Our History

A Record of Growth – read more about our growth and expansion in the Canadian Chemical and Ingredient distribution business.

Explore Our Interactive Timeline

Learn more about Quadra’s journey from humble beginnings in 1976 to the successful 3rd largest Canadian distributor it is today.

1976

FOUNDED

Quadra is founded by Tony & Betty Infilise and Lynn & Harlene Bartlett. With small rental offices and public warehouse storage in Montreal and Toronto they secure exclusive Canadian distribution rights with Lord Corporation, which is still one of Quadra’s top supplier partners today.

1985

CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS

The Canadian Association of Chemical Distributors (CACD) is founded, with Quadra as one of the initial founding members. Tony Infilise later becomes president of the CACD, promoting Responsible Distribution within the Chemical Industry.

1988

FIRST FACILITY

Quadra builds its first facility (Head Office) in Vaudreuil-Dorion (Quebec), consisting of 25,000 sq ft warehouse and a large office space.

1991

PURCHASE OF FACILITY IN BURLINGTON

Purchase and renovation of facility in Burlington (Ontario), consisting of 37,000 sq ft warehouse and a large office and conference space.

1992

TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT

Inauguration of official TQM (Total Quality Management) program, in line with Continuous Improvement and Responsible Distribution philosophy.

1993

ACQUISITION OF MACKENZIE & FEIMANN IN WESTERN CANADA

Additional customer and supplier base and facilities in Delta (BC), Calgary (AB), and Edmonton (AB) rank Quadra among the significant Canadian chemical distributors with strategic national infrastructure.

1993

FIRST IN CHEMICAL INDUSTRY

Quadra is among the first in chemical industry to be ISO 9002 certified at all facilities.

2001

ACQUISITION OF GREAT WESTERN CHEMICAL

Acquisition of Great West Chemical – Western Canada division. Further strengthens Quadra’s presence in Western Canada and reinforces strong presence in key markets.

2002

TOP 100 CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS

Quadra celebrates their first time ranking by CPI Purchasing Magazine in “Top 100 Chemical Distributors in North America”

2003

QUADRA'S NOMINATION

Quadra is awarded their first “50 Best Managed Companies in Canada” designation.

2006

RENOVATION AND UPGRADE OF EDMONTON FACILITY

Renovation and upgrade of Edmonton facility, increasing bulk and conventional storage capabilities. Purchase of 2nd location in Edmonton - construction of new bulk tankfarm and distribution centre. Increased capacity and ability to handle railcar loading & bulk methanol loading.

2008

ACQUISITION OF PRESCOTT & CO. LTD. AND ZARCHEM

Acquisition of Prescott & Co. Ltd. and Zarchem. Addition of strong product lines and customer relationships which are complementary to Quadra’s current business.

2008

TRIPLED WAREHOUSE STORAGE SPACE

Acquisition of Prescott & Co. Ltd. and Zarchem. Addition of strong product lines and customer relationships which are complementary to Quadra’s current business.

2008

NEW CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS IN VAUDREUIL-DORION, QUEBEC

Completion of new Corporate Headquarters in Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec. Tripled our capacity including indoor tank facility and state of the art food ingredient storage. Betty Infilise (Director) played a key role in the development, design, and decor of the new facility.

2009

NEW FACILITY IN CLAIRMONT, ALBERTA

Completion of new facility in Clairmont, Alberta. State of the art tank farm and distribution centre to service Northern Alberta & British Columbia.

2010

BEST SMALL AND MEDIUM EMPLOYER IN CANADA

Quadra is proud to be named "Best Small and Medium Employer in Canada". Quadra continues to retain this designation (most recent award 2015).

2010

ACQUISITION OF TWO CANADIAN DISTRIBUTORS

Acquisition of two Canadian distributors. Rene Rivet (Food Ingredients) and Street Chemicals (Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Ingredients).

2011

OPENING OF SALES OFFICES

Opening of Saskatchewan (Prince Albert) and Maritimes (Bedford, NS) sales offices.

2011

GOOD DISTRIBUTION PRACTICE

Proudly GDP (Good Distribution Practice) certified in Burlington, Ontario and Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec facilities.

2012

Launch into northern US Oil and Gas market

2015

NEW BRITISH COLUMBIA LOCATION

Quadra unveils their newly renovated Delta, British Columbia location.

2015

CANADA’S 50 BEST MANAGED COMPANIES

Quadra has been awarded Platinum Status as one of “Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies”. Platinum Club Members are winners which maintain Best Managed status for a minimum of six consecutive years. Quadra was first awarded platinum status in 2009.

2015

TOP 100 CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTORS

Quadra is pleased to be ranked 7th in “Top 100 Chemical Distributors in North America” by CPI Purchasing Magazine.

2016

CACD / RDC

For 30 years Quadra has been involved with the Canadian Association of Chemical Distributors (CACD) and is committed to Responsible Distribution. In 2016 the CACD renamed itself to RDC - Responsible Distribution Canada

2016

40TH ANNIVERSARY

Quadra is thrilled to be celebrating our 40th Anniversary this year!

2016

Quadra Expands Resources Business into USA

2016

Quadra Chemicals Inc USA

QCI (Quadra Chemicals Inc) USA creation and launch as a full service oil & gas and mining chemicals distributor

2017

Quadra Acquires Continental Ingredients Canada

The added blending capability in Oakville and the specialized value-added technical sales team will be very synergistic with the merged team, and the combined product offering will be very attractive to our clients and suppliers

2017

Great Place to Work® Canada

Quadra is proud to announce that we have been certified as a Great Workplace after a thorough and independent analysis conducted by Great Place to Work® Canada.

2017

Wellness Award of Canada’s Safest Employers

Quadra is the 2017 Silver winner for the Wellness Award of Canada’s Safest Employers. This is a highly sought-after prize, judged by a panel of recognized professionals in the wellness industry.

2018

Great Place to Work® Canada

Quadra is recognized as one of the 2018 Best Workplaces™ in Canada by Great Place to Work®

2019

Acquisition of PlusPharma USA

Acquisition of PlusPharma USA, enabling Quadra Ingredients presence in the USA

2021

Completion of new warehouse facilities in Delta, British Columbia

Our Delta facility expansion, a multi-year project, is complete. It includes a 26 500 square foot addition to our warehouse, including a new 10 250 square foot dedicated food warehouse.