Our Story
A Century of Building North America
"To provide the essential building materials that strengthen communities, while honoring the land, our workers, and three generations of family values.
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Our Mission
Our Journey
The Beginning
Alice "Ace" Emmett Winters Sr. returns from WWI and opens his first limestone quarry near Sudbury, Ontario. Armed with little more than determination and a used steam shovel, he begins supplying stone to local road projects. His reputation for reliability spreads quickly.
The War Effort
As Canada mobilizes for World War II, Ace Alice supplies critical materials for military installations and infrastructure. The company expands operations and proves itself as a dependable partner for large-scale government projects.
Northern Expansion
With the Trans-Canada Highway under construction, Ace Alice opens new quarries in Timmins and Sault Ste. Marie. The company introduces its first concrete ready-mix operations to meet growing demand.
Second Generation
Emmett Winters Jr. takes the helm after his father's retirement. Under his leadership, the company expands into the United States, opening facilities in Minnesota and Michigan. His wife Margaret becomes integral to operations, managing the Thunder Bay headquarters.
Continental Reach
Ace Alice establishes presence in Ohio and Pennsylvania, becoming a truly continental supplier. The company invests in modern crushing equipment and expands its fleet to over 100 vehicles.
Sustainability Focus
The company pioneers quarry reclamation programs, transforming exhausted sites into wildlife habitats and recreational areas. This commitment to environmental stewardship becomes a cornerstone of company values.
Third Generation
Alice Winters (named for her grandfather) becomes CEO, with her husband Avert as President. They launch modernization initiatives including GPS fleet tracking, automated plant controls, and digital ordering systems.
Present Day
Today, Ace Alice Inc. operates nine facilities across Ontario, Quebec, Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. With over 500 employees and annual production exceeding 50 million tons, we remain committed to the principles Ace Winters established in 1923: quality materials, fair dealing, and treating every worker like family.
Our Values
Family First
For three generations, the Winters family has treated every employee as an extension of our own family. Many of our workers are second and third-generation Ace Alice team members.
Safety Always
Nothing matters more than bringing every worker home safely. Our industry-leading safety record reflects our uncompromising commitment to protecting our people.
Quality Driven
From raw extraction to final delivery, we maintain rigorous quality standards. Our materials consistently exceed specifications because our customers' success depends on it.
Sustainability
We're stewards of the land we work. Our reclamation programs have transformed exhausted quarries into thriving ecosystems, and we continuously invest in reducing our environmental footprint.
Three Generations Strong
Alice "Ace" Emmett Winters Sr.
Founded the company with a single quarry and built it through the Great Depression and two world wars. Known for his fairness, determination, and the famous saying that became our philosophy: "A handshake is a contract."
Emmett Winters Jr. & Margaret "Maggie" Winters
Expanded the company across North America while maintaining its family character. Emmett grew operations while Maggie created the employee programs that made Ace Alice feel like home. Together, they built an institution.
Alice Winters & Avert Winters
Modernizing operations while honoring traditions. Alice brings strategic vision; Avert brings relationship-building expertise. Together, they're preparing Ace Alice for its next century while preserving everything that makes it special.