Blue Imp History

At Blue Imp, we are proud of our roots and excited about our future. Our rich heritage and family pride set us apart from our competitors. It's a rare thing when a company can stand the test of time over four generations.

Blue Imp Beginnings

Blue Imp Recreational Products of Canada Ltd. got its start in 1917 in Medicine Hat, Alberta when Simon F. Scott founded S.F. Scott Manufacturing Ltd. in Medicine Hat. Now in its fourth generation, this family-owned company has become a leader in the playground industry. "Designing for safety and low maintenance are pre-eminent concerns," says company president Don Scott.

The Early Years

In the early years, S.F. Scott found success as a manufacturer of quality steel farm implements under the trade name Blue Implement. A remarkable ingenuity and an intricate knowledge of steel enabled Scott to adapt the company's product lines to meet the needs of ever-changing markets. The company built its first swing set in 1936, almost seventy years ago. With materials hard to come by in the depression years, equipment was built using boiler tubing salvaged from decommissioned steam locomotives. Blue Imp was recycling long before recycling was cool!

Blue Implement Becomes Blue Imp

In the 1950s, with the baby boom generation, the playground industry really began to take off. When a local Lion's Club contracted S. F. Scott to build playground equipment for city parks, a new line was born. Manufacturing high quality playground products became the company's primary focus — Blue Implement became Blue Imp. At that time, Blue Imp manufactured the kinds playground pieces that today's children still love: swings, slides, teeter-totters and merry-go-rounds. Blue Imp also pioneered the stainless steel spiral slide, an industry first. Several of the original pieces are still in place, still entertaining kids generations after being installed. "We have always chosen to build with durable materials that stand up to wear and tear," states Scott.

High-Tech Manufacturing

Over the decades, the company has embraced each progression in the industry and continues to invest in the latest technologies in order to manufacture the best possible product. Blue Imp now carries out virtually every aspect of production at its plant in Medicine Hat, manufacturing more than 95% of the products it sells. "Performing almost all the manufacturing ourselves gives us more control over the final product and allows for greater versatility and flexibility. That means we can serve our customers better," comments Stuart Scott, the fourth generation of the Scott family to be involved in the enterprise.

Fun for Generations

In recent years, Blue Imp has continued to innovate and refresh the product line, launching uPlay, a funky and futuristic playground series, and IMPulse, a complete line of outdoor fitness equipment. As the playground industry continues to evolve, of one thing there is no doubt. Blue Imp will keep pace, continuing to grow and change, continuing to build fun for generations.

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