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A Legacy Built on Reliability and Relationships

For generations, Nicholson Cates has stood for one simple truth: when you can count on your materials and people, you can build anything. As a Canadian manufacturer and distributor, we’ve earned our reputation by keeping promises, protecting schedules, and helping our partners move forward with confidence.

The Nicholson Cates Story

Nicholson Cates began as a local lumber supplier serving customers across Ontario. Over the decades, we’ve grown into North America’s most trusted manufacturers and distributors of lumber and building materials. Although we’ve evolved from our early days as Nicholson and Cates, we still maintain the proudly Canadian, family-run feeling, where our work is guided by the belief that reliability builds relationships and reputations.

Backed by an Expert Team

People who care are the foundation of our success. Across our offices, yards, and facilities, you’ll find teams who take pride in every shipment that leaves our sites. Their dedication is the reason Nicholson Cates remains a trusted name across Canada and beyond.

CONTACT US

John Jones

CEO

Nicholson Cates is one of Canada’s largest distributors of plywood and specialty panel products, representing several producers across North America.

Jane Jones

COO

Nicholson Cates is one of Canada’s largest distributors of plywood and specialty panel products, representing several producers across North America.

Roger Dodger

VP Sales

Nicholson Cates is one of Canada’s largest distributors of plywood and specialty panel products, representing several producers across North America.

John Jones

CEO

Nicholson Cates is one of Canada’s largest distributors of plywood and specialty panel products, representing several producers across North America.

Jane Jones

COO

Nicholson Cates is one of Canada’s largest distributors of plywood and specialty panel products, representing several producers across North America.

Roger Dodger

VP Sales

Nicholson Cates is one of Canada’s largest distributors of plywood and specialty panel products, representing several producers across North America.

OUR HISTORY

Since our founding as Nicholson and Cates in the early 1900s, we have become a trusted national manufacturer and distributor of lumber and building solutions through a commitment to quality, consistency and service.

1908
Allen Nicholson buys his first lumber supply business in Burlington, Ontario
1915
Nicholson Lumber begins manufacturing windows and doors
1939-1945
Allen Nicholson serves as a Timber Controller during WW2
1944
Nicholson and Cates Limited (N&C) is incorporated as a wholesale lumber business, succeeding a number of partnerships with HJ Terry and AE Cates
1964
Allen Nicholson passes away
1966
N&C opens a lumber transfer and distribution yard in Burlington
1969
A group of employees, led by Wilf Livermore, purchase N&C from the Nicholson family
1986
N&C purchases Wesont Lumber a Hardwood Sales and Manufacturing business
1989
N&C sells the Heritage Road location and moves the distribution facility to a larger property in Caledonia – head office and sales remain in Burlington
1999
Wilf Livermore passes away, his 3 sons, Jim, Dave and Peter assume management of the company
1999
N&C purchases the large 30 acre site in Caledonia and expands scale with one of the largest lumber and building products distribution facilities in Canada.
2001
N&C builds dry kilns and grading facilities to support the hardwood business
2005
N&C constructs a lumber manufacturing facility in Peel, NB
2012
N&C acquires Fraser Specialty Products, a pre-finished wood siding business in Edmundston, NB
2012
N&C purchases Thomes Canada, an importer and distributor of Birch Plywood from the Baltic States
2020
N&C opens a lumber milling facility in Ohsweken, Ontario
2022
The Livermore Family enters into a Management Buy-Out agreement to sell the company to a group of longstanding employees.
2024
Morgan Wellens is appointed President and Jim Livermore is appointed Chairman and CEO

A message from Nicholson Cates' president: 

For over a century, Nicholson Cates has stood as a trusted partner in lumber and building materials, supporting the people and projects that shape communities across North America. What began as a small family business has grown into a leading manufacturer and distributor, guided by a commitment to quality, consistency, and service you can depend on.

What sets us apart isn’t just the products we supply. It’s the way we show up for our customers. Every member of our team brings pride and purpose to their work, ensuring that every shipment reflects our dedication to precision, responsiveness, and genuine partnership.

At Nicholson Cates, we deliver more than building materials. We deliver certainty. From precision-milled lumber to reliable logistics, our integrated approach gives our partners confidence that their projects will stay on track and on schedule.

I’m proud of the work our team does every day and the relationships we’ve built along the way. We invite you to connect with us and experience the difference that comes from a partner who cares as much about your success as you do.

Sincerely,

Morgan Wellens

Leaders in Lumber and Building Materials

Our commitment to excellence has been recognized across the industry through certifications, accreditations, and partnerships that reflect our high standards for safety, sustainability, and quality.

Backed by Loyal Customers

Our customers are our strongest advocates. Here’s what they say about working with Nicholson Cates.

    Jelena Zelenovic

    Customers

    Great quality of products and even better service! Highly recommend!

      Thomas Moning

      Customers

      N&C has been providing exceptional service and reliability to our team for over 15+ years . Distribution yard continues to stand out for its extensive range of quality products, reliable availability , and a team that truly goes above and beyond to support their customers. We look forward to many more years of working together! The Deck Yard

        R O

        Customers

        The whole team here is excellent. Always quick to respond and are an important element to the successful operation of our business.

          Tom Manherz

          Customers

          Been dealing with Nicholson Cates for over 20 years. They have been an excellent supplier. Nice to have a friend in this turbulent marketplace.

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