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 The company’s roots go back to a small clay brick and tile manufacturing operation, founded by Robert Shaw in Hantsport in 1861. In the early years of the 20th century, Shaw was at the centre of efforts to rationalize Nova Scotia’s often chaotic brick industry. In 1921, the company, then operated by Robert’s son, L.E. Shaw, started manufacturing “holloware” such as drainage pipes.
After several decades of steady growth, the company took over its chief rival, Nova Scotia Clay Works in 1930, establishing a new headquarters in Lantz, Nova Scotia. Almost wiped out during the Great Depression that soon followed, the company was resuscitated by a government road building program in 1936 that generated new demand for its pipe and drain tile.
During the next 20 years, L.E. Shaw Limited, which one writer of the day described as “an outstanding example of what an ideal industry should be,” grew dramatically. New plants were opened in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and the company expanded into manufacturing blocks and other pre-cast concrete products. The company earned an excellent reputation for quality, craftsmanship—and for the resourcefulness and dedication of its people.
By the time he died at age 82 in 1960, L.E. Shaw had created a thriving business empire that still embodies his spirit and philosophy. He is remembered as one of Nova Scotia’s industrial innovators and community builders. The company, which changed its name to The Shaw Group Limited in 1993, continues to grow and diversify. Today, the company is owned by its senior managers. Our Chairman, Allan Shaw, is a grandson of L.E. Shaw.
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