The Brand

About Downsview

Since 1967, at DOWNSVIEW KITCHENS we have been producing the finest kitchen furnishings on the market. Through the years we have assembled a remarkable team of designers, technicians, craftsmen, finishers and artisans who together have made the company one of the industry’s leading manufacturers.

 

History

Mike D’Uva,  a 20 year old trained cabinet maker from Italy, joined Downsview Woodworking as the company’s first employee in 1967. Within months, he became co-owner of the small business, and shortly thereafter the sole visionary leader of the now world-renowned business.

The company was named after the suburb of Toronto where the 2,000 square foot shop was originally located. Under full ownership of the D’Uva family since 1980,  and now occupying well over 300,000 square feet, Downsview Kitchens has evolved into a state-of-the-art custom manufacturer and industry leader in the North American kitchen industry.

Today, jointly led by two generations of D’Uva family entrepreneurs, the Downsview team of over 200 employees continues to create some of the world’s  finest kitchens, always remaining true to the company’s core values of integrity, craftsmanship and innovation.

A Culture of Working Together

Long-term relationships with employees, suppliers, dealers and customers are the cornerstones of Downsview’s achievements.  An appreciation for these relationships and the principle that “I always tell people we are working together” (– Mike D’Uva) is the core philosophy that has helped forge the Downsview Kitchens success story.

 

1967

Company Foundation

In the month of June, 20 year old cabinet maker Mike D’Uva immigrates to Canada from Italy and joins Downsview Woodworking as the company’s first employee. The recently founded small business, operate out of a 2,000 square foot space, is named after the part of Toronto where the shop is located.

1968

First step to a new venture

Within months Mike D’Uva becomes the co-owner of the small company and shortly after Downsview moves to a larger location, a 7,000 square foot shop in the Norfinch and Highway 400 area of Toronto.

1973

Moving to the current location

Downsview relocates to its current location on Rena Road in Mississauga after purchasing the land and building a 20,000 square foot building. The company manufactures mostly kitchens, although not exclusively, in a self-sufficient operation that does everything from cutting and sanding to spray painting and installing.

1980

The beginning of a new era

Mike D’Uva becomes the sole owner of Downsview Kitchens and begins taking the company on a new course. Downsview starts offering European designs and becomes known in the market as a manufacturer of European-style kitchens made in North America.

1982

Transitioning to a coast to coast organization

Downsview begins exhibiting its European-style kitchens at trade shows in Canada and the US. This marks the beginning of the company’s gradual transition into a dealership-based organization with representation in showrooms across North America.

1990

Expanding marketing and manufacturing

Less than two years since the last facility expansion, manufacturing moves into a newly-built 45,000 square foot building across the street from the Rena Road plant to create more space for the spraying and finishing departments. To appeal to high-end customers directly, Downsview starts advertising in national magazines, such as Architectural Digest, Veranda, and Metropolitan Home.

1993

Adapting to the market needs

The dealership network consists of 50 independent dealers across the US and Canada. The Downsview team makes the strategic decision to become ever-more flexible and custom-oriented to meet all dealer needs as a single-source supplier rather than further expanding the network.

1994

Family entrepreneurship

The second generation of D’Uva family entrepreneurs join the company. As a reflection of the massive growth Downsview is experiencing, the number of employees passes the 150 mark.

2000

Adding more real-estate

New buildings on either side of Rena Road provide Downsview with over 75,000 square feet of combined additional manufacturing and office space.

2004

One source for custom home design

Growing demand in the market and increased manufacturing capacity prompts the decision by the Downsview team to diversify into the closet market. Diversification into closets and wardrobes reflects the Downsview team’s desire to be a single source supplier for dealer partners engaged in the redesign of entire homes.

2008

One big step forward

Downsview undergoes the single-largest expansion in the history of the company. A new 110,000 square foot building takes its combined manufacturing and office space to well over 300,000 square feet.

2017

Looking forward to the next 50 years

Downsview is getting ready to mark its 50th anniversary as a premium manufacturer of luxury custom kitchens and other fine cabinetry. The company’s distinctive custom approach provides customers with hundreds of possible color and finishing combinations in the creation of the most unique premium designs.

The Company

For half a century Downsview Kitchens has strived to create masterfully designed and technologically advanced kitchen cabinetry. During the process of transforming carefully selected materials into consumer goods, Downsview relies on the artisanship of the individual craftsman , as well as the most advanced modern woodworking equipment .

By recognizing that the artistry of the designers and workers is as central to the process as the state-of-the-art equipment, Downsview can create furnishings that are unique and endure the test of time. The result of this company philosophy is translated into bespoke creations that perfectly suit the preferences and tastes of the most discriminating clientele.

 

 

Commitment to Quality

 

All our products and finishes are thoroughly tested and must meet rigorous standards before they can be considered for introduction into the company product line. Striving to maintain the strict standards of quality that have helped Downsview achieve international acclaim, while at the same time increasing product availability, is one of the greatest challenges. However, automated computerized machinery has never taken priority over the hand of the craftsman.

 

CUSTOM CRAFTED IN NORTH AMERICA

At Downsview, we take great pride in the design, workmanship and quality of our product. Throughout the various manufacturing processes, a concerted effort is made to ensure that our product conforms to rigid specifications. After installation, we continue to fully support the Downsview name by providing the best warranty in the business.

 

***Downsview Cabinetry is available exclusively through authorized interior design showrooms. These showrooms are independently owned and operated and are not related entities. Downsview Kitchens shall not be liable for their design, installation or any claims and losses arising out of such.