History

In 1939, World War II had started and Frank’s grandfather was called away for duty. Tough times came along and the business stopped operating. The war was a horrible time for everyone; luckily the Wagner family got away unharmed, that is, until February 23, 1945. That was the day an air raid happened in Kitzingen, destroying the building that contained the family business and killing several family members.

Back then Frank’s father, Hans-Karl Wagner (who was 5 years old at the time) and Frank’s grandmother were lucky enough to flee the building before it collapsed. Johann Wagner was still far away on the front line; however, at that time, he was in the hospital and unaware of what had happened at home. A few weeks later Johann was released from the army and able to go home to look after his family

Luckily, the machines were repairable, but with the Americans occupational presence in the area, the equipment was initially seized. After many long conversations, the Wagner’s family was allowed to rebuild the equipment and began operating three months later in a make shift building

In 1948 the currency reform opened up and provided the opportunity to get the original property back and rebuild the business, which is exactly what Johann did, even extending the production floor to handle the growing demand for the business. In 1949, after the completion of the new building, Wagners employed 50 full time staff.

1963 the family business was taken over by Frank’s father, Hans-Karl Wagner. Hans-Karl completed his education in studying Textile Engineer and put all of his efforts into modernizing and bringing the business up to date. In 1974 he married Frank’s mother, Elisabeth – who then joined the family business. Johann Wagner fell ill and passed away in 1983 at the age of 80.

Hans- Karl and Elisabeth looked after the business, along with Frank’s grandmother, who was still managing the feather cleaning business. This continued for many years until once again, fate struck the Wagner’s family and Hans-Karl was diagnosed with a terminal illness and passed away in 1989.

Back then, Frank was just 14 years old and still in school, Elisabeth had to make the decision to put all of her efforts into keeping the company running. She completed her Master’s degree of drycleaner and launderer, and was able to continue the now, over 150 year old family business going. In 1993 Frank’s aunt and grandmother decided to exit the business, and due to the ownership of shares, their exit resulted in the closing of the business and the sale of all assets, including the building.

In 1995 Elisabeth decided to move away from Germany and relocated in Tsawwassen, British Columbia, Canada. Elisabeth moved with the intent to build a new future for the family (her partner, Frank and his 2 younger brothers). Since dry cleaning was a business she was greatly educated in, Elisabeth purchased Check – Mate drycleaners in Tsawwassen, renaming it Wagner’s European Fabricare in 2000 and provided exceptional service to the community.

In 1997 Frank and his now wife, decided to follow his family and also moved to Tsawwassen as well. There they purchased a small drycleaners in Richmond, known at the time as Minato Village Cleaners.

Between both of the locations Frank & Elisabeth acquired many commercial clients, and quickly their volume outgrew their mall locations. In 2000, they decided to venture out to Delta’s Industrial area Tilbury Park. In a 1600 sq. ft. warehouse, they built a dry-cleaning plant from scratch, as business continued to grow, the Tilbury location is now 14000 sq. ft.

Most of Wagner’s clients are of a commercial nature; however we welcome all retail clients as well.