In what has become something of an annual aftermarket tradition, about 40 Acklands Ltd. alumni, representing a combined 1,386 years of service, recently gathered in Red Deer, Alta., to reconnect, reminisce, and share a few laughs.

The group included former employees from across multiple divisions, including Westward Tools, Body Shop, Machine Tool, and Bumper to Bumper, reflecting the breadth of Acklands’ reach in both the industrial and automotive sectors.

A highlight of the event was a memorabilia display assembled by organizer Ted Sherring. Among the items was a rare 1915 D. Ackland & Sons catalogue, dating back to a time before the company had fully committed to the automotive aftermarket.

The collection also featured a framed-for-fundraising photograph of Edmonton Oilers great Glenn Anderson hoisting the Stanley Cup, an unexpected but appreciated piece of Canadian history.

Founded in Winnipeg in 1889 by Dudley Ackland, the company began by supplying and manufacturing wooden goods. As the business grew, it expanded into carriages, wagons, and farm machinery, serving local farmers and businesses.

By 1919, with the automobile rapidly gaining ground, Acklands recognized a new opportunity: supplying replacement parts and accessories. That move helped establish the company as a long-standing player in the automotive aftermarket, alongside its growing industrial supply business.

Over time, Acklands evolved into one of Canada’s leading industrial distributors. In 1996, the company was acquired by Grainger, a major U.S.-based distributor, and became Acklands-Grainger Inc.

Its automotive operations continued to evolve as well. In 2001, Acklands-Grainger partnered with Uni-Select Inc. to form a joint venture combining their aftermarket businesses. Those operations were later fully integrated into Uni-Select, now part of LKQ Corporation.

For those gathered in Red Deer, the event was more than a reunion, it was a reminder of the deep roots and lasting connections forged in the Canadian aftermarket.