ANSA McAL Limited is one of Trinidad and Tobago's largest conglomerates, with several diversified companies in the Caribbean, Europe and North America. It is traded on the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange as AMCL.
Early history
In 1881, George R. Alston established Geo. R. Alston & Co, a company that specialized in buying and exporting of cocoa. In 1890, Alston left Trinidad and Tobago and initiated a partnership deal with McGregor Frame (Frame Alston & Co).[1] Frame Alston & Co then succeeded by Alston Arbuthnot & Co were the London agents of the Trinidad company until the death of Alston in 1918.[2] In 1904, a saw mill and a lumber and hardware store was launched. During that period, Alston & co. advertised its locations in the Port of Spain and was an agent for seven companies.
In 1914, the company Alston & co expanded its export and import business to also include ship chandlery, cargo handling and being an agent for steamships lines.[3]