Scholarship Donor - AIT

Donor Since: 2011
Number of Scholarships: 3
Websites: Vets Sheet Metal
Scholarship Information: Vets Sheet Metal, Fred T. Rayner Legacy Scholarship, Vets Sheet Metal, Allan F. Rayner Legacy Scholarship, Vets Sheet Metal, David A. Rayner Legacy Scholarship

History:
Vets Sheet Metal Ltd. is now and has been a leader in the HVAC industry in Edmonton and Northern Alberta. Founded in 1921 by Fred T. Rayner, a WWI Veteran (hence the name 'Vets') Vets manufactured an installed residential furnaces in the growing town of Edmonton. The 'Vets Sheet Metal Supreme' Gas furnace, patented by Fred was a common fixture in thousands of Edmonton homes.

As the business and city grew, Fred's son Allan F. Rayner took over and grew the business with the help of his brother. Vets was one of the first Lennox dealers in Western Canada and was involved in many of the city's construction projects including many buildings on the University of Alberta Campus and many city buildings including the Policy Headquarters and the Law Courts. Allan also was instrumental in setting up the Sheet Metal Workers' Local 8 Pension and Benefits plan as well the Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Program.

In the 1970's, Al's son David A. Rayner took over and began the task of keeping up with technology as the sheet metal trade and business in general became more automated. In his time at the helm of the organization Vets' began to focus primarily on Industrial HVAC and Custom Metal Fabrication, adding CNC laser, punch and bending capability.

Entering the 90th year of business in 2011, Vets is a strong vibrant company under the guidance of the fourth generation of the Rayner family, Sean D. Rayner, and a dedicated team of management and employees who will continue the Vets tradition.