consist of sheets of paper that have been coated or impregnated with two types of resin, stacked on top of each other and placed into a press where they are cooked at a minimum of 265 degrees F. at a pressure of approximately 1,200 pounds per square inch (psi) for about an hour.
In 1937, for their 25th anniversary, the company published a history called "25 Years of Progress"; in it, President Harold Crabtree's mission statement states, "Our aim, primarily, is that of serving the Canadian trade with quality papers at fair prices, conserving the forest wealth of Canada, from which we draw our raw materials, not only to the end that our vast operations may be served for the immediate future, but that future generations, too, may have the same privileges and enjoyment of these forests as ourselves.
For four years, these two young men spearheaded experiments to develop a process for separating and extracting lignin from kraft black liquor, a by-product of paper making; in 1946 Smith and Tomlinson were awarded a patent for the resulting material, which they named "Arborite".
1958 saw the introduction of new lines of pastel Glitter and Metallic Tone laminates, closely followed by Stardust (a random breakup pattern) and Fantasy (abstract mid-century stars).
The company established its name with its woodgrains and marbles, and has recently launched the most comprehensive plain colour range on the British market, as well as issuing an architectural manual.
By the 1980s, Dr. Tomlinson was semi-retired but was still an advisor/consultant for Domtar, publishing articles and books about the effects of acid rain on the forests of North America—still concerned about environmental responsibility in the paper industry.
Over 140 patterns and colors were available at this point, including East Indian Teak and Black Leather, with "new Metallic and Fabric laminates".
Many of the 52 solid colors could be seen as epitomizing the decade, from Bitter Lemon and Dusty Olive, to Pale Avocado and Minton Blue.
Application locations of Arborite laminate included McGill University, high-end hotels, corporate offices and private, architect-designed residences, and Canadian Pacific rail car interiors.