www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Wednesday, March 20, 2013 | 26 After more than 25 years of success Euro-Line Appliances continues to grow OABE-nominated company welcomes second generation with ELA West The exact formula for creating a successful business is a bit of a mystery. The right product, the right time, and effective marketing are mandatory requirements. Ability, hard work and personality play a big part too. Euro Line Appliances Inc. is a company that seems to have perfectly aligned the elements required for a business to thrive, and they have over 25 years of success to show for it. Euro-Line Appliances Inc. was founded in 1987 when President Doug Eglington and his wife Sheena both originally from South Africamoved to Canada. Eglington developed a plan for a business that would see him importing and distributing appliances by German manufacturer AEG to the Canadian market. The original showroom was established in Toronto, and sales began to flourish. Eventually additional product lines were brought on board, and the showroom moved to Oakville. Their current lineup of products includes refrigerators, freezers and wine storage units by Liebherr; kitchen appliances by their signature private label, Porter & Charles; plumbing fixtures by Franke; and, of course, kitchen and laundry appliances by the flagship brand that started it all, AEG. "From the beginning our goal was to sell products that offer superior performance, design and engineering, from their North American counterparts, but still offer excellent value for money," Eglington explains. Euro-Line Appliances was ahead of the curve when it came to filling demand for green products. "Standards for responsible and sustainable manufacturing have traditionally been more stringent in Europe," Eglington explains, noting that his brands meet or exceed ENERGY STAR requirements. "The RoHS (Reduction of Hazardous Substances) program in Europe has been in place since 2006. That means our products have been free from harmful substances like lead, cadmium and mercury for some time now. Anyone looking for a greener option in appliances can feel confident when they purchase products manufactured in Europe." Designers and builders have also been crucial to Euro-Line's success. "The condo market has played an important role in the growth of our business over the last decade or so," Eglington explains. "We are able to meet the demand for large volume sales, and builders like the fact that we can provide appliances in a range of sizes." In recent years, Doug's children, Mark and Michelle, came on board to work for the company. The brother and sister who, as infants, were featured in the company's promotional photography, are now all grown up, graduated with business degrees, and contributing to the company's continued success. In 2012 Euro-Line Appliances celebrated its milestone 25th Anniversary. The company also marked an important moment in its growth with the expansion to Western Canada. Mark Eglington moved to Vancouver, B.C. where he spearheaded the establishment of Euro-Line West, affectionately known as ELAWest. ELAWest is a separate but affiliated company from Euro-Line Appliances Inc., set up to fulfill demand in Western Canada. Michelle manages the fulfillment and marketing side of the business for ELAWest from her office in Oakville. "I have to say, it's really satisfying to see my children become part of the business," says Eglington. "For me, this company represents over 25 years of work; of building relationships, creating friendships, and constantly striving for growth and improvement. It's gratifying to think that Mark and Michelle want to continue to build upon that." The success of Euro-Line Appliances Inc. has not gone unnoticed. The company has been nominated for the Oakville Awards for Business Excellence. The awards will be presented at a dinner on March 27. "To be selected by our peers in the Oakville business community means a great deal," says Eglington. "We congratulate all our fellow nominees. Our community boasts many high caliber businesses, and it's wonderful to see them recognized." 1.800.421.6332 | euro-line-appliances.com | 2278 Speers Road, Oakville