Our History

Dowco entered the age of computer drafting early in 1981 with the installation of a Hewlett Packard 1000F Series Computer with six workstations using Holguin’s CEADS-CADD software. This visionary investment in new technology represented a risky expenditure in excess of a quarter-million dollars. Many in the industry thought this was crazy, but the seed had been planted years earlier in the mind of Hugh Dobbie who’d read an article in 1964 forecasting computer-aided drafting within ten years.

A serious search began in the early 1970’s for a computer technology that would speed up the detailing process, but it was not until 1981 that a satisfactory system was found. Much has changed since that time and many a CAD software company has come and gone. August 1992, was Dowco’s ‘great leap forward’ when all shop drawings and erection diagrams were completed entirely by CAD. Now, 23 years after its introduction to computers, Dowco is recognized as expert in automated steel detailing techniques.

Hugh Dobbie Sr. continues to evaluate steel detailing software from all over the world in an effort to maintain the Company’s position as leader in automated detailing technology. In July 1995, after an investigative visit to the UK, Dowco became a major user and authorized reseller of Tekla Structures, 3D Modeling Software for steel detailing, developed by Tekla Oy in Finland. Dowco has used its research and development expertise to customize this package for the North American market.

In May 1998, Dowco successfully registered to ISO.9001-1994, culminating two years of work documenting and improving their quality systems.

On November 2, 1998 Dowco opened an office in Toronto with the goal of building an eastern organization to compliment the growing business in the west.

In November 2000, with the Burnaby office functioning at capacity, Dowco opened a third detailing office in Maple Ridge B.C. This facility also houses the training centre for Dowco's Drafting School.

In July 2005, Dowco establishes their DowcoMAX India operation. By doing so, Dowco now achieves true "24/7" operation and can meet the most demanding of schedules. This Kolkata office will also enable the company to expand dramatically as the company penetrates the global steel construction market.

Dowco’s commitment to excellence over the years, together with its early vision and realization of the creative capabilities of computer technology, has enabled the company to move ahead to position itself for unprecedented growth. With access to the most up-to-date technology, coupled with a motivated and highly-trained technical staff, the Dowco Group of Companies renew their pledge to be the best in their field, and dedicate their expertise to satisfying the needs of their clients.