The W. A. Laidlaw Wire Company, as it was known in the early years, was founded January 15, 1917 in Peoria, Illinois by William Alvin Laidlaw of Kansas City, Missouri.

Mr. Laidlaw was born April 6, 1848 in London, Canada and spent his younger years as a wagon maker. He was recognized for his exceptionally keen mind and ability to invent machinery. In the early 1880's, he invented several hay processing machines and was soon able to start his own manufacturing business.

Mr. Laidlaw sold his business and moved from London, Canada to Kansas City, Missouri in 1891. That same year, he invented his first wire bale tie machine and established the first business of that kind in the area.

In 1912, the Laidlaw family came to Peoria and opened another bale tie manufacturing plant. The business grew, and in 1917 a corporation was formed by Mr. Laidlaw, his sons, William and Frank, and Julius Guffy. Bill Laidlaw took charge of the day-to-day operation in Peoria while the elder Mr. Laidlaw returned to Kansas City and managed that facility until his death in 1921 at the age of 73.

W. S. Laidlaw continued to manage and direct the business until his death in 1926.