Caliper Sales & Service was founded by two partners, Rob Armstrong and Werner (Vern) Heyer. Originally located behind the now defunct Bitco premises on Industrial Road #3 in Cranbrook, BC. Steady growth of the business afforded the addition of another building across the street, thus furthering the dream to build a complete repair, manufacturing machine and welding shop.
Caliper Sales & Service changed hands and was purchased by Wayne Fletcher. As the need became evident, Caliper moved into different product lines that were required by its growing base of customers and began development of a hydraulic division. At the same time, new products were developed by Caliper, most notable was the hydraulic align-boring machine, hydraulic test bench and a drill break-out system. Caliper also became the regional distributor for Enerpac hydraulic products and Thomas skid steers.
Caliper Sales & Service once again changed hands. It was renamed to Caliper Machine & Hydraulics Ltd. The Name change was a reflection of a new direction for the company. Owner Mike Hambalek had a vision of making Caliper the best full service repair and manufacturing machine shop in the area. Quality, Service and Expertise is Our Business” was quickly incorporated as the company’s new motto.
Goals were set high to bring the standard of all repairs and manufactured parts to meet or exceed OEM quality. Caliper has made significant equipment and building upgrades, expanding yard and shop facilities to include much needed space for a growing company.
Multi patents on mining shovel parts after 7 years of development and partnering with large global companies gave Caliper a larger scope of mining parts to sell its customers at prices lower than OEM. Dedicated long-term employees are the real success behind Caliper’s continued growth and global expansion.
In 2021, Caliper expanded by purchasing Kootenay Industrial Chrome, just up the road from Caliper's main shop location. This has allowed the company to take on larger-scale repair work. In 2023, Caliper's General Manager, Troy Ross, purchased the company and has been working to make equipment improvements and upgrades to expand Caliper's services while continuing to provide the best quality work.
