ABOUT US

MISSION STATEMENT

To be a safe, efficient, profitable and environmentally conscientious concrete manufacturer committed to product quality, sustainability and customer satisfaction. This will be achieved through the development of long-term partnerships with our customers, suppliers and employees. Together we will benefit from our objectives of continuous improvement and innovation.

OUR HISTORY

  • timeline 1952

    1952

    Nick Naneff purchases his first block machine, which allows him to produce rainbow coloured bricks. Rainbow Concrete is born.

  • timeline 1953

    1953

    Rainbow Concrete becomes incorporated, and begins production of over 6,000 blocks per day.

  • timeline 1961

    1961

    Rainbow Concrete adds a fully automated ready mix plant. Additional plants are erected in Dowling and Espanola.

  • timeline 1968

    1968

    Rainbow Concrete undergoes plant modernization increasing its production to 12,000 blocks per day. A precast plant is built to produce a wide range of precast products, including septic tanks, steps, manholes and catch basins.

  • timeline 1971

    1971

    Rainbow Concrete opens a gravel plant adjacent to the Sudbury Airport in Skead.

  • timeline 1974

    1974

    Rainbow Concrete expands to include a block and precast plant to serve the Nipissing Region.

  • timeline 1985

    1985

    Nick Naneff’s youngest son, Boris, joins the company full time after completing his civil engineering degree from Carlton University. A sister company is launched, Granite Prestressed, and the production of hollowcore slabs begins.

  • timeline 1991

    1991

    Construction begins on Rainbow Concrete’s new location on Maley Drive.

  • timeline 2009

    2009

    Rainbow Concrete begins manufacturing geothermal pipe.

  • timeline 2021

    2022

    We're still going strong as we celebrate 70 years in business! Our dedicated team is standing by, ready to assist with your next concrete project.  Click here to get started with an estimate.

OUR FOUNDER - Nick Naneff

our founder's photo

Nacho Naneff was born and raised in Bulgaria and graduated in Civil Engineering from the University of Karlsruhe in Germany. Upon completion of his degree, he found that his father’s flour mill business in Bulgaria had been nationalized under communist rule and he realized that he had no future in that country. With optimism and the spirit of adventure, Nick arrived to Canada in 1951 with no money and a very limited knowledge of the English language.

Settling in Sudbury, Nick, as he was known by all his friends and associates, worked as an employee of one of the local mining companies for a short time. Recognizing the opportunities in the construction industry in Northern Ontario, he started a small block plant with one employee in 1953.

In 1957, Nick was joined by his wife Gina from Germany and they built their home on the north shore of Lake Ramsey, where they raised their two boys.

Active in community affairs, Nick was Past President of the Rotary Club of Sudbury, a member of the Sudbury & District Chamber of Commerce, Director of the Sudbury Theatre Centre, supporter of various hockey and baseball teams and is the first Vice-President of the Ready Mixed Concrete Association of Ontario. His hobbies were his family, home, fishing and horses.

Through hard work, dedication to the needs of customers, imagination and foresight, Nick worked diligently on expanding the operations. He transformed the small 2-man operation into the largest, most modern of its kind in Northern Ontario.

Until his passing in 2008 at the age of 89, Nick played an active role in Rainbow’s operations. He remained a man of vision and optimism, and had the greatest faith in the continued expansion and business opportunities in Sudbury and Northern Ontario. His youngest son, Boris, has now taken over the reigns, sharing the same vision as Nick Naneff.

Rainbow Concrete continues to follow in his footsteps, to continuously provide quality products and service to our valued customers.

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