Legend Celebrates Grand Opening of New Office with Local Leaders and Community Support

This week, Legend opened the doors to its brand-new office, marking another significant milestone in the company’s growth and continued success. Located in Tillsonburg, the grand opening event was a celebration of Legend’s journey, evolution, and commitment to delivering industry-leading upfitting solutions for work vans.

A Legacy of Innovation and Growth

Legend’s story began in England, where brothers Ben and Ross Graham laid the foundation of the company with premium rubber mats designed for horse stalls. Known for their durability and toughness, the mats quickly became a success. In 2004, the company moved to Canada, where it adapted to a new market, transitioning to dairy rubber mats.

However, a pivotal moment came when a Canadian telecom fleet requested a custom mat to protect their van floors. This inquiry sparked the innovation that would shape Legend’s future and transform it into the industry leader it is today.

Community and Teamwork at the Core

Legend’s success has always been about more than just the products. It’s the people behind the brand who make a difference.

This was a key theme for the event’s keynote speakers, including the Mayor of Bayham, Deputy Mayor of Tillsonburg, Development Commissioner of Tillsonburg and the Fire Chief of Bayham.

During the event, Patrick Bodnar, COO at Legend, emphasized the strong sense of teamwork that drives the company:

I always say that at Legend, we are all pulling the rope together in the same direction, and that is what truly sets us apart.

This sentiment was echoed by Ed Ketchabaw, Mayor of Bayham, who praised Legend’s role in the community.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Legend’s journey in 2024 hasn’t been without its challenges. Earlier this year, a fire disrupted operations at one of the company’s facilities. But in true Legend fashion, the team rolled up their sleeves and got back to work quickly, demonstrating resilience and unity. At the Grand Opening, Legend formally thanked the fire departments with a generous donation.

Reflecting on this, CEO Yorke Graham said, "2024 hasn't been the easiest of years so far. [The fire] was unexpected—but we've fought through, we've dug deep, and we've won. That was yesterday, and the real journey is only just beginning. We need to be united on this journey—Legend with our team, and Legend with our wider community—so we can continue to break down barriers and surge ahead in growth."

Recognized by Those Who Matter Most: Our Employees

One of the most significant recent accomplishments for Legend is being named Employer of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce.

Deputy Mayor of Tillsonburg, Dave Beres, underscored the importance of this recognition, saying, "The reason that the award was handed out through the Chamber of Commerce was because of a nomination—and it wasn't nominated by the town; it was nominated by the employees. The management here is to be commended because you're appreciated by the people who work here."

Looking to the Future

As the grand opening came to a close, Yorke reminded attendees that this was only the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Legend. “The real journey is only just beginning,” he said, urging both the Legend team and the wider community to continue working together to achieve even greater success in the future.

With its new office now open, Legend is poised to continue its legacy of excellence. As the company moves forward, quality, innovation, and community remain the driving forces behind its mission to provide top-tier upfitting solutions for fleets across North America.

Click below to see the grand ceremony for yourself!

 

Share Article