June 2014
On June 25, 2014, Orser Technical Services will celebrate its 80th anniversary at their annual trade show.
Orser President Tony Telford: “If it wasn’t for the people who work here and our customers, we would not be the success that we are.” Tony, a third generation non-family owner, has been with the firm for 37 years.
Norval Orser’s idea, back in 1934, was to open an electric motor re-winding shop in Orillia. The company grew in both size and capacity, moving from its original West Street location to larger premises on the same street and eventually to new premises on Forest Avenue.
In 1995, the company was purchased by current President and Owner, Tony Telford, and in 2004, the company was re-located to its present site on Harvie Settlement Road.
The company has not lost touch with its roots. There is no job too big or too small, an attitude that has helped them grow to be the largest 24-hour on-call service, and electrical motor repair facility between the GTA and North Bay.
“On-call”, adds Telford, “to us, means that a live human being answers customer’s calls 24-hours a day. It is expensive to maintain that service but well worth it to us."
In addition to 24-hour on call service, the electrical contracting division, provides electrical control panel fabrication, installation, upgrading and repair. Their staff of certified electricians, control specialists and apprentices all meet highest industry standards for efficiency and safety.
Orser Technical is an approved Hydro One contractor and recognized by the Electrical Safety Authority’s Authorized Contractor Program.
The personal approach applies right to the top of the company. President Telford is often out in the field. “I need to keep my brain active”, says Telford. “Being out in the field is necessary to keep in touch with my business. It is also the fun part of business. I need to be a strong resource for our customers”.
Not content to rest on the successes of past history, Orser Technical Services has expanded into new markets and found environmentally friendly ways to do business, with green technologies in mind.
“There is growth in alternative energy sources”, adds Telford. “We expect to see more and more growth in the industry and in our company in solar technology”.
Attention to the environment is evidenced in Orser’s Zero Landfill Policy. Orser wants their clients to know that they dispose of their assets in an environmentally safe manner, e-cycling equipment and electronics instead of allowing their parts and chemicals to end up in landfill sites.
Aside from being a strong corporate citizen in the Orillia and area community, Orser Technical has provided their expertise in foreign lands. The day after being interviewed for this article, Tony Telford was heading to the Caribbean. In spring 2013, Orser Technical and other local community partners worked together to open a medical clinic in Esperanza, Dominican Republic. Orser donated the electrical supplies and the labour to install it. Telford is heading back to visit the clinic and inspect current conditions. “It is a life-changing feeling, to see the facility that residents have now, compared to what was there previously”, says Telford. “It is a huge sense of satisfaction”.
Orser Technical Services, in celebrating their 80 years in business, should also be proud of how they have spread their legacy abroad.
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Orser Technical Services is a client of the Orillia Area Community Development Corporation in Orillia, Ontario, a member of the Western Ontario Community Futures Development Corporation Association (WOCFDCA). Community Futures Development Corporations are non-profit organizations staffed by professionals and governed by a local volunteer board of directors. For more information on the CFDC in your area, visit www.wocfdca.com