Our History

(Jerry feels really old now!)

In 1984, Jerry got the bug to start his own business. With only $1800 to his name, he rented his first shop in Woodbridge, Ontario. He called the new business "Master Shopfitters" after the old English profession of shopfitting. With some borrowed tools, long hours, supporting family and helpful friends, he started building independent retail stores all over Ontario. Success came quickly as the name grew and so did the jokes about being Master "Shoplifters". Ha! ha! 

By the late 80's, the business grew out of their multi unit shop and moved to a new 32,000 sq foot factory down the street. Master Shopfitters was renamed Kooiman Industries Limited. As they grew an extensive customer list including many of the best retailers in the country, they added more staff and acquired more efficient equipment.  

In the mid 90's, Jerry and his wife Kathy, wanted to find a better balance between work and home and decided to move to Fergus, Ontario where they continued to grow. They quickly established a team of associates who shared their vision of building quality products. After 20 years operating in Fergus, Ontario the business continued to grow into new markets forcing Jerry to relocate yet again.  

Kooiman Industries Limited currently operates in a 35,000 sq foot factory in Guelph, Ontario with convenient freight access to most of their markets. They continue to embrace new technologies in all aspects of production and design. Wow, what a ride it has been!