Despite tremendous growth, IKO has remained firmly rooted in its family values of entrepreneurial spirit, craftsmanship and innovation in roofing, waterproofing and insulation.

IKO also strives to back the best products in the industry with the best service. The IKO family includes not just the ownership, but the thousands of dedicated employees across its global operations who share the company’s ideals of craftsmanship, attention to detail and world class service for our customers. The commitment of IKO’s employees is the key pillar in the company’s success in today’s competitive marketplace.

From humble beginnings to a modern manufacturer with global reach, IKO has remained committed to the values that were the foundation of the business envisioned by the founder, Israel Koschitzky. That combination of old-time values, combined with cutting edge technology and innovation, means IKO will continue to Set the Standard both now and in the future.

The IKO name has been built on a foundation of quality and an ethos of customer service which permeates through the organisation and remains as strong today as it did over 100 years ago by delivering dependable roofing, waterproofing and insulation solutions.

IKO is now well established as a market leader in the design, manufacture and installation of roofing, waterproofing and insulation systems. With this enviable position comes an unwavering commitment and responsibility to continue investing in new product solutions, new manufacturing facilities and all dedicated to achieving excellence at every level.

IKO History

IKO is a pioneer and leader in the global roofing and related products industry.

The company was founded in 1951. It first manufactured building paper and then expanded to include coated roll roofing. Its first asphalt shingle was made in 1954, and the rest, as they say, is history.

The company thrived and grew, first establishing itself in eastern Canada with the opening of the Brampton, Ontario, shingle plant in 1959. Success in Brampton led to further expansion, next into the European market with the construction of a shingle plant in Ham, Belgium, in 1972. Expansion continued in Canada, with the addition of a new facility in Hawkesbury, Ontario, in 1976.

IKO entered the U.S. marketplace in 1979 through various acquisitions and has since expanded its presence by building new plants across North America. The most recent plant to open was in Sylacauga, Alabama and another is currently under construction in Hillsboro, Texas.

In all of its plants, IKO implements a program of continuous improvement that includes updating equipment and refining systems and processes in order to maximize efficiency and productivity, reduce waste and enhance performance and safety.

Today, more than 60 years after its founding, IKO has grown to be among the world’s largest exporters of asphalt shingles.

IKO is now a worldwide enterprise with more than 3,500 employees and more than 25 manufacturing plants in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Holland, France and Slovakia. The company ships roofing products to 96 countries around the globe.

Despite its tremendous growth, IKO has remained firmly rooted in its founder’s core values, entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to quality. The company maintains its fierce independence and adheres to its belief in the importance of controlling the raw materials used in its manufacturing processes, a practice known as “vertical integration.”

our history 1

The company is also a leader in the commercial roofing, insulation and waterproofing businesses in both North America and Europe. IKO has production plants for industrial roofing membranes, liquid waterproofing products and polyisocyanurate (ISO/PIR) insulation on both sides of the Atlantic.

IKO further strives to provide the industry with world-class service and products. From backroom to boardroom, the company’s employees share IKO’s ideals of craftsmanship, attention to detail and exemplary service for its customers. Their unwavering commitment to excellence in all they do is the key pillar in the company’s success in today’s competitive marketplace.

From a humble beginning to a modern manufacturer with global reach, IKO has remained wholly dedicated to the foundational values of the business as envisioned by its founder.

That rare and precious combination of timeless values, forward thinking and cutting-edge technology will allow IKO to continue to lead the way for its industry now and in the future.