In 1972, Ed Bryant brought the Uni-Stone paving stone to North America, a decision that ultimately pioneered the hardscape industry. That paving stone was also the catalyst to the founding of Unilock, a style and technology leader in concrete interlocking paver stones for patios, retaining walls, walkways and more, which is celebrating yet another important milestone: 50 years of paving it forward.
“Unilock was founded by my father, Ed, on the spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship and strong partnerships set upon a foundation of integrity, trust and a unique family-oriented culture,” says Andrew Bryant, Unilock president and CEO, and son of late founder Ed Bryant. “For five decades, we have been setting the gold standard for the hardscape industry, and today, that culture and heartbeat are still fresh, strong and evident in every aspect of our operation.”
Entering its 50th year of operation, Unilock is celebrating its continued growth within the industry, which has been spurred by a focus on quality, a legacy of innovation and a commitment to investment.
A Focus on Quality
Unilock began with a revolutionary new paving method in the Uni-Stone, and today, continues to bring cutting-edge paving and wall products to the market, enabling hardscape designers, architects, contractors and more to build extraordinary projects that stand the test of time.
Unilock products are available in a variety of style, colors, textures and technologies, and are built to deliver:
- Durability: Unilock products meet – and exceed – industry standards, including American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) and Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
- Quality: Unilock delivers color that lasts via the refined surface of EnduraColor products.
- Style: from sleek and contemporary to timeless and weathered, and everything in between, Unilock has something for everyone.
- Beauty: deep, rich colors and a multitude of unique Reala textures combine to deliver the timeless beauty of Unilock Elegance.
A Legacy of Innovation
Since bringing the Uni-Stone paving stone to North America, thus kickstarting the hardscape industry, Unilock has been investing in new equipment, concrete technologies and processes to continue to shake up the market, with a continued focus on “firsts.”
Along with the paving stone, Unilock was first to:
- Bring product innovations: including the circle paving system to create free-flowing designs, permeable pavers for storm water applications, three-color blends and face mix products to enhance the authenticity of the overall aesthetics, and unique surface textures to add rich detail to pavers.
- Establish an Authorized Contractor Program: demonstrating the company’s commitment to the contractors who install its products, this program is designed to create a true partnership built on meaningful conversations and mutual success.
- Leverage European Partnerships: to keep Unilock at the leading edge of innovation.
- Implement a Lifetime Guarantee: Unilock was the first concrete paver manufacturer in North America to offer a Lifetime Guarantee, and continues to back it up to make sure its customers are completely satisfied with its products.
“Our relentless desire to innovate and bring new products and technologies has made us a leader in the industry,” says Bryant. “Today, we are thinking beyond just the ‘firsts’ as we continue to apply a laser-focused approach on incremental, continuous improvement in every facet of our business.”
A Commitment to Investment
Unilock has continued to grow over the decades through strategic investments in capital, product development, staffing and facilities to align with market growth and the needs of its customer base, guided by an unwavering commitment to corporate integrity.
Those investments include:
- Boots on the Ground: Unilock maintains a high-touch sales approach to ensure product support is readily available.
- Expanded Footprint: Unilock recently broke ground on additional manufacturing facilities in Ayr, Ontario, Canada; Uxbridge, Mass.; and Cincinnati, Ohio.
- Strategic Acquisitions: Unilock acquired Rocvale, located in Québec, Canada, further increasing its manufacturing capacity.
“It all started with our first operation in Barrie, Ontario, where we made just 12 stones at a time and limited our focus to municipal and institutional projects. Now we have over 700 employees across 17 locations in six regional companies, have expanded our reach to include homeowners, and have manufactured millions of square feet of pavers,” adds Bryant. “My father’s legacy will live on through our Company and employees, our dealers, and the contractors, commercial specifiers and homeowners who continue to rely on our products to enhance outdoor living spaces. We have a lot in store for this year to mark our 50-year milestone and look forward to celebrating with our employees, partners and the industry.”
Paving it Forward
Unilock has several activities planned throughout 2022 to honor the past, present and future of the Company, including:
- Recognizing Unilock Legends: celebrating key players in the hardscape industry and recognizing the important roles they each played to help build and grow the industry we know today.
- Continued focus on our partners: including a new Authorized Contractor Program, in addition to a redesigned commercial website.
- Committing to Sustainability: kicking off a sustainable initiative, with a goal to be carbon-neutral within 10 years.
- And much more!