Our History
A company built on versatility, innovation and customer commitment
Guided by experience;
driven by opportunity
The Oroville story begins in 1960, when Gorman Bros. received its first American order for fruit bins from Dulles Warehouse in Oroville, Washington. That order opened new markets and established a connection between the Gorman operation in Westbank, Kelowna and customers across the border.
New operations
in the U.S.
In 1964, John and Ross Gorman established Oroville Bin & Pallet on the American side of the border. The company began by assembling bin parts shipped from Westbank, helping Gorman Bros. serve its growing U.S. customer base.
During the 1960s, the operation focused primarily on fruit bins, but as markets changed, so did the business. In the early 1970s, Oroville began producing ammunition boxes for the U.S. government, demonstrating the flexibility that would become a defining part of its history.
As the market grew,
so did we.
In 1981, Gorman Bros. purchased the former Valley Evaporator Building on 10th Avenue. Access to the Burlington Northern rail line was a key reason for the move, establishing the foundation for the reload and rail-shipping capabilities that remain central to Oroville’s operation today.
Through the 1980s and early 1990s, Oroville continued to adapt to changing market conditions. The company explored new products and markets, while investing in equipment, storage and production improvements. By 1994, the plant was serving as a main reload and rail shipment centre for Gorman Bros.’ U.S. business.
The modern reman
facility.
In the late 1990s, Gorman Bros. recognized new opportunities in the growing U.S. home improvement market. The Oroville plant was expanded and modernized, adding covered storage, a short board program, micro packaging and a priming line. These improvements created a more versatile, high-production facility capable of meeting customer-specific requirements.
In 1999, the company changed its name to Oroville Reman & Reload, reflecting the operation’s evolving role in remanufacturing and transportation.
Looking
ahead.
More than 60 years after its first American order, Oroville continues to build on the principles that have guided the Gorman Group from the beginning: versatility, innovation and a commitment to customers.
Today, Oroville Reman & Reload is the Gorman Group’s only U.S.-based operation, providing the remanufacturing, reload and shipping capabilities that support the company’s North American business. Our history is one of adapting to change, investing in opportunity and finding new ways to serve the market, and these same traits and values will guide us moving forward.
