Wilson & Proctor Ltd. have an extensive history of serving Victoria's diesel engine market. Founded in 1947 by the late Fred (Bob) Proctor Sr. and his partner, the late Howard Wilson, the company has come a long way from its humble beginnings in a small garage on Tulip Street.
"We were probably the first on Vancouver Island to work on diesel engines," says Bob Proctor, son of Fred Proctor Sr. "The company began with a large percentage of its business coming from the servicing of logging truck engines along with industrial and marine engines." Bob began working for his father's business while he was still a high school student in 1960, and quickly developed a passion for the trade which would last throughout his career.
By 1973 the firm had grown significantly, and Fred Sr. was able to purchase their existing premises at 808 Devonshire Rd. The company realized during this time that diversification was essential to the continued growth of their company. A truck shop was built in the rear of the building, where work is now done on buses, diesel-powered pickup trucks, highway tractors and cube vans to 5 tons. Even small diesel fuel injection systems such as those found in Volkswagens and Nissans are a common project in the truck shop.
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Fred Proctor, President
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Wilson & Proctor Ltd. now has a team of 16, which includes ten mechanics, three parts men as well as an administrative staff. Their garage facility includes 15,000 square feet of space which is home to three large bays up to 80 feet long, a comprehensive parts department and a large re-manufacturing space dedicated to repairs and machining. They service industrial, logging and marine diesel engines, and are renowned for rebuilding diesel engines, servicing and rebuilding fuel injection systems and supplying the industry with engine, transmission and truck parts. They were also the first on the island who use the Dynamometer, designed for the testing and breaking in of diesel engines.
Fred Proctor, son of Bob and grandson of Fred Sr., is now the President of Wilson & Proctor Ltd. He marks the third generation since the company's inception and is looking forward to what the future has in store.
