From Aviation to Automobiles - 1950's Industrialization of the automotive industry
When the economy began booming in the 1950's, the pace of imported automobiles flowing into the Canadian market accelerated dramatically. This created a huge demand for aftermarket components and an opportunity which PRENCO grasped. The company started a division to import and distribute European car parts, a practice that continues on strong even today.
In 1950 the company also started manufacturing components for oil heating industry. Mr. Chmel sold the hydraulics division to Aeroquip Corp. of USA in 1954 while continuing to run the components manufacturing for the oil heating and automotive industries.
Chmel standing next to the Avro Arrow
Original Prenco ads circa 1954