Our Past: ...our Present

Established and incorporated in 1919 by Herb Elfstrom, Sr. and Francis Smith, former machinists for Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, Ideal's founders opened the doors to their machine shop located on Alexander Street, just a few blocks from downtown Vancouver's waterfront.

Their machining business began by providing services for fishing vessels, steam tugboats and grain elevators. With the onset of World War II, their efforts became strictly war production, supplying valves for the Liberty Ships being built at Vancouver shipyards. This experience established new criteria, growth and a high level of organization and production for Ideal Iron Works. They continued operations in the Alexander Street shop until 2003.

In 1963 William Raymond Ahnert joined the company as a welder working for both Herb Elfstrom Sr. and Herb Elfstrom Jr. Ahnert took a keen interest in the machining business, especially gear cutting. By the early 70s, he had learned a lot and began investing in gearing machinery and learning all he could about the gearing industry from mentors at successful gearing companies based in Ontario. From there the company grew quickly, and supply of gearing to various industries became the focus.

In 1983 Herb Elfstrom Jr. passed away, at which time his wife Mary signed the company shares to their daughter Wendy Elfstrom and William Ahnert. Together Wendy and William headed Ideal Iron Works until 2003. The company now includes the fourth generation of family members serving customers with gearing and machining needs. Along with William Ahnert is his son, Kevin Ahnert, General Manager, and nephew Steven Ahnert, Gear shop manager.