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NRB’s Founders Inducted Into Modular Building Industry's Hall of Fame

July 2003 - Bob and Jean McNeil, founders of NRB Inc. - Modular Building Systems, were recently inducted into the Modular Building Institute (MBI) hall of fame at an awards ceremony in Palm Springs, California. The McNeils were recognised for their lifetime achievements influencing the growth and success of the modular building industry. MBI is an international association representing manufacturers, dealers and suppliers in the commercial factory-built structures industry.

Originally called Regis Investments Ltd., the couple started the company with two partners in 1971, in response to the growing demand for portable classrooms in Ontario. In 1979, the two partners retired, and the McNeils founded Niagara Relocatable Buildings.

Bob and Jean worked as a team during the early years of NRB with Bob running the overall operations and Jean handling accounts, office management, payroll and all the clerical work that went with it; while they both raised six children.

During the 1980’s the company began branching out from portable classrooms to other markets, including in-plant offices, modular office buildings, and they even completed their first two-story residence building for a mining camp. During the same period, NRB set up it’s own fleet to transport the modules to better control the delivery and setting of the buildings.

NRB was the first modular building manufacturer in Ontario to enter into direct competition with conventional on-site construction by building more permanent facilities, using designs with steel and pre-poured concrete floors. By the mid 1990's, NRB had undergone a major transition and was servicing a diverse group of industries. This period also saw the change in corporate identity - moving from Niagara Relocatable Buildings to the acronym "NRB" to better reflect the changing nature of their company and the industry they served.

Today, from its 20 acre facility in Grimsby and its new facility in Ephrata, PA, NRB builds commercial, retail, education, hospitality and institutional buildings as well as in-plant offices, security, storage and control structures, transit and smoking shelters, and customs and parking booths. One of NRB's most visible activities is the award winning convenience stores it has built for Petro Canada across the country.

Having recently celebrated 24 years in business, NRB remains a strong, diversified and growing company. The continued success of the company, after Bob and Jean's retirement in 1992, is a testament to their hard work, entrepreneurial spirit and dedication.