About Us
History
Our story begins in 1976 when Erik Hansen, an engineer with a large corporation in British Columbia, Canada, saw a lack of sanitary and hygienic drain systems at the twelve production facilities where he worked. That year, he developed a new drainage system called the slot drain. It was the first of its kind and a true innovation. The simple but inventive design featured a narrow slot running the length of the drain, seamless and fully welded, which allowed for better water flow and reduced the risk of clogs. Erik installed his first slot drain at a poultry facility in B.C. (where it is still in use today, over 40 years later).
Due to its valuable contribution to food safety, the slot drain quickly became popular for food and beverage production facilities, and helped to solidify DELC Drains as a leader in the hygienic drain industry.
As the company continued to grow, Hansen recognized the need to expand and reach new markets, so he sold the company in 2021 to James Sleightholme, president of Bedford Industries Group (established in 2003), which already had a strong presence in the food and beverage industry through its concrete coatings division, Eurocrete. This acquisition allowed Hansen’s expertise in drains to leverage Bedford’s broader resources, while still maintaining a commitment to quality and innovation. It secured Bedford’s place as an authority on interior hygienic infrastructure within the food and beverage industry.
In subsequent years, Sleightholme added Jordan Lee as a stakeholder in the company. The two worked hard with their team to expand DELC’s product line and to sell across North America. Today, with a reputation for superior products and outstanding customer service, DELC Drains is recognized as one of the leading hygienic drain companies in North America. While Erik Hansen has retired, his legacy of excellence continues to drive the company forward.
OUR VALUES
Everyone Goes Home Safe. We put safety first. There are no compromises. No task is worth a person’s health.
Teammates Get Treated Like Family. Be better together. A true team is a group of people who trust each other, just like a family.
Variety Makes Us Strong. We embrace a broad range of skills, specializations and perspectives. It’s what makes us strong.
Passion Leads To Pride. We’re passionate about helping to create great things and are proud when we see them realized.
Every Person Deserves To Grow. We’re happiest when we’re growing. Grow as people, as teams and as an organization, together.
Effort Gets Recognized. Leaders aren’t necessarily the ones with a title. Take time to hold the deserving people high.
Innovation Is What Sustains Us. We’re never finished innovating. Change, adapt, grow, and find a little better way each day.
