Proud of our reputation for integrity and our commitment to getting the job done right
HISTORY
A Family Business Since 1910
S. Norman Sancton
1910 – 1953
In the early 1900s, Stanley Norman Sancton launched a pivotal journey for a century-old company. His goal: to facilitate English firms’ entry into the growing Maritime markets. A transformative trip to England yielded diverse opportunities, from plumbing fixtures to wire cable and more, which he energetically sold upon his return. As Canadian manufacturing advanced, especially in Quebec and Ontario, Norman seamlessly incorporated local products. This strategic shift expanded the company’s offerings to include manganese steel wear parts, Canadian-made wire rope, and a successful venture supplying farmers with baler twine and fishermen with sturdy manila lobster trap rope across the Maritime provinces. Norman’s foresight and adaptability established a resilient enterprise, fostering innovation, quality, and a steadfast commitment to meeting clients’ evolving needs.
Clifford H. Sancton
1953 – 1970
In 1932, Clifford Harding Sancton joined the company, expanding the product line to include screen cloth, synthetic lubricants, and dragline buckets. The road construction industry boomed due to gravel roads, driving demand for wire rope and casting. World War II brought changes, halting imports and causing English agencies to vanish by 1955. Clifford served in the Air Force from 1941 to 1945, while Norman managed the business. Despite wartime challenges, growth continued, leading to a dedicated building in 1947 and a Minto warehouse in 1948. The early 1950s saw Clifford’s partnership and the company’s incorporation in 1953. Demand led to a move to Main Street in Lancaster. In the early 1960s, Clifford oversaw the construction of a new building on Wilson Street, setting the stage for sustained success and adaptability.
N. Clark Sancton
1970 – 2012
In 1970, Norman Clark Sancton joined his father’s business, gradually assuming day-to-day control by the mid-70s. During this transition, the company underwent a significant transformation, shifting from a consignment and commission operation to a wholesale/dealer model. Concurrently, the business ventured into equipment rental, beginning with the acquisition of a local scaffolding and swing stage company. This move swiftly evolved into a comprehensive scaffold rental service, which expanded further to include scaffold contracting, involving the erection and dismantling of scaffolds at commercial and industrial sites across Atlantic Canada. In 1978, Clark invited his brother Tom to join the firm. Tom later assumed the role of Sales Manager in 1983, the same pivotal year Clark established a warehouse in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, significantly enhancing operational capabilities and reach. Additionally, Clark oversaw the construction of a new office building at 85 McIlveen in Saint John, selling off the Wilson Street building in the process. In the mid-90s, Clark pioneered a hooking operation for screen cloth, the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada. He also brought both his sons into the business and led the relocation to the current premises at 220 Culter Ave in Dartmouth.
Matthew W. Sancton
2012 – Present
Matthew William Sancton, a fourth-generation leader of the Sancton Group, hails from Rothesay, New Brunswick. His business journey began with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, graduating in 1995. In January 1997, he officially joined the family business in Halifax, Nova Scotia, marking the start of his full-time career. In 1999, Matthew took a bold step by transforming the rental business within the company into an access contracting firm. This shift placed him at the helm of sales, estimating, labour management, job costing, and overseeing the administrative team. His passion for innovation and market trends led him to introduce new access ideas, such as suspended scaffold systems, hydraulic mast climbers, and Keder roof systems, significantly expanding the company’s offerings and market presence in Atlantic Canada. In 2012, Matthew assumed the role of President for Sancton Group Inc., where he now oversees both the Access and Equipment operations. His leadership is marked by a continuous quest for new and innovative products and concepts, scouting across Canada and globally to ensure that the company provides customers with cutting-edge solutions tailored to their businesses’ needs. Matthew remains actively engaged with industry associations, including the Carpenters Union, NSCLRA (Nova Scotia Construction Labour Relations Association), and the Saint John Construction Association. His dedication to industry collaboration and staying at the forefront of advancements underscores his commitment to driving growth and excellence within the Sancton Group.
