From Historic Lime Kilns to Modern Building Supplies, Our Legacy is Set in Stone
Today, Oldershaw stands as a proud testament to local resilience. We have grown from a small mid-19th-century masonry supplier into Chatham’s premier hub for professional-grade interior building solutions. Whether you are outfitting a commercial space with high-performance drywall and insulation systems or completing a home renovation with premium custom trim and Benjamin Moore paint, you are leaning on 180 years of trusted regional expertise.
1846
The Foundation & The Lime Kilns
Fresh off completing his mason apprenticeship, James Henry Oldershaw establishes a contracting business in Chatham. To fuel his construction projects, he operates two massive lime kilns near the Thames River, firing limestone to produce mortar.
Late 1800s
Shifting to Retail Supply
Realizing the immense demand for raw building materials as the region rapidly grows, the lime kilns are shut down. A dedicated retail yard opens at 229 King Street West, selling sand, cement, plaster, and custom stone sills to local masons.
Early 1900s
A True Family Legacy
James brings his sons into the fold. The booming storefront transforms over the decades into J. & J. Oldershaw Building Products, and subsequently J. & A. Oldershaw, adapting to new generations of family leadership.
1934
Surviving the Great Depression
Amidst the harshest economic downturn in modern history, cousins Maurice and Don Oldershaw take the reins. Through grit and strong community relationships, they successfully steer the business through the financial crisis when others are forced to close.
1962
The Modern Transition
Maurice’s son, Blake Oldershaw, takes control. With over 35 years of personal experience, Blake begins shifting focus toward evolving construction technologies—pivoting heavily into modern drywall panels and specialized interior trims.
1991
Breaking New Ground
Needing a massive footprint for heavy boom trucks and bulk commercial inventory, Blake moves the operation from its historic downtown roots to its spacious, modern facility on McGregor Place.
1997–2017
Passing the Torch
In 1997, Bill Sluys joins Blake as a partner. Upon Blake’s well-earned retirement in 2017—after roughly 170 years of direct Oldershaw family ownership—Bill Sluys takes full ownership, preserving the legendary name, crew, and community spirit.
2024
Joining GMS Canada
Oldershaw aligns with the Yvon Group of Companies, which is subsequently integrated into the GMS Canada network. This strategic partnership vastly expands Oldershaw’s product access and bulk supply logistics while maintaining its specialized local identity.
2025
Acquisition by SRS Distribution & The Home Depot
In a massive structural milestone, The Home Depot and its subsidiary specialty distribution branch, SRS Distribution, complete the acquisition of GMS Inc. This integrates Oldershaw into a powerhouse global commercial trade and specialty building logistics network.
Present Day
