Specialty Home Products: Setting the Standard with IKO New or Replacement Roofing

The IKO Story

Founded in 1951, IKO began as a small manufacturing plant in industrial Calgary. A family-owned enterprise, we made waterproofing materials the old-fashioned way: by soaking kraft paper with asphalt and by applying asphalt to paper-based felt.

There was an immediate demand for our products. With the post-World War II building boom, young families flocked to the suburbs to fulfill their dream of homeownership. We knew they deserved the very best roofing materials so just two years after opening, we introduced rolled roofing and later, asphalt shingles.

Customers loved our high-quality shingles. We expanded across Canada, continuously investing in our employees and technology to improve our products and modernize our business. By the late 1970s, our operations extended throughout Europe and the U.S.

We put engineering and state-of-the-art technology into every shingle. Although invisible to most people, roofing products have evolved dramatically. Approximately 25 years ago, fiberglass started becoming the shingle mat of choice. For select shingles, we modified our asphalt to make our shingles more pliable and durable. We added special granules to help protect roofs from the damage of UV light. And we introduced computer-aided color design to increase selection and enhance the beauty of our shingles.

At IKO, we believe the success and longevity of our company is attributed to three key ingredients: Top quality products, continuous innovation and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities.

When the market demanded a more compelling design to the traditional three-tab shingle, IKO was among the first to produce some of the world's finest laminated and architectural-style shingles. Our variety of contemporary shingles allows our customers to select the shingle that suits their individual need and style.

As roofing specialists, we stick with what we do best - roofing. What's more, we are vertically integrated, which means we have control over the entire manufacturing process - from the raw materials to the finished product. You can be assured that IKO is as responsible for the raw materials as the final product, allowing us to provide exceptional quality you can count on. Quality we believe our competitors simply cannot match.

Our strength is our commitment to quality and our passion for setting the standard in the industry.

A family-owned company now for three generations, IKO intends to be around for many more. Our products are found on distinctive residential, commercial and engineering structures in more than 50 countries. We operate over 20 manufacturing plants globally. In fact, at a time when other manufacturers are cutting back, our business is going strong. We plan to invest in additional laminated shingle production capacity and are actively pursuing opening new manufacturing facilities.

Mission Statement

IKO recognizes that its tremendous success is due to the strength of the people working within the company. A primary goal of IKO's is to promote individual employee's sense of accomplishment and contribution, so that employees enjoy their association with IKO. IKO strives to minimize the levels of management within the company. IKO invests in its employees so that they are the most knowledgeable in the industry, and undertakes great efforts, including a goal of promoting from within, to nurture loyalty to IKO. Above all, IKO is committed to providing a safe work environment for all its people.

IKO operates a vertically integrated Group network of companies that maintain their individual market recognition by promoting well-established local company and brand names. Through this strong Group network, IKO has established a reputation for quality products and excellent service that makes IKO the leading manufacturer and supplier in the roofing and waterproofing industry sector. Our mission is to further strengthen and expand our well-established position, and continue to be the first choice for architects, specifiers and installing contractors throughout the world. IKO commits itself to providing its customers the support and professionalism required to carry out first class projects.

The combined resources of IKO's research and development departments are continually challenged to Set the Standard in the industry for product and system innovation, with a strong emphasis on product life expectancy, safety and environment. A commitment to continuous capital investment and technological advancement ensures IKO's modern manufacturing facilities are industry benchmarks. This not only helps with cost efficiency, but also allows standardization of product and quality controls throughout the Group.

Finally, and as importantly, IKO continues to emphasize the long-term view over short-term results. This goal underlines a wide range of company policies, from relationships with our partners (employees, customers and suppliers), to expected returns on investments, vertical integration, and research and product development. IKO will continue to Set the Standard, but only through ethical behavior, dedication and teamwork.

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