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In the early 1980's, the economy took a turn for the worse and the owners found themselves under increasing financial pressure, eventually resulting in Ed Coates buying out his partner. The months and years that followed provided a stern test of the owner's resolve, but the company stubbornly held to its principles and weathered the storm.
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The expansion plan was back on track by 1984. A small store in Agassiz opened under the Lordco banner that year and would be the first leased location on the Lordco roster. As the economy recovered, Lordco parts were in high demand. Expansion was no longer a possibility, but a requirement to meet the needs of its customers. The strategic plan that was developed called for expansion and consolidation of the Company's market share throughout B.C.'s Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. Ed Coates was determined that expansion would not cause the Company to lose touch with its faithful customer base.
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Before the end of the 1980's, Lordco stores had sprung up in Port Coquitlam (1985), Abbotsford and Hope (1987), Langley and Aldergrove (1988). As well, another machine shop was opened in Langley to meet the demands of customers on the south side of the Fraser River.
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