Hy-Lite Powerboats Inc. was incorporated in 1995 as an independent entity
associated with 734126 Ontario Limited (o/a Tug Weld Manufacturing) for the purpose of
marketing a line of custom built aluminum-hull, high performance, offshore type
powerboats.
The parent company, commercially known as "Tug Weld" or "TWM" was
established in 1982 for the purpose of manufacturing and repairing marine vessels and
equipment on the Great Lakes (primarily Erie and St. Clair). Between 1985 and 1988, five
fishing tugs were totally re-engineered, re-built and enlarged. They were the BM CABREIL
for Cabreil Fisheries, the MISTY JEAN for Church Fisheries, the A.R. GETTY for Getty
Fisheries,the GL SIMMONS for Simmons Fisheries and the LADY K for Krause Fisheries. In
addition, the 65 ft. CRYSTAL BLUE was designed and manufactured for Murray Collard
Fisheries of Wheatley, Ontario.
In 1987, the custom fabricating business for local food processors began in earnest.
Stainless steel processing and conveying equipment has been sold since then to such
prestigious concerns as H.J. Heinz, Pillsbury, Nabisco, Olmstead-Labatts, Family Tradition
Foods, Leaver Mushroom Farms and Krafts Foods (for a Philadelphia plant). Other aluminum,
steel and stainless steel fabrications were undertaken for Ford Motor Company and other
major industrial concerns during this period.
In 1994, after 10 years of careful and patient research, the Friesen brothers were ready
to act on a long held dream to build an offshore powerboat. The 40 ft. proto-type, twin
Mercruiser powered, 830 H.P. "Live Wire" was built that year using a
revolutionary new double hull, foam core, all-welded aluminum running surface.
In early 1995, the proto-type was taken to Fort Meyers, Florida for sea trials and video
filming. The Toronto, London and Orillia Boat Shows as well as a number of poker runs were
attended with the boat. TSN television coverage profiled the craft and Hot Boat
Magazine
did a Florida evaluation in 1995.
In December of 1995, the company purchased (and moved into in June of 1996) the present
23,000 sq. ft. facilities.
In January of 1996, both Toronto and Miami Boat shows were attended. In the summer of
1996, the first 48 ft. hull was sold to a prominent Southern Ontario industrialist.
In January 1997, the company appointed Dennis M. Smith as General Manager of Hy-Lite. It
is expected that he will become a key member of an already accomplished and multi-talented
management team whose ultimate goal is achieving the company's aggressive expansion plans
and world wide brand recognition programs.