Conquering the Divide

Leaving behind a secure job and a regular salary, Benoit founded Dieco Steel Rule Die in 1969, because, as he notes, "I was sure I could make a difference." Dieco set up shop in Laval, just north of Montreal, in 1,900 sq. ft. of office space. With very little capital, Benoit's wife, Helene, did the accounting and office work—Benoit was salesman, production manager, and general manager.