Humble Beginnings

In 1951, Harry Halberstadt, driven by entrepreneurial spirit and a keen understanding of the locksmith and hardware industry, founded Hardware Agencies in a modest storefront at the corner of Wellington and York Streets in downtown Toronto. Alongside his wife Molly, Harry built the business from the ground up, offering a curated selection of locksmith supplies, architectural hardware, and everyday security solutions.

Their dedication to personalized service, product reliability, and trust quickly earned the loyalty of local tradespeople and locksmiths, laying the foundation for what would eventually become one of Canada’s most respected security hardware distributors.

A Family Business Evolves

As Hardware Agencies continued to grow, Harry Halberstadt's son, Paul, joined the company in the mid-1950s. With a fresh perspective and a strong understanding of both the industry and customer needs, Paul brought renewed energy and strategic vision to the business. His involvement marked a new chapter for Hardware Agencies, one rooted in family values, long-term thinking, and a drive to scale the company beyond its Toronto roots. His presence laid the groundwork for future regional expansion and product diversification.

Expansion into Quebec

Recognizing the growing demand for security hardware in Eastern Canada, Paul Halberstadt founded Serrubec Inc. in Montréal in 1970. Designed to serve Quebec and the Atlantic provinces, Serrubec operated as a sister company to Hardware Agencies and became a dedicated distribution hub for the region. This move established a bilingual, bi-provincial presence, and allowed the company to better serve diverse markets with localized expertise. While Serrubec focused on the needs of Quebec and Atlantic Canada, Hardware Agencies remained the go-to distributor in Ontario, together, they formed a stronger national network and built the foundation for what would later become Seccan.

Expanding Westward with McGregor Hardware Distribution

The 1970s marked a new chapter in Canada's security hardware landscape with the founding of McGregor Hardware Distribution (MHD).

Established in Western Canada, MHD quickly became a trusted name for locksmiths and security professionals across British Columbia and Alberta, operating out of Burnaby and Edmonton.

With a focus on service, reliability, and key brand partnerships, MHD laid deep roots in the west, a foundation that would one day help form the national force that is Seccan.

Building Legacy in Quebec

Over nearly five decades, Serrubec Inc. built its reputation as a leader in the security hardware industry in Quebec and Atlantic Canada. Starting in Montréal, the company grew its product lines, operations, and customer base, earning recognition for reliability, technical expertise, and outstanding service.

Through partnerships with trusted brands, Serrubec became the distributor of choice for locksmiths, contractors, institutions, and security professionals. With a bilingual team and strong logistics, it was valued not only as a supplier but also as a trusted advisor.

By 2019, Serrubec was the leading security hardware distributor in Quebec, known for tailored solutions and a tradition of excellence. This strong foundation made it a natural cornerstone for the creation of Seccan.

Regional Growth and Trusted Partnerships 

Throughout the 1980s to 2010s, McGregor Hardware Distribution (MHD) solidified its position as a go-to distributor in Western Canada. With locations in Burnaby and Edmonton, MHD became known for its exceptional service, technical support, and deep product inventory, catering to the evolving needs of locksmiths, contractors, and security professionals.

During this time, MHD forged long-standing relationships with industry-leading brands such as Schlage, Von Duprin, and ABUS, offering reliable, high-performance solutions for commercial and institutional projects. Its regional expertise, personalized approach, and commitment to professional partnerships helped it earn the trust and loyalty of customers across British Columbia and Alberta, setting the stage for its eventual integration into a national platform.

The Birth of Seccan  

On February 1, 2020, SECCAN Inc. was created through the merger of three regional leaders: Hardware Agencies in Ontario, Serrubec in Quebec and Atlantic Canada, and McGregor Hardware Distribution in Western Canada. Together, they built a strong national distributor with reach across Canada.

Each company contributed decades of expertise, strong client relationships, and trusted product knowledge. United under one banner, Seccan became a forward-looking platform built to expand reach, streamline operations, and raise service standards nationwide. Its portfolio spans architectural hardware, mechanical and electronic locks, access control, exit devices, hinges, and more.

The vision was guided by Louis Laporte, with his children Valérie and Frédérick already playing key roles in the business. Their involvement signaled a transition from regional strength to a national family-led distributor, carrying forward the entrepreneurial spirit begun in 1951 by the Halberstadt family.

A New Generation of Leadership

In September 2024, Seccan proudly entered a new era as Frédérick Laporte and Valérie Laporte, CPA, children of Louis Laporte, officially took the helm as co-owners of the company. This transition is not only a milestone in Seccan’s evolution but also a continuation of its legacy as a proud family-owned Canadian business.

With deep roots in the business and a clear understanding of Seccan’s values and vision, Frédérick and Valérie bring a powerful combination of industry knowledge, strategic insight, and entrepreneurial drive. Their leadership reflects both continuity and innovation: carrying forward their father’s vision while charting new paths for growth.

As the next generation of the Laporte family steps into leadership, Seccan reaffirms its long-term commitment to clients, partners, and employees across Canada. The focus remains on accelerating innovation, enhancing the client experience, and investing in people, technology, and partnerships, all while honoring the family values and entrepreneurial spirit that have defined Seccan since its beginning.

A National Force in Security Hardware

With offices in Montreal, Mississauga, Edmonton, and Vancouver, Seccan offers a unified platform backed by over 70 years of combined experience. From mechanical hardware to advanced access control, Seccan is your trusted national partner.