Established in London, Ontario, SLEEGERS begins as a specialized metalizing and machine shop. 

With an expanding customer base, SLEEGERS focuses on metal fabricating and begins supplying bulk storage tanks and custom vessels for commercial applications.

SLEEGERS purchases the assets of Canadian Pressure Vessels and begins manufacturing propane motor fuel tanks, becoming a trusted partner to leading OEMs across North America. These tanks are engineered to meet stringent codes and growing demand for alternative fuel vehicles.

SLEEGERS co-founds EDPRO Energy Group Inc. a propane distributor and assists with designing and building EDPRO’s first distribution terminal in London, Ontario.

SLEEGERS purchases the assets and intellectual property of two companies in Indianapolis, Indiana and moves the production of Snap-on air compressors and propane exchange kiosks to London, Ontario.

SLEEGERS becomes an active member and partner of the Canadian Propane Association (CPA) and the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), helping shape the future of propane safety and standards. - Development of fueling infrastructure capabilities begins, laying the groundwork for SLEEGERS’ entry into automated propane solutions.

SLEEGERS’ production facility is modernized to accommodate increasing production volume. SLEEGERS earns additional key industry certifications, including ASME, CSA, NFPA, and Transport Canada, positioning the company as a leader in regulated pressure vessel manufacturing in North America.

Introduction of the automated Propane Exchange Kiosk, offering 24/7 self-serve propane cylinder exchange. This innovation modernizes the customer experience while improving safety and convenience for retailers, leveraging available technology at the time to create a hybrid, nitrogen actuated, electric kiosk. In this generation of our kiosk product, electronics were minimized to comply with the stringent and necessary electrical certification requirements for a flammable gaseous fuel environment. 

Launch of our custom, portable, multi-function propane evacuation system designed to support fleet owners and service technicians in the safe removal of propane prior to vehicle maintenance. Our system was ahead of its time, born from our intimate knowledge of the propane industry and the future proliferation of liquid injection propane technologies that would require in-tank fuel pumps.

Leaping advancements in technology enabled the complete electrification of our automated Propane Exchange Kiosk, offering 24/7 self-serve propane cylinder exchange that is even more accessible, efficient, and reliable. This innovation further modernized the customer experience while completely eliminating the need for nitrogen consumables as in our 2014 vintage machine design. In this generation of our kiosk product, electronics were optimized and custom-engineered to comply with the evolving electrical certification requirements for a gaseous fuel environment.

With a deployment through EDPRO Energy Group at Walmart locations in Ontario, the Canadian deployment of SLEEGERS’ new kiosk technology hit the province at 50 locations in 2018. Later that same year, we expanded coast-to-coast in Canada with an additional 250 locations and a total of 550 machines.

Demand for lower emission transportation technologies drastically increases the demand for propane motor fuel tanks across North America while OEM partners seek to develop larger tanks that carry more fuel volume to support longer ranges. SLEEGERS introduces novel, custom-designed head presses to improve production efficiency and flexibility. At the same time, we increased our steel rolling capacity to support higher production volumes and accommodate larger components. We modernized crane service across the plant, enabling more efficient material handling across 72 weld cells. Upgrades to our circular seam welding equipment enhanced weld consistency, and the deployment of 35 state-of-the-art IoT-enabled MIG welders improved operator mobility, precision, and overall efficiency.

To reinforce our commitment to quality, we upgraded our pressure testing equipment to ensure our products continue to meet best-in-class standards. The new system delivers more precise, reliable testing, giving both us and our customers added confidence and added additional capacity for pneumatically testing higher pressure designs. We also retrofitted and standardized 50 weld stations, improving consistency and production flow across the operation. Our steel rolling capacity was expanded once again to keep pace with increased demand for higher pressure designs requiring thicker steel, and we upgraded the plant’s air handling system to improve overall employee comfort and working conditions.

We took a major step forward in automation with the implementation of a laser cutting system featuring automated steel storage and feeding. This lights-out capability increased cutting precision while reducing manual labour. To support increased demand on fabricated parts, we installed two manual Safan Darley electric brake presses, improving flexibility in our forming processes. We also upgraded our fastening technology with the investment in a semi-automated PEM machine, enabling more efficient and accurate assembly for complex components.

We invested in the safety of our powder coating operators, introducing upgraded climate-controlled safety equipment and better protective systems to ensure a safer and more ergonomic working environment.

Expanded our finishing capabilities with the addition of the Fusion Pro/24 FibreMark 50W laser engraving machine, increasing capacity and improving the accuracy of serialized and branded markings. To support rising metal fabrication demands, we upgraded our laser cutting systems with twin Mazak, 15kW NEO Lasers, tripling our effective lights-out cutting capacity and adding operational redundancy. We also installed a fully automated, lights-out Safan Darley robotic brake press, significantly improving efficiency and throughput in forming operations to keep pace with cutting throughput.

Launch of My Propane Buddy, a modern, self-serve propane exchange brand that brings the convenience of automated propane exchange to consumers. Combining innovative technology with SLEEGERS’ proven manufacturing excellence, My Propane Buddy represents a bold new step into customer-first propane experiences.

SLEEGERS goes to market with a premium line of reciprocating and rotary screw compressors with the launch of Falcon Pneumatics, offering precision-built air compressors designed for reliability across a host of sectors.

With a diverse product portfolio, custom engineering services, and a team of experts driving innovation, SLEEGERS continues to deliver high-performance solutions to the propane, energy, and industrial sectors across North America. Our strategic relationships with industry leading customers across North America keep SLEEGERS positioned to meet the ever evolving industry needs. Our relationships with organizations such as the Canadian Propane Association (CPA), the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC), and various other key industry affiliations ensure we remain at the forefront of safe, innovative, and sustainable technology.