Born From Innovation
Norbert Pigeon founded NRC Industries to solve problems in an innovative way. Obsessed with the idea of continuous progress, NRC seeks to achieve all that is technically possible, in an inimitable way. All done to create exceptional wreckers and towing equipment that empowers you.
1965
1965 marks the beginning of Norbert, Raynald and Colette’s family business in a small workshop on the family's farm in Sainte-Madeleine, Québec. Norbert Pigeon Enr'G. offers its services for general welding, ornamental iron and truck box manufacturing
1975
First patent
NRC obtained its first patent for a hydraulic underlift. Norbert knew the age of mechanical equipment was over and hydraulic had a bright future. Before NRC invention, the common way of pulling a car consist of hooking a chain to its bumper and pull. The pulling action would damage some parts of the car due to the increased weight of new cars, their fragility and their design. Dubbed Model 500, the equipment offers a system that can be fixed under the car to tow, without damaging any part.
1983
Timely Takeover
During the recession in the early ‘80s, NRC acquired a regional competitor who was manufacturer of all-hydraulic towing & recovery equipment. This purchase brought a line of heavy duty cranes and a range of car carriers, allowing NRC to increase significantly the production
1984
Conquer new territories
NRC heads to the east coast trade shows in Massachusetts and Florida to show its latest innovations and conquer new markets. The first American sale is done in Ohio in 1983. Shortly after, the first american dealer came on board allowing the business to continue to grow with our neighbors
1985
1985
Growing Strong
NRC is the first to introduce a detachable underlift on a heavy duty wrecker. The underlift is optimize for damage free towing. Its innovative detachable design helps to take weight off the back of the truck and get closer to the tailboard in case of extreme recovery.
1991
A new era of possibilities // THE SLIDER SYSTEM
Norbert worked for several years on the invention that makes us famous today, the Slider System. His goal was to be able to move the load back and forth without having to change the hook height. Back in the days, NRC products and the Slider technology were already well ahead of their time, allowing operators to do things that was before impossible. The Slider System allows operators to increase their reach and handle virtually any job. It doubles the lifting capacity by working with the boom in retracted position. By sliding the mast right over the jack legs, it reduces stress on the body It also allows the operator to work more safely by maintaining the load at a safe distance from himself and his truck.
1992
First Sliding Rotator in the World
The Slider was not enough in term of versatility for Norbert Pigeon : he wanted to be able to work on the side of the truck. His goal was to combine the rotator technology with the Slider System to allow the operators to do virtually whatever they want with the load. It was first introduced in Florida on a 9240SR. Another star was born - and sold right at the show. Even today, the Sliding Rotator technology offers the best handling and versatility in the industry.
1996
1996
Invention of the Quickswap // First detachable unit for towing
NRC was the first company to release a versatile detachable unit that allows the owner to do towing jobs without having to dedicate a truck to it. The optimized, lightweigth design results in a higher profitability for the owner : savings on fuel, tire replacment and insurance. The Quickswap is still recognized for it’s great return on investment, as you get the same towing capacity as the strongest heavy-duty wreckers.
1997
1997
Invention of the Tag Axle
Improving safety and towing efficiency by proposing a Tag Axle. Allows to increase the payload and transfer weight to the front of the truck.
2003
2003
First HIM
Delivery of the first Heavy Incident Manager to Service Towing, Michigan. NRC decided to focus on the heavy duty models, letting go of the smaller trucks. This decision led to having a better focus on well-known industry-wide problems begging to be resolved.
2006
CS Series // No more rust
In order to find a solution to a rust issue, NRC developed a full composite body that is as lightweight as strong. The incrusted Kevlar provides the industry’s most solid equipment. Stronger than steel, lighter than aluminium, the composite offers more strength and flexibility as well as being resistant to corrosion. The low maintenance material provides the distinctive streamline look well known to NRC Industries
2016
#NRCFAMILY
NRC Industries community is diverse, inclusive & aims to grow. The #NRCFAMILY provides inspiration, information and help to every owner or dreamer of an NRC truck.
2022
2022
Construction of a second factory
In response to the growing demand for our products, renowned for their performance and durability, we initiated the construction of a second factory located at 2380 Rue Principale in St-Paul d’Abbotsford, just a few steps from our headquarters.
2024
2024
Launch of the LiftIQ
Our latest innovation is designed to maximize the safety and efficiency of your operations. With its advanced algorithms, LiftIQ optimizes the capacity of your wreckers while adapting to your time and space constraints. Its intuitive interface and remarkable versatility make it an essential tool for planning or validating your maneuvers in real time.
2025
2025
Today
Today, NRC has two facilities in Canada, has a global network of distributors, and counts more than 212 employees. Bigger, yes, but still with the heart and approach of a family business. In 2025, we proudly celebrate 50 years of existence—a milestone we share with our community of enthusiasts, the #NRCFAMILY, as we continue to grow and innovate together.