Boilersmith Ltd.

In 1898 Robert Bell, who had previously engaged in the manufacture of sawmills and steam engines in Hensall, Ontario, moved to purchase land and buildings in Seaforth, Ont. The Robert Bell Engine and Thresher Co. Ltd. was formed in 1903 and a boiler shop was added to allow the manufacture of complete boiler/steam engine units. For the next three decades, the major products of the Bell company were stationary, portable and traction steam engines; grain separators; sawmills; and heating and process boilers. Boiler and grain separators constituted the majority of sales through the 1940’s and early 1950’s. In 1949, the company was reorganized as Robert Bell Industries Ltd. Bradford R. Smith joined the company as managing director in 1951. Under his direction, Bell produced firetube heating and power boilers of all descriptions as well as warm air furnaces, oil and gas burners and related products. Charles B. Smith, P. Eng. became President and Managing Director of Robert Bell Industries Ltd in 1981. Increased emphasis was placed on the marketing and sale of packaged gas, oil or gas/oil fired boilers. Under Charles Smith’s direction a new company, BOILERSMITH LTD. was formed. Boilersmith Ltd. commenced the manufacturing of packaged boilers and associated equipment in 1986.