HISTORY
1962
Opening of the first Ziebart franchise in Canada – Long before the creation of the UniglassPlus banner, Ziebart outlets appeared in Canada offering rust protection, detailing, and window tinting. The first shop was in Windsor, Ontario, and was run by George and John Jameison
1974
Shops, training, and promotion
77 shops were opened in Canada. Ziebart grew faster than planned
Opening of a training school for new technicians in Toronto
1st bilingual, national advertising campaign throughout Canada
1984
Repositioning of the Ziebart brand. - The slogan "It's us. Or rust!" referred only to rust protection with no mention of the other products offered by Ziebart. Ziebart's new advertising agency, DDB, came up with the slogan: “Nobody hates ugly more than Ziebart.”
Major partners - The Scarborough shop experienced years of remarkable growth due to its partnership and good relations with car dealers in the region. Their new approach was deployed throughout the network so that all shops could take advantage of a strategic alliance with car dealers.
1985
Ziebart Brantford recognized - Terry Howard, who bought his franchise during a difficult year for the retail market, won the title of Canadian Franchise of the Year. His sales technique is the forerunner of the Ziebart marketing strategy promoting the lifetime warranty.
1986
The year of compliance - A new program for shop compliance is implemented so that customers can recognize the Ziebart brand.
1991
Change in positioning - Now offering much more than rust protection products, Ziebart converted its detailing operations into Ziebart Tidy Car.
1992
Annual Ziebart conference - 225 owners, their spouses, and employees took part in one of the largest Ziebart conferences. The Peterborough shop and its owner, Jim Enborg, won the award for shop of the year.
1993
Opening of 10 shops in Quebec - Ziebart Canada transformed 10 Ziebart Permashine shops into Tidy Car shops. These were located in Saint-Léonard, Saint-Eustache, Laval, Chicoutimi, Ville-Vanier, Sillery, Sainte-Agathe, Hull, Sherbrooke, and Longueuil.
1995
PENETR-OIL® rust protection in Ontario - Ziebart introduced an alternative permanent rust protection, a competitive, dripless, environmentally friendly product.
1998
Consumer's choice – Ziebart won the prestigious Consumer Choice Award in the Rust Protection category in Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa. Association with Speedy Auto Glass - Ziebart expanded its product range and started co-branding with an auto glass installer.
2001
Co-franchising with Ziebart The first co-franchising program in the automotive sector in Quebec was established between VitroPlus and Ziebart, the global leader in automotive rust proofing, paint protection, and detailing. The network then developed an ongoing training program and improved its customer service to meet the changing needs of consumers.
2002
Arrival of Auto Glass Plus - The Barrie, Ontario franchise was the first to display the Ziebart Auto Glass sign.
2006
Creation of Uniban Canada – To expand its network outside Quebec, the company formed a new holding company called Uniban Canada. This also served to protect the interests of the network and ensure its strategic development. UniglassPlus, a new banner, was also created to provide expertise in automotive glass to customers outside Quebec. For Canadians, Uniban Canada quickly became the preferred solution for processing claims and a truly technological company for all franchisees.
2007
Acquisition of the Ziebart Canada master franchise – In June, 2007, Uniban Canada acquired the Ziebart Canada master franchise in addition to the rights of the 28 existing Ziebart franchises outside Quebec. This transaction resulted in the UniglassPlus/Ziebart franchise. The network now had the necessary elements to expand its diversified business model throughout Canada.
2009
1st pan-Canadian company to recycle windshields – In April, VitroPlus/Ziebart and UniglassPlus/Ziebart again innovated by becoming the first and only franchise network to recycle windshields in Canada
2010
Pay with your AIR MILES® reward miles – Customers could now exchange their AIR MILES® reward miles for VitroPlus/Ziebart and UniglassPlus/Ziebart products and services.
2012
Maillon d’or award—Franchisor, Innovation Uniban Canada, headquarters, Groupe VitroPlus & UniglassPlus Inc., won the Maillon d’or for innovation in franchising for creating its technological platform for Insurance Glass Claim Management. Today Uniban Canada is the leading automotive glass claims manager in Canada.
2014
Creation of the Uniban National League (UNL) – The UNL is an operating model designed to enhance and standardize the quality of customer experience. Supporting this model are an internal training program, mentoring, and motivational activities. The league allows for the development of best industry practices, to the benefit of our customers. Maillon d’or award to a franchisor for innovation Uniban Canada, franchisor of the VitroPlus brand, won the coveted Maillon d’or Franchisor–Innovation award for creating the UNL operating model. CQF Hall of Fame – The Conseil québécois de la franchise (CQF) inducted VitroPlus franchisor Uniban Canada into the CQF franchising hall of fame.
2015
Launch of the new UniglassPlus/Ziebart logo – The year 2015 marks the completion of the project, begun in 2013, to change the brand positioning to better define the UniglassPlus identity. This renewal brings a breath of fresh air to the auto glass dealer network: new signs, building renovations, upgraded showrooms … and more!
