1954

Mr. Jacques Karijo was an electrical and mechanical engineer who laid the foundation for KAR by securing the rights to be the exclusive supplier of Rotor Live Centers in Canada.  He partnered with his accountant Mr. Raoul Vinarich to co-found Technical International Enterprise in Montreal, Québec.   

1955

Within a year the company expanded its product offerings to include reputable brands such as Ifanger cutting tools and Microflet surface plates. With limited office space and growing product offerings, some inventory was stored in Mr. Karijo's home garage located nearby. 

1956

Mr. Karijo and Mr.Vinarich changed the company name to KARVIN Industrial.

1959

Mr. Karijo purchased Mr. Vinarich's share of the company, creating KAR Industrial Limited.

1960

Mr. Karijo's brother-in-law, Mr. Steve Tau, an engineer, joined the company as its Vice President.  His son Danny Tau began to work in the company during his summer vacations.

1967

Mr. Karijo secured a new site in the Montreal area at 5790 Donahue to build a larger facility for KAR, in order to meet the company's expanding needs.

1973

After nineteen years at the helm of the company he founded, Mr. Karijo passed away. Mrs. Magda Karijo, with the encouragement and support of her brother-in-law Mr. Steve Tau, took over the reins of the company to continue her husband's legacy.

1976

KAR expanded its presence into the Ontario market by opening a facility in the Toronto area.  Danny Tau, President of the Ontario Division, and Mr. Steve Tau operated the new location, designed to better reach and service Ontario manufacturers.

1978

Mrs. Karijo married Mr. V.V. Benedik, an architect and engineer, who became an integral part of the KAR team. 

1985

KAR built a new warehouse on Pacific Circle in the City of Mississauga, to accommodate its ever-growing inventory. 

1987

Mr. Benedik designed and supervised the construction of the third Montreal warehouse located on 74 Hymus Blvd.  Today, KAR Montreal continues to operate in this 20,000 square foot facility.

1998

KAR Ontario opened its new 24,000 square foot warehouse located at 6877 Edwards Blvd., in the City of Mississauga.

2002

Under Danny's initiative KAR opened a facility in Edmonton to better meet the needs of its customers in the Western Provinces.

2004

On February 24th  KAR faced a tremendous loss; Danny Tau passed away. His contributions to the company were invaluable and his passion to achieve new heights remains embedded in KAR's culture.

KAR Industrial Limited celebrates its 50th Anniversary with customers, suppliers and employees.

This year marks Mrs. Karijo-Benedik's (better known to many as "Mrs. B") 31st anniversary as President.  She and her family continue to take a direct role in moving the company forward.  Mrs. B's granddaughter Maggie Katz, a mechanical engineer, joined the KAR team in 2003.  

In July Mrs. Karijo-Benedik introduced KAR's new Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Ward Meek.  Mr. Meek has over 20 years of experience in the Manufacturing/Distribution Industry.