Company History
Since it’s founding in 1952, J. Slawner Ltd. has built a sterling reputation in the fitting of prosthetic and orthopedic appliances.

Before coming to Canada in 1949, Joseph Slawner had lived in Poland where he first started his work with amputees and the handicapped. Once he arrived in Montreal he worked for several years in an orthotic laboratory where he refined his technical skills and developed an expertise that qualified him to start his own business.

In 1952, he opened J. Slawner Ltd. on Parc Ave and within a very short period of time he was serving a large number of clients. Over the years, his reputation grew and in 1957 he moved to expanded premises at 5713 Cote des Neiges. This location continues to be the center of operations for the company.

Slawner reputation spread beyond Montreal, as hospitals, doctors and physiotherapists became familiar with the quality of his work. The company presently serves many patients from Canada, and from across the United States and Europe.

Joseph Slawner’s son Simon has been involved in the business from an early age. After graduating from McGill University he attended New York University’s Post-Graduate Medical School’s orthotic and prosthetic program. Since 1960 he has been involved with J. Slawner Ltd on a full-time basis.

Simon Slawner was the first in Canada to fit immediate post-operative prostheses,allowing patients to begin their rehabilitation right after surgery. In 1983, after the death of his father, Simon Slawner took over as president of the company.

An involved professional
Simon Slawner is a former President of the Canadian Orthotic and Prosthetic Association and past President of the Quebec Association of Orthotic and Prosthetic Laboratories.

He participates in many multi-disciplinary clinics held in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, including the Shriner’s Hospital. He also gives seminars in prosthetics and orthotics to doctors, medical students and physiotherapists.