THE HISTORY OF JOS LEBEL IN QUEBEC
The Jos LeBel Container story began well over 100 years ago in Quebec City. Tancrède LeBel started his business as a jack of all trades. One aspect of the business was the purchase and repair of wooden barrels.
1870
The rules of ice hockey are established by three McGill students, in Montreal.
1879
Jos LeBel Containers was founded by Tancrède LeBel and named after his son, Jos. At the time wooden barrels were really the only way to transport goods efficiently, be it buttons or oil. Jos LeBel Containers sold and repaired wooden barrels, amongst other sundry items.
1892
For the first time, Montreal had electric streetcars. The first one was named the “Rocket”. The new electric trams quickly replaced horse-drawn transportation.
1910
Le Devoir, a French newspaper, founded by Henri Bourassa released its first issue. Le Devoir is still in print today. The same year, Tancrède LeBel passed away. His son, Jos took over the leadership role and remained with the company until his 80th year when he passed away.
1937
André Bessette, a significant promoter of the development and construction of St. Joseph’s Oratory, passed away at the age of 91.
1944
Raymond LeBel was the next family member to take over the helm at Jos LeBel Containers. The same year, the company’s namesake, Jos LeBel passed away.
1948
The new Flag of Quebec was adopted.
1962
Construction of the Montreal Metro (subway system) began, three years after the elimination of the tramway.
1967
Quebec celebrates the 100th anniversary of joining in the creation
of Canada. The Universal Exposition of Montreal, Expo ‘67, opens.
1976
Montreal born author, Saul Bellow, won the Nobel Prize for literature. He is the only writer to win the National Book Award for Fiction three times.
1978
A 4th generation LeBel, Jean, joined the company and began to learn the business of containers. This same year the business moved from Quebec City to Montreal. New products were added to the catalogue, including pails, trays and reservoirs.
1990
Jos LeBel Containers discontinued steel & plastic drum reconditioning and went exclusively into distribution. During this period warehouse space was increased significantly.
1999
As the 90’s came to a close, Jos LeBel Containers had 4 full time employees and $1.7M in revenue.
2010
April of this year, Nils Bodtker, CEO & Founder of The Bodtker Group of Companies purchased Jos LeBel Containers.
2012
Jean LeBel retired.
2016
Jos LeBel Containers continues to grow, now with 20+ employees and over 65,000 sq. feet of warehouse space. Jos LeBel Containers launched their new website and revealed a brand new logo.
Industrial Container Services, LLC (ICS) of Maitland, Florida acquired the assets of 4 of the Bodtker Group of Companies, including Les Contenants Jos LeBel Containers. ICS is the largest provider of reusable container solutions in North America.