JTM was started in 1962 by Len Thurston, father of current owner and president John Thurston. Called Len Thurston Ltd., the operation began in a two-car garage when Thurston, in the evenings, undertook the work his daytime employer turned away. The first major machinery purchased was a lathe, a power hack saw, and a welding machine: the price, $800.

As the business expanded it moved to a shared facility on Rutherford Road that provided 1,500 square feet of floor space. Succeeding moves offered 4,000 square feet on Orenda Road and 14,000 square feet at the corner of Hansen and Orenda roads. In 1970 John Thurston joined the firm; eight years later he purchased the company and changed its name to John Thurston Machine Limited. The next move was to 30, 000 square foot facility on Rutherford Road in 1980.

JTM moved tinto a custom built 50, 000 square foot building on Westwyn Court nearby Highway 410 and 407. This new facility includes technical and engineering space, a machine shop, a fabrication shop and assembly areas. A further 45, 000 square foot building has been aquired for vehicle repair and warehousing. John Thurston Machine Limited's service is extensive and comprehensive.