In 1971 a new corporate entity emerged in Toronto. Rohm and Haas Canada Inc was born. This wasn’t just another company. It was a subsidiary of the global giant Rohm and Haas. Rohm and Haas a name synonymous with innovation had found a home in West Hill. This location at 2 Manse Road became a hub of chemical activity.
Rohm and Haas’s history stretches back to 1907 in Germany. Dr Otto Rohm and Otto Haas founded the original company. Their pioneering work in enzymes and later plastics revolutionized industries. Their success led to a US branch opening in Philadelphia in 1911. This eventually became the independent Rohm and Haas Company. The Toronto branch however was a direct result of Dow Chemical’s expansion into Canada.
Dow Chemical a name intertwined with Rohm and Haas’s later history acquired the company in 2008. Dow itself had a strong Canadian presence. They established manufacturing facilities in various locations. This included plants in Sarnia and other locations across the country. The Toronto facility served as a crucial part of this Canadian network. It was an integral part of Dow’s sales and operations in the region.
Imagine the bustling activity within those walls. Chemists and engineers dedicated to innovation. They were responsible for supplying raw materials and chemicals. These were vital components used in many industries. From agriculture to construction from beauty products to oil and gas. Rohm and Haas’s contribution to the Canadian economy was significant.
The original Rohm and Haas directors in Canada included Robert E Naylor R M Sutherland D R Valgardson Joseph D Greulich and Roger Hayward. These individuals oversaw the company’s operations. They shaped its trajectory in the Canadian market. They represented a significant chapter in the company’s history. They contributed to the economic fabric of Toronto.
Rohm and Haas Canada Inc’s story is more than just business. It’s a testament to global expansion. It’s a reflection of the impact of chemical innovation on Canadian society. Its presence on Manse Road represents a piece of Toronto’s industrial history. A history interwoven with global corporations and chemical advancement. This location played a pivotal role in the supply of materials essential to multiple industries. Rohm and Haas Canada Inc left a lasting legacy. A legacy that continues to resonate in Toronto’s industrial past.