Montreal-based Delmar International Inc., the largest privately held freight forwarder in Canada, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary at an exclusive, by-invitation only, event at Windsor Station. More than 500 guests were on hand, including Delmar representatives, partners and clients from across the globe.
Established in 1965, Delmar International Inc. has evolved into a global player and industry leader, offering customs brokerage, freight forwarding, distribution and supply chain logistics solutions to thousands of clients worldwide. The Delmar Group operates globally, employs just over 1,000 people in 40 cities and has facilities at almost every major gateway in North America. Diversification of service offerings and vigorous expansion, including many acquisitions, has led to significant growth for the Delmar Group in recent years, specifically in Asia and Latin America.
Harrison Cutler began his career in the Canadian customs brokerage industry in the 1950s and started his own firm in Montreal. He then merged it in 1965 with Delmar Customs Brokers Ltd., a corporate name maintained through a series of acquisitions before it was changed to Delmar International Inc. in 1999. He retired as President in 2002, but remained Chairman and mentor. His son, Robert H. Cutler, stepped in as President and CEO. His brother Paul is Vice-President; Mike Wagen serves as Senior Vice-President and CEO.
“My father never gave up on me,” Robert stated, in sharing his rise to the top position. “I have an incredible support system. My dad was instrumental in making Delmar what it is today. Paul is my brother, as well as my oldest and deepest friend. Mike Wagen is like family.”
Delmar presently has more than 11,000 accounts in 14 countries and 48 offices globally. The company has been operating in China since 1979 and moved goods from Eastern Bloc countries into North America during the Cold War. “Not many, if any, were doing it because it was one of the hardest areas to work in,” Paul Cutler said. “We were able to move goods out of communist countries when others simply couldn’t,” Mr. Wagen added.