60 Years of Quality & Innovative Marine Hardware
About 1960 or so, Martin Klacko began his journey crafting metal components for Erich Bruckmann’s Custom Boatworks. As the 1970s sailing craze took off, Klacko emerged as the primary metal fabricator for C&C Yachts and other prominent Canadian shipbuilders, contributing numerous innovations and techniques to the field.
The late 1980s saw the establishment of Klacko Marine’s renowned Third Line fabrication shop, serving major builders and diverse industries, from resource exploration to museum displays.
Entering the 1990s, Martin shifted focus to commercial production of stainless steel and aluminum at the Grimsby Shop, thriving with a variety of new projects despite the boating industry’s challenges.
Meanwhile, Martin’s brother Danny advanced the Spar Division in Oakville, now managed by Tim and Dannial.
In 1995, Doug Gierula, having apprenticed with Martin and earned degrees in Biochemistry and Engineering, assumed leadership of Klacko Marine, continuing its legacy of quality craftsmanship at their new location in St. Catharines (Niagara), Ontario.
More history on Klacko’s contributions can be found in the following article by Rob Mazza.