WEYBURN - Weyburn oil company Aldon Oils celebrated its 50th year of operation recently, marking the occasion with a $50,000 donation to two service organizations.
The company donated $25,000 each to the Young Fellows Club of Weyburn, and the Weyburn Oilwomen, with owner Del Mondor noting these are investments in the community as both organizations will make the money go far.
“They’ll both take that money and put a lot of work to make sure those dollars go a little farther,” he said. The Oilwomen recently announced they are committing those funds to the new Weyburn theatre, to go towards helping to make the new cinema more accessible to all people.
The company was originally started in 1972 and owned by Alan and Donna Alexander, and the name “Aldon” was derived from their first names. Del’s father, Norm Mondor, bought the company in 1974, and thus the 50th anniversary was held this year.
The company started with the one well located south of Weyburn, and has gradually built it up over the years to around 500 wells, mostly in southeast Saskatchewan, producing about 4,000 barrels of oil per day, said Del, who is now the sole owner of the company. He currently employs 41 people in the company.
When Norm bought the company, he was working for another oil company, Addison and Howe, which he ran for several years. In 1984, he decided to retire from that company to dedicate his efforts to Aldon Oils.
“This really is a story about my dad. Of the 50 years of operation, dad owned it for 37 years, and I’ve only owned it for the last 13 years,” said Del.
He and brother Kerwin became involved in the business in 1996, when they had around 60 wells in their portfolio, then later Del moved back to Weyburn to help his dad out with the company.
The deal to buy out all of his family members, including his father, and become sole owner closed in 2012. His dad was 75 years old at that point.
The company has grown gradually, with a new well drilled every day if possible, along with adding the odd company now and then as the opportunity arises.
Aldon does have some holdings in Alberta, in the Drayton Valley area, but most of the wells are in the Weyburn-Estevan area of the southeast, in the Midale and Frobisher pools.
“This is what we know,” said Mondor, noting their first well at Midale has been producing since 1956. “I still get excited for every meter we drill, and for new deals we make. The plan is to continue on – we’re always in the market.”
In addition to the anniversary, this year was also significant for Mondor as he was named the Saskatchewan Oilman of the Year at the Saskatchewan Oil and Gas Show in June, and his entire family was present for the award ceremonies.
Mondor said he shares the award with all of his employees and family, as they have all helped him reach this achievement, especially with the work his father did to build the company up.
“This is dad’s stadium. He built it, and I’ve been running the ball for him. Even though I own 100 per cent of the company, it’s still my dad’s stadium,” said Del. “He’s forgotten more than I’ll ever know.”
