ERCOā€™s History of Success

Our roots go back to the 1890s, when industrial electrochemistry was only just emerging. From the very beginning, our founders held close a spirit of innovation, passion, and perseverance that remains central to our company 125 years later.

Follow along our timeline for a story of breakthrough science, successive innovations, bold developments, and global growth.

Timeline at a Glance

Celebrating 125 years of reliability, growth, and innovation.

Browse a more detailed and accessible timeline (PDF).

2022 2019-2021 2017 2009 1990-2006 1988 1985 1957 1915 1897 1893 ERCO 2022 2019-2021 2017 2009 1990-2006 1988 1985 1957 1915 1897 1893 ERCO For over a century, ERCO Worldwide has stood as an industry leader in the manufacture of inorganic chemicals. We have a strong reputation for innovation, helpfulness, and premium service. We credit our deep-rooted history and hard-earned reputation to our inspiring employees and their unwavering commitment to serving our customers and planet. About ERCO Worldwide 2022 2019-2021 First Canadian electrochemical plant built in Buckingham, QC 2017 2009 1990-2006 1988 1985 1957 1915 1897 1893 ERCO 2022 2019-2021 Electric Reduction COmpany Ltd. is incorporated 2017 2009 1990-2006 1988 1985 1957 1915 1897 1893 ERCO 2022 2019-2021 Potassium chlorate manufacture begins in Buckingham, QC and continues until 1922, when it is shut down so the electrical energy from the generator can be used for phosphorus production. A pilot plant to make phosphoric acid is installed and a plant is built. 2017 2009 1990-2006 1988 1985 1957 1915 1897 1893 ERCO 2022 2019-2021 Start-up of North Vancouver, BC sodium chlorate plant. New technology (cascade continuous graphite electrode cell tanks) is implemented, replacing the previous batch process used at Buckingham, QC. 2017 2009 1990-2006 1988 1985 1957 1915 1897 1893 ERCO 2022 2019-2021 Became a founding Member of Responsible CareĀ® 2017 2009 1990-2006 1988 1985 1957 1915 1897 1893 ERCO 2022 2019-2021 Began production of sodium chlorite 2017 2009 1990-2006 1988 1985 1957 1915 1897 1893 ERCO 2022 2019-2021 Commissioned and acquired several new sodium chlorate plants in North America and one in South America Purchased Port Edwards, WI chlor-alkali plant Purchased Saskatoon, SK facility for sodium chlorate, chlor-alkali and calcium hypochlorite manufacture 2017 2009 1990-2006 1988 1985 1957 1915 1897 1893 ERCO 2022 2019-2021 Converted and expanded Port Edwards, WI chlor-alkali plant from mercury to membrane cell technology 2017 Potassium carbonate plant was decommissioned 2009 1990-2006 1988 1985 1957 1915 1897 1893 ERCO 2022 2019-2021 Acquired International Dioxcide, Inc., expanding chlorine dioxide-related products and services 2017 2009 1990-2006 1988 1985 1957 1915 1897 1893 ERCO 2022 2019-2021 Rationalization of high-cost sodium chlorate production at Saskatoon, SK 2017 2009 Expansion of Valdosta, GA sodium chlorate capacity Modernization of Buckingham, QC equipment and expansion of chlorate capacity 1990-2006 1988 1985 1957 1915 1897 1893 ERCO opens new headquarters in Mississauga, ON ERCO 2022 2019-2021 2017 2009 1990-2006 1988 1985 1957 1915 1897 1893 ERCO ERCO Worldwide logo