Equipment Sales & Service Limited (ESS) is celebrating its 80th anniversary, marking eight decades of service, innovation and leadership in the heavy equipment industry across Canada.
Founded in April 1946 by Bill Willis, ESS has grown from a small family business into a partner for contractors, infrastructure developers and construction professionals nationwide.
Today, the third-generation family business has locations in Toronto, Edmonton, Ottawa, London, Sudbury, Montreal, Sparwood, B.C., Quebec City and Delta, B.C.
Throughout its 80 years, ESS has operated through multiple economic cycles — including recessions, market downturns, shifting trade environments and, most recently, the disruptions of COVID-19, global supply chain challenges, inflationary pressures and evolving tariff challenges.
Today, ESS remains one of the few independently owned large equipment distributors in Canada — a position that enables long-term commitments and partnerships.
ESS Co-Executive Chairmen Michael Willis and Peter Willis reflected on the company’s eight decades in business.
“Reaching 80 years in business is an incredible milestone for our company and our family. Since 1946, ESS has been built on strong relationships, integrity and a commitment to supporting our customers with the best equipment and service possible. We are grateful to our employees, partners and customers who have been part of this journey and helped shape ESS into what it is today.
“This milestone also reflects the strength and resilience of a privately owned Canadian company built for the long term.”
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ESS represents a range of leading global manufacturers, including long-standing relationships with companies such as Komatsu and Link-Belt, among many others, supporting sectors such as construction, mining, forestry, drilling, foundations and infrastructure development.
Today, the company has built a reputation for reliability, technical expertise and long-standing partnerships with customers and leading global equipment manufacturers.
Continuing the tradition
Under the leadership of J. Morgan Cronin, ESS President and CEO, the company continues to expand its presence while staying true to its core values.
“This anniversary is not only about celebrating our past but also about looking forward,” Cronin said. “The construction and infrastructure industries continue to evolve, and ESS is committed to investing in people, technology and partnerships that help our customers succeed in that evolution. We are proud of our legacy and focused on building for the decades ahead.”
For 80 years, ESS has supported the equipment needs of Canada’s builders. As the industry evolves, the company is focused on expanding its role in the broader systems that power Canadian infrastructure. The company has grown to become Canada’s largest supplier of aftermarket equipment parts and an experienced specialist in undercarriage service.
As well, ESS has won Canada’s Best Managed Companies award for 14 consecutive years (2011-2025).
ESS’s 80-year history underscores the enduring strength of privately owned Canadian companies to adapt, invest and lead through change.
