Simon Levene, a trained blacksmith and businessman, emigrated to Canada in 1923 and settled in Waterloo, Ontario. Along with five other skilled craftsmen, he opened a die shop with insight and ambition to produce the best cutting dies possible.

From 1930 through 1966, Jack Levene, his son, led ODC with skill in order to fulfil the demands of the expanding North American rubber, footwear, and leather goods sectors. Jack changed the direction of ODC during the war to produce optical instruments, aircraft and other speciality turned and machined parts. He then constructed a brand-new, cutting-edge factory as the business expanded and grew to embody the values of high quality and devoted service.

Third-generation Martin Levene distinguished ODC as an industry leader from 1966 to 1992.