It all begins with Gordon Leschyson, founder and designer of CanDig equipment who grew up on a trapline in the Yukon Territory, where he quickly learned the importance of depending on various equipment in a remote setting. With his first-hand knowledge of what it takes to keep equipment running dependably when helicopters are required to move equipment, he has designed CanDig equipment to be reliable. Growing up with prospectors, he understands the extreme conditions under which they need to operate equipment. CanDig mini excavators therefore are able to operate safely and reliably in remote, mountainous conditions.

After more then 2 decades in comes Rob van der Laan, an Arborist, who got introduced to the CanDig while working as a linecutter for Tao Henderson in his Gold exploration outfit Talus out of Dawson City, YK.

Heli-slinging and working with this machine made an impression and Rob decided to bring this clear concept back to British Columbia where for a decade he put it to work in the Kootenay Mountains for Avalanche Control, Heli Ski Lodges and Hydro projects in the most challenging and rugged conditions while opening new markets in which these machines can be put to work.

As a business, taking over the torch from Gordon is a natural way to move forward and continue to make a good and reliable machine even better