Man of Steel.......

Persistence is to the character of man as carbon is to steel.

Quote by Napoleon Hill

The Story of Martin Steel in the Village of Vanastra

Bill Martin is a Man of Steel and has been for over 50 years. Beginning work with a scrap metal company in the 1960's, Bill learned how to turn a profit from used products and soon was operating his own business. Martin Steel was an environmental leader long before 'Re-use, Reduce, Recycle' took hold. The three R's were their raison d'etre way back when.

Martin Steel's five acres and buildings at the former RCAF Base, now the Village of Vanastra, were purchased in 1977 and were originally storage areas for when a building is demolished, tons of material have to be transported, sorted, and re-sold. The Vanastra site would accommodate large inventories and allow for transport truck entry and exit through three access gates.

In addition, the previous air force personnel quarters provided ample storage room on the upper floor for the fixtures, furniture, and the myriad of items that sometimes came from a razed building. The 20,000 square foot main floor accommodated offices and business space for the burgeoning operation.

Word spread that quality re-usable structural material was readily available from Martin Steel, as well as those unique supplies sometimes needed all at fair prices. The customer base enlarged, spreading to the United States and many major centres in Canada. Additional staff had to be hired and the company's excellent reputation grew  Over 30 years of achievement would ensue for Bill and Isabel Martin and their firm.

Now the point has arrived for the Martins to wind up the business and offer their prime real estate and historic buildings for sale.

A lifetime of ethical business dealings has been rewarding, but it's time for another enterprise to take over the property and develop its own success story.

This commercial property is presently for sale. For further information, please contact Economic Development Officer Jan Hawley of the Municipality of Huron East at jhawley@huroneast.com or 519.525.7677.