How We Started
Maurice Dufort with sons, Gil and Claude, established Dufort Agencies in January of 1967, managing and operating the Western division of Aluminum Boats and Canoe, Inc., a Quebec company manufacturing Peteborough and Princecraft boats.
They purchased and expanded the western operation from Aluminum Boats and Canoes Inc. in 1971, then operating as Dufort Distributors Ltd., offering western marine dealers a complete line of boats, trailers, skis, and marine accessories.
Our Evolution
Dufort Industries Ltd. followed in 1980 when it was recognized that a void existed in the manufacture and marketing of boat windshield and boat tops in Canada and the bordering US. This company was set up to service the boat building industry, as well as supply dealers with aftermarket products and was met with instant success. The distribution rights and inventory were then disposed of to permit full concentration on the growth of the new enterprise.
New Tech Awning & Canvas, a division of Dufort Industries Ltd., and under the same management group, was formed in 1993. New Tech serviced the commercial and residential awning, canopy, carport, gazebo, swimming pool enclosures and banner needs of the city and province. Further growth in the marine canvas division fed by demands for our products by US boat builders led to the sale of the awning division in 1999.
Tough Duck Marineand the future of Dufort Industries
With 45 years in the boating industry, Dufort Industries Ltd recognized the quality and the benefit of the Tough Duck Marine outboard covers. Dufort acquired Tough Duck Marine in the spring of 2007and the manufacture of the outboard covers and accessories were integrated with the convertible boat tops and covers they manufacture at their modern 14,000 square foot facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Dufort felt the Tough Duck Marine brand was a natural compliment to it expanding universal lines of bimini sun tops and its award-winning Sport Dodger tops. Together they will continue to develop canvas products that will enhance your boating experience.
We at Dufort Industries Ltd. are committed to providing our current and prospective customers with a quality product and are determined to go that extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction. We recognize that our success is due greatly in part to the support we receive from our customers, and the dedication of our employees. We have an outstanding reputation for customer service; strive always to be first in service, first in quality, and first to market with each new product. The knowledge and the experience of our people have established our company as a leader in the industry.