History+
SML was founded in 1966 by a group of investors led by Alphonse Daigle. This group owned SML until 1985, when Michel Pelletier, P. Eng. and his business associate bought the company. Since 1985, SML has diversified into new products, services and markets.
The company now serves the Canadian, U.S. and international markets, and whether we are building kitchens or providing stainless steel subcontracting services, the quality of our products and services is recognized worldwide.
To keep pace with its ongoing growth, SML relocated in 1988, expanded to its plant in 2001, opened a warehouse in Ontario in 2006, and added a second production plant on the south shore of Quebec in 2009. Over the years, production capacity has increased from about 12,000 square feet to over 90,000.
In 2004, Michel Pelletier initiated an internal shake-up of the company, buying out his partner’s stake and bringing his two sons, Frédéric and Simon, into SML’s management.
Nowadays, SML has a team of over 175 dedicated employees and deploys a fleet of cutting-edge equipments.
Expertise+
SML is certified ISO 9001:2008 and has the certifications to deliver high quality products that meet your requirements.
The production team applies the principles of lean manufacturing, allowing flexible and versatile production. The team is supported by management, who follow up with customers at every key stage of their projects.
Commitment+
We are dedicated to putting customer service and satisfaction first. Our commitment is to deliver a quality product within established timelines at a competitive price.
Technology+
In order to deliver high quality products and increase efficiency, SML works tirelessly to maintain its fleet of cutting-edge machines.
The following is a list of some of the equipments that SML uses in its manufacturing processes:
- 2 laser cutting machines
- 1 punch press
- 5 brake presses
- 1 stamping press
- 1 digital machining center
- 1 welding robot with artificial vision
- 1 shear
- 1 grinding machine
- 1 deburring machine
- Several welding and polishing stations
Certification+
- CSA (Canadian Standards Association)
- CCSAUS (Canadian Standards Association) to the applicable American standards.
- ULC (Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada)
- UL (Underwriters’ Laboratories)
- CSA W47.1 (Certified by the Canadian Welding Bureau for Stainless Steel)
- CWB (Certified by the Canadian Welding Bureau)
- NSF2 (National Sanitation Foundation for Food Equipment)
- NSF4 (National Sanitation Foundation for Commercial Cooking Rethermalization and Powered Hot Food Holding and Transport Equipment) in process
- NSF7 (National Sanitation Foundation for Refrigerated Cold Pans) in process
About Stainless Steel +
Stainless steel is typically derived from a composition of iron, manganese and carbon. An alloy is created with the addition of chromium and nickel. For steel to be called stainless, it must contain a minimum of 10.5% chromium and 8% nickel. Stainless steel does not stain and is extremely resistant to corrosion. In addition, it is sanitary and easy to clean.
To effectively clean stainless steel, just use a mild detergent in warm water. With a microfiber cloth, rub the surface following the grain of the steel. Rinse with clean water. Use a dry microfiber cloth to rub the surface again following the grain. The surface will be sparkling once again.
Avoid abrasive cleaners, as they may cause scratches.
Stainless steel can be divided into five major families and more than thirty categories. The grade depends on the type of material introduced into the alloy.
The most common variety of stainless steel is the 300 series, particularly the category 304. 304 stainless steel is used in many industrial applications including kitchens, kitchen sinks, appliances, railings, etc. Because of category 304’s many desirable qualities, its output totals almost 50% of the world’s stainless steel production.
Another common variety is category 316 stainless steel. This category closely resembles category 304, but 2% molybdenum has been added. This steel provides greater protection against corrosion in specific situations, such as saline environments.
430 stainless steel is one of the few magnetic stainless steel categories. The mechanical properties of this steel do not match those of the 300 series—welds are less resistant to pressure and surfaces are more susceptible to corrosion.
These are the most common stainless steel finishes:
No. 2B: Cold rolled,
passivated
No. 4: Brushed finish
No. 7: Reflective finish
No. 8: Mirror finish
Corrosion describes the deterioration of a material through chemical reaction with an oxidant.
While resistant to corrosion, stainless steel will rust. However, instead of a film of destructive and unsightly iron oxide, a film of chromium oxide forms on its surface, creating an invisible, tenacious and protective layer. (The film forms when oxygen combines with chromium.) This naturally occurring oxidized layer adheres to stainless steel, and repairs itself in the presence of oxygen.
Electropolishing is an electrochemical process in which the surface layer of steel is dissolved. It reduces the roughness of the stainless steel and prevents the accretion of harmful substances.
RA refers to “Roughness Average.” This is the average of amplitudes measured on the surface of a material. The lower the RA, the smoother the surface.
Soldering or exposure to high temperatures creates scales on the surface of stainless steel making it less resistant to corrosion. Pickling removes these scales with a chemical, once re-exposed to air, the protective oxydized layer reforms.
Suppliers+
SML is a distributor of the following major brands: