt
Eleven years ago Bruce Massey asked me if I would like to join Lancaster to help with the cladding contract in Dofasco. It didn't take long to be welcomed into the family. Thank you Lorne and Bruce for all the support. Cara and I would like to congratulate Lancaster on your 50th anniversary and continued success in the future. ~ Joe Dielschneider & family
Congratulations to Lancaster Sheet Metal for your achievement of 50 years in business. May your next 50 years be as prosperous and successful! ~ John Merklinger, Controller
My story is that I came to work here to fill in for one day and I’m still here….close to a year later !!?? It is such a great pleasure to work with the Hubbers and every single employee of Lancaster — that in its entirety makes it a great place to be everyday.
Congratulations on 50 years and great success in the next 50! ~ Karen Charters
I started at Lancaster in the spring of 1998. I had just finished my MBA and my Dad suggested to me that if I wanted to learn about business, Lancaster would be as good a place as any. He offered me a “project” that would take “6 months, one year tops”. Seven years later, I’m still here, although, as many people seem to delight in reminding me, that original project has never been completed! Many more have come and gone however and every one has been, just as Dad promised, an opportunity to learn and grow.
Thank you Dad! And thank you to everyone at Lancaster; I am very fortunate and proud to be a part of the Lancaster family. ~ Laurel Hubber
Congratulations on your first 50 years, may the next 50 be a successful as your first 50. All the best to all the Hubbers and thanks for your generosity. ~ Michael & Ingrid Johnny
Congratulations on your successful 50th anniversary and wishing you future success on the next 50. It has been a pleasure to be a part of the first 50 years ! ~ Murray Woelfle, Estimator
Congratulations Lancaster on 50 years. Lorne you had a vision and here we are! Thanks and best wishes. ~ Peter McQuinn and family
I have worked at Lancaster Sheet Metal for the past twenty one years. I served my apprenticeship with them (mostly Billy Hubber and Billy Koudys) and have travelled worldwide participating in remote construction projects with other Lancaster employees. I would like to thank Mr. Lorne Hubber and Mr. Bruce Massey for giving me this opportunity to see and do things that are completely out of the ordinary for most skilled tradesmen. I also hope to continue to assist in helping Lancaster Sheet Metal maintain our reputation of excellence in the sheet metal industry for years to come. Best wishes for the future. ~ Randy Arsenault
Congratulations on 50 years of success. May you continue to be competitive and prosperous for many years to come. ~ Rick Doppelhofer
Remembering Lancaster 25 years ago . . . people that care. Joining a strong team – at my interview were Bob Graham (Past President), Lorne Hubber (President) and Beulah Barnes (Past Bookkeeper). Taking an interest – one occasion Howard Dickinson (Past Estimator) gave me his blessing to marry a man (he called “Aloysius”) who, after interrogating him, wanting to know his intentions, is now my husband of 22 years. Being supportive - Beulah Barnes, Howard Dickinson and Carl Yunker (Past Purchaser) surprised me with a cake to celebrate one year of being smoke free. Thanks for the memories. A lot of years have past; and it has been a pleasure having Lancaster become part of our family. I wish to thank Lancaster for the past 25 years in allowing me the opportunity to be part of your team. Congratulations and all the best in the future. Happy 50th Anniversary. ~ Roberta & Sam Politano & family
Congratulations Lorne & Bob on 50 years. It’s been a pleasure working for Lancaster, a company that has great professionalism. ~ Dave Pilon
