Thursday, June 5, 2025
Canusa Wood is honored to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025, marking 50 years of industry leadership and a dedication to doing things the right way. Reaching 50 years in business is no minor accomplishment in an industry that is molded by global trade demands and unstable supply chains. Canusa was established in 1975 as a joint venture and developed at a time when trade alliances were changing and global sourcing was growing. The business has survived trade wars, market consolidations, global shipping difficulties, recessions, currency fluctuations, and a rising demand for quality and transparency in imported wood goods over the years.
History of performance
Canusa has been able to not only survive but also flourish because of its capacity for adaptation and grounding. At a time when uncertainty was common, Canusa’s founders built the brand in the early 1980s during a severe North American recession by emphasizing wood products that could be delivered reliably. The business maintained its flexibility in the decades that followed, even as the industry changed and many of its rivals were forced to shut down or reorganize.
Canusa moved swiftly to introduce Premcore Plus, a premium hardwood plywood panel that satisfies stringent quality standards while negotiating new trade obstacles, in response to antidumping taxes and tariffs imposed on Chinese hardwood plywood in the USA in 2017. Kingcore, an imported panel designed to match domestic-grade specifications, was also created by Canusa to give the market a high-performance substitute. These inventions focused on listening to clients and figuring out better methods to meet their needs without sacrificing quality, rather than following trends.
Relationship-based resilience
Canusa’s strategy remained constant despite changes in the industry. Throughout its history, the business has been privately held, except for a management buyout in 2000 and a complete transfer to the current owners in 2016, with Jeevan Manhas as CEO and Ross McLaren as President. To guide the business through a phase of sustained expansion and updated operations, both provided operational knowledge and a firm hand. “Supply disruptions, regulatory changes, freight volatility—we’ve seen it all,” shares Canusa Wood VP Finance and Operations Jim Bennett. “But through every challenge, our team kept showing up, solving problems, and delivering for our customers. That’s what built this company, and that’s what will keep it moving forward.”
Considering the future
Canusa continues to uphold its core principles of dependability, problem-solving, and respect for people as it looks to the future. With the help of dependable supplier ties, skilled employees, and a reputation for keeping its word, the company is still growing throughout North America.
“Fifty years in this business is proof that a steady hand and strong partnerships can go a long way,” expressed Jeevan Manhas. “We’re proud of the path we’ve taken—and we’re just getting started.” “Our growth story is a testament to the people behind it,” added Ross McLaren. “In 1986, we were a team of five in North America. Today, we’re close to 30 across the continent, plus two exceptional quality teams overseas with more than 20 people and an office in Suzhou, China. That kind of growth has been possible thanks to a great group of people aligned around a shared purpose.”
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