A.O. Wilson’s legacy is 100% Canadian. Founder and namesake A.O. Wilson started the company in 1945, bringing years of experience from the copper metal business to the brewing industry. Under his leadership, the company supplied all major Canadian breweries, as well as many in the U.S. and the U.K. This was at a time when industry mainstays such as the Molson Company and Canadian Breweries Limited were actively expanding across the country.
It was an exciting time to be working in the business. Little over a decade had passed since the end of U.S. prohibition, while in Canada—where prohibition was controlled by the provinces—it had been largely over since the 1920s. Nevertheless, provincial regulations kept the distribution of alcohol tightly regulated by liquor boards and publicly-owned businesses (such as the LCBO and the Beer Store in Ontario). By the 1960s, expansion had reached its limit and the majority of Canadian beer was produced by only a couple of major breweries.
Continuing our commitment to providing top of the line equipment for the beverages industry, A.O. Wilson Ltd began to form partnerships with companies in South Africa and Europe, existing leaders in the area. Using these connections, we were able to assist the growth of small wineries in Canada by offering the same technological advantages as already-established wineries. This edge helped newcomers deal with the various challenges unique to Canada, such as its colder climate and growing conditions.
The rise of the craft beer began in the early 1990s and continues to be a trend within the beverages industry today. Buying from micro-breweries is an idea that aligns closely with the values of the modern consumer, who place a premium on locally-sourced food and drink. The same holds true for smaller wineries, distilleries, cideries and companies offering “brew it yourself” options. For all of these smaller businesses, A.O. Wilson’s inventory and experience provides a “one stop shop” resource that can be relied upon in any scenario. In 1998, the company was fortunate to be able to grow their team with a western sales representative in the person of Mr. Hubert Oliver.
At the start of the new millennium, R. Graham Wilson took over the business from his father, bringing a third generation of leadership and transitioning A.O. Wilson into this new era. The company moved to Erin, increasing their team steadily. Final construction of the new warehouse was completed in 2012, giving A.O. Wilson the facilities to stock more inventory than ever before and serve businesses across the country.