In 1977, Gérard's spouse, Odette Desranleau, has acquired Marcel Leclair’s shares. The company gradually diversified its products and since then is offering a wide range of promotional items, including paint paddles. The business now includes a sawmill and wood drying facilities.

Odette and Gérard's oldest son, Sylvain, has joined the company in 1982 and his brother, Éric, has followed his footsteps in 1999. The company specializes more and more in manufacturing paint paddles, but with the flexibility to continue the production of its other products, including rulers and yardsticks, wooden trellises, concrete guide stakes, mini paint paddles and various promotional items made of wood.

In February 2006, Sylvain and Éric have acquired their parents’ shares; thus becoming the third generation of Leclair leaders.

Finally, in November 2006, a competitor was acquired, strengthening the company position as one of North America leading paint paddles suppliers.

In 2009, concerned with protecting the environment, Bedford Ruler ltd. received the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification.

In 2011, the purchase of a new production line has optimized the company productivity by automating operations to cope with competition from emerging countries.

Since then, it is with pride that we are the main manufacturer of paint paddles in Canada and the United States.

Our mission

At the Bedford Ruler, We want to supply the best paint paddles to the manufacturers and distributors on the local and international markets.

Our values

We will make the necessary efforts to satisfy fairly our customers, our employees and our community. We will respect people. We will encourage collaboration, initiative and open-mindedness.

Research and development

Our strategy is to offer a wide range of paddles of the highest quality. We will be ahead of our customer's needs and will work constantly to improve our products and services.