The AVRO Arrow

The AVRO Arrow

"I was just so happy to get this job"

AVRO employee handbook, 1956
For many it was the first time they had benefits such as insurance, pension and health care.

AVRO employee handbook, 1956. RPA/Albert Seaman collection.
Allengame brothers, employed at AVRO & Orenda 1952
In some households, both husband and wife worked at AVRO, in others, siblings all worked in the same plant.

Allengame brothers, employed at AVRO & Orenda 1952. RPA/Private collection.
AVRO Aircraft novice All Stars, 1958
Outside of work, the Recreation Committee directed some 30 clubs and activities such as baseball, skiing, bowling, hockey, tennis, golf, badminton, choir, pipe band and rugby. The sheer number of employees meant picnics and Christmas parties were massive events. In addition, the company sponsored minor hockey teams in the area.

AVRO Aircraft novice All Stars, 1958. RPA.
By 1953, 18,000 men and women were working at AVRO
At the plants, injuries were treated by nurses and a medical director in fully-equipped facilities. Mobile food carts brought meals from the commissary to the plant to save time and steps. Outside the plants, a security force larger than the police force of many small towns patrolled and directed over 5,000 cars in and out of parking lots every day.
The girls of the mailing department
The weekly payroll of over one million dollars was paid in cash. Armoured trucks and armed Brinks guards delivered thousands of pay envelopes for distribution every Friday night.

The girls of the mailing department - Avro Canada News.
Main St., Brampton
Across southern Ontario, the 1950s were years of prosperity for AVRO workers. Credit was easily available to AVRO employees and many bought homes, furniture, and cars. AVRO employees were proud of their accomplishments and earnings. No one could see an end to the prosperity - but an end was coming...

Main St., Brampton

[ Mouse over image to enlarge ]
AVRO and Orenda Engines employment offices were always full of hopeful candidates. Peel residents who remembered the lean times of the depression and postwar years saw working at AVRO as a dream come true.
9 Wellington St. E.
Brampton, ON L6W 1Y1 Canada
Phone: 905-791-4055
Fax: 905-451-4931
Email Us

Revised: Monday March 01 2010

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