Founded in 1945 by Mr. Wilfrid Allen, the company was initially known for its diversified activities such as gravel screening and crushing, loading and transporting wood and as well, snow clearing. 

In 1959, the year of the company’s incorporation, this highly specialized company employed ten men.  Mr. Allen acquired three mechanical loaders and established the first gravel screening and crushing factory on the south shore of Québec City.  In 1968, the company branched out into a new sector, that of the construction of an electric station for Hydro-Québec.

In 1972, the Allen sons, Florian, Jean-Luc and Laurent acquired the company.  At this time, the company’s activities consisted of road construction, runway landings, water and sewer systems, as well as the development of ski resorts, wharves and marinas.  

In the years 1980 to 1990, the company built many wastewater treatment plants under the Société québécoise d’assainissement des eaux (SQAE) (Quebec Society Water Sanitation) program.

In 1988, under the wing of the Wilfrid Allen Company, a company specializing in horizontal drilling was born, Nella Underground Drilling. 

In 1989, the CWA division emerged and was dedicated entirely to process engineering. 

In 1992, a division specializing in concrete and structure is added to the company. This division works in specialized formwork, mainly for the work in pumping stations, bridges, retaining walls and wastewater treatment plants.     

Towards the end of the 1990,s, the main activities of the company are the construction of water treatment and drinking water production plants, wastewater treatment plants, landfills, roads, municipal services and bridge construction.
 
In 2000, Nella Distribution enlarges its range of products by adding products related to the water sector.
 
It is in 2002 that two of the founder’s grandchildren, Annie and Maxime Allen, as well as six associates, take over the company and direct it to attain the growth objectives that they together have established for the company.