A History of EllisDon

• 1951 - EllisDon was formed by Don Smith, brother David Ellis Smith (hence the name EllisDon) and two other silent partners. EllisDon started as a local contractor in London, Ontario employing four people.
• 1956 – EllisDon becomes the first Canadian contractor to own and operate their own tower crane.
• 1968 – EllisDon becomes the first Canadian construction company to fully computerize its accounting and cost control systems.
• 1986 – EllisDon was awarded the design and build contract for Toronto's Rogers Centre, the world's first stadium with a fully retractable roof.
• 1988 – EllisDon becomes the first construction company to complete the largest car plant in North America under a design and build, guaranteed price contract.
• 1990 – EllisDon establishes the construction industry’s first freestanding Research and Development Department dedicated to the science of building.
• 1993 – EllisDon becomes the first Canadian company to build in Latvia and Lithuania.
• 2000 – EllisDon implements the first ground breaking “Client First Program” which offers a new approach to understanding and responding to clients’ interests.
• 2003 – EllisDon captures Diamond Award of Excellence, the highest award at the 2003 Canadian Information Productivity Awards.
• 2004 – EllisDon sets a precedent for a new funding model for hospitals with the $450M William Osler Health Centre in Brampton, Ontario.
• 2006 - EllisDon is recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies. Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies is sponsored by Deloitte, CIBC Commercial Banking, National Post and Queen’s School of Business. The award program recognizes companies that demonstrate innovation, exceptional growth, financial success, and a strong corporate culture.
• 2006 - EllisDon is recognized as the 2nd Best Employer in Canada.
• 2008 - EllisDon is recognized at Canada's Best Employer ranking 1st in the survey by Hewitt Associates.
• 2009 - EllisDon is recognized once again as Canada's Best Employer, ranking 1st for a second consecutive year.  EllisDon is also honoured with Platinum Status under Canada's 50 Best Managed companies.