Business is a way of life in Toronto, a city bustling with enterprises, companies, and holdings that fuel the economy of both Toronto and Canada. Today, we spotlight George Weston Limited, a renowned Canadian company founded in Toronto by George Weston. Read on to explore the history and development of this iconic business on toronto1.one.
How It All Began
In 1882, bread vendor George Weston decided to strike out on his own in Toronto. Weston started by purchasing a bread route from his employer, followed by acquiring a bakery. As an entrepreneur, he continued baking bread and personally delivering it to his customers. Eventually, Weston hired his first employee, Charles Upshall, a young baker.
Weston’s innovative approach significantly contributed to the bakery’s growth. For example, his creation of “Real Home-Made Bread,” crafted from a blend of Manitoba No. 1 hard wheat and Ontario wheat, was a hit with customers. Meanwhile, competitors resisted new technology, believing it would compromise the bread’s taste.
Expanding the Business
Weston’s ambition didn’t stop at small-scale operations. He invested in state-of-the-art equipment to automate the baking process, acquiring modern dough-mixing machines and renaming his bakery as the G. Weston Bread Factory.
In 1897, Weston launched Model Bakery in Toronto, considered the most advanced bakery in the city and the country at the time. The factory became a benchmark for cleanliness and efficiency, producing thousands of loaves per hour. Weston frequently traveled abroad to study the latest baking technologies, implementing them back home.
Despite enduring price wars among competitors, Model Bakery thrived. By 1901, the factory was producing 10,000 loaves a day and distributing bread to 38 cities and towns. Over time, Weston’s bread reached more than 100 communities across Ontario, earning him the title of Canada’s largest baker.
In addition to bread, Weston diversified his offerings. In 1897, he established a separate department for cakes, pastries, and buns. Later, the factory began producing biscuits and soft drinks.
In 1901, Weston partnered with J.L. Spink to form Model Bakery Company, though the partnership ended after five years. In 1911, Weston collaborated with bakers in Toronto, Montreal, and Winnipeg to form the Canadian Bread Company. The partners agreed not to engage in the bread business for ten years. During this period, Weston established Weston’s Biscuit Factory in Toronto. After the agreement expired, Weston resumed bread production, addressing complaints about declining bread quality in the city.
Crafting Quality English Biscuits
Weston’s son, Garfield, later joined the family business. In 1922, father and son acquired a facility to produce high-quality English-style biscuits. Garfield persuaded his father to import biscuit-making machinery from England. They also brought William Doyle, a skilled London baker, to Canada.
English bakers and machinery were installed at the new Weston English Biscuit Factory, producing biscuits that quickly became consumer favourites and formed the foundation for the company’s growth.
After George Weston’s death in 1924, 26-year-old Garfield assumed leadership of the company. Under Garfield’s direction, George Weston Limited expanded significantly. By 1928, the company acquired William Paterson Ltd., a Brantford-based producer of biscuits and confectionery.
In 1930, George Weston Limited bought Lawlor’s Bread Limited in Toronto. A year later, it acquired Regal Bakeries Limited in Ontario and Independent Biscuit Co. in Calgary. In 1933, the company purchased Lawrence Bread Limited.
Throughout its history, George Weston Limited consistently grew by acquiring bakeries and food production companies. In 1947, it purchased Loblaw Companies Limited, a supermarket chain that became a cornerstone of its business.
Today, George Weston Limited operates numerous successful subsidiaries, including Weston Foods, a leading producer of bread, biscuits, cakes, and other baked goods.
George Weston Limited is one of Canada’s largest companies, boasting billion-dollar revenues and a loyal customer base. We hope you found this deep dive into the company’s history and growth insightful.
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