Tony's Journey
Our founder, Tony Villapiana, passed in 2022 leaving behind a company and family of employees that upholds Tony’s core values of quality workmanship and strong relationships. Learn more about Tony’s journey from Italy to Heidelberg, Ontario, which played a pivotal role in shaping this company’s story.
Calabria, Italy - 1950
Tony Villapiana was born the youngest of five children to Adelina and Vincenzo, in rural Calabria, Italy. Tony’s formative years were spent helping with work around his family’s farm, where he would discover his passion for agriculture. From a young age, Tony’s entrepreneur spirit was evident as he would often travel to different towns looking for work so he could make a buck or two for his parents back home.
Canada - 1966
At 16 years old, with his heart set on becoming a welder, Tony decided to follow his older siblings Eugenio, Maria & Fiorella to Canada in pursuit of greater opportunities. Without much of a formal education and without knowing how to read, write and speak in English, he made the leap and never looked back. Tony would land a job in metal fabrication and pour his heart and soul into it. His strong work ethic would quickly earn him the position of shop Foreman at just 19 years of age.
Waterloo, Ontario - 1975
A few years later, Tony, along with his brother Geno, and dear friend Bernd, would partner up to build their own metal fabrication business, Grand River Metal Products, in Waterloo, ON. The trio worked long hours trying to carve out a niche for themselves. Not too long after, they amalgamated with Trimbee Mill Equipment, later named TME Industries, and would then be known for their Screw Conveyor Systems and conveyor components. The Company thrived until it was sold in 1995.
Heidelberg, Ontario - 1998
In 1998, Tony once again decided to start another company but this time on his own. He wanted to build it from the ground up. Something he could be proud of and something that would help him build the life he wanted for himself, his wife Pina and his three sons, Gianluca, Andrea and Daniel. Thus, Heidelberg Metal Inc. was born.
With Tony’s passing in early 2022, Heidelberg Metal has been succeeded by his youngest son Daniel and his legacy carries on…
