VRL began in 1933 as a radio services and parts supplier under the name "Vancouver Radio Engineers" then changed company name in 1936 to "Vancouver Radio Laboratories Ltd." when they began manufacturing receivers and transmitters of their own design; a final name change occurred in 1946 to "Chisholm Industries Ltd." (after which time their products were branded "Chisholm"). The company produced various commercial and military transmitters and receivers but after WW2 concentrated on producing consumer table radios, hi-fi equipment and black and white television receivers.