History

Century Sales & Service (Century) originated in 1937 as an agency in Edmonton selling “Century” acetylene generators to the welding trade.   These generators, assembled in Edmonton, mixed carbide and water to produce acetylene gas for welders and were sold right across Canada.  With the availability of bottled acetylene after the Second World War, the Century generators became obsolete.   The company responded to this change by expanding into the distribution of fasteners and tools.   Many of the core product lines sold today have their roots in the product lines that were taken on in the post war period.   Century was the first fastener distributor in Alberta and has a history of over fifty years distributing for such well know manufacturers as Ridgid, Proto, Black & Decker, Dormer and Cooper Tool.

In June 1995, Vallen Corporation of Houston made a major investment in Century by purchasing 50% of the ownership.  Vallen, at that time, was the largest safety supplier in the U.S.

In March 2000, Century purchased H&A Supplies, one of the largest regional portable fire equipment services companies in Alberta, also specializing in janitorial supplies, with locations in Red Deer, Grande Prairie, Hinton and Calgary.

Vallen Safety Supply (Vallen Canada) originated in 1981 as Superior Safety. The company expanded to include branches in Sarnia and Toronto. Vallen Corporation (US) purchased a 62% interest in Superior in 1997, which started the link with Century. Acquisitions were added to increase Vallen Canada’s geographical breadth and capabilities. Direct Fire in Kingston was purchased in 1999 and Advanced Safety of St. Catharines in 2000. In May 2001 Vallen Canada acquired Kimrik Safety Equipment with locations in Montreal, Winnipeg and Calgary.  On January 1, 2002, Hagemeyer Canada purchased the outstanding shares of Vallen Canada.

In May 2004, CenturyVallen purchased 10 branches in British Columbia from Titan Supply.  This business was more prominently known as Price & Markle.  Established in 1959, Price & Markle grew to become one of the leading Industrial, Power Transmission & Bearing, and Hydraulic suppliers in British Columbia.