Building the Foundation
Many great companies have humble beginnings, and Valard is no exception. Valard began as a start-up utility contractor in Grande Prairie, Alberta. After partnering with Valard on a project with their own outfit (Ryco), Victor and Bill Budzinski teamed up with Ken Callies, one of Valard’s original owners, and bought into the company. This partnership put Valard on track to grow into the company that it is today.
A Major Player Emerges
Valard became a contractor of choice in the Canadian utility industry, thanks to strong partnerships, new top-level talent, strategic business acquisitions and a strong core workforce. The company’s collaborative work with First Nations predates industry trends.
Expanding Horizons
Valard morphed from a northern Alberta contractor to a major utility construction company in western Canada. During that time we developed a new relationship model with the Rural Electrical Associations (REAs). This model involved Valard looking after all aspects of day-to-day service and emergency services. This provided a step towards more efficient management of the REAs.
Growth, Opportunity & Leadership
Valard continued to grow as a company, taking on large projects in Ontario and Alberta. We began offering full EPC services to clients. We also brought on key players to the leadership team, and further solidified our position as an industry leader.
The Megaproject Era Arrives
Valard reached a pivotal milestone as a company in 2010 by joining Quanta Services. Along with the formation of the Valard Group, this change allowed Valard to become an EPC+ megaproject contractor, with history making projects, offices and sister companies across Canada. The company’s geographic footprint also grew through successful completion of projects in Europe and emergency restoration throughout the Caribbean. Former sister companies Northstar Sharp’s, Quanta Telecom Canada and Valard Geomatics all rebranded to be part of Valard, providing for greater synergies and more service offerings for our clients.