Canusa Wood Celebrates 50 Years of Growth and Stability Amid Industry Turbulence

Canusa Wood is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, marking five decades of steady growth, product innovation, and operational resilience in the face of ongoing global and industry-specific challenges. Founded in 1975 as a joint venture, the company has remained privately held and continues to operate with a consistent commitment to dependability and customer-focused solutions.

The company’s longevity is underscored by its adaptability through periods of recession, trade policy shifts, supply chain disruption, and increasing demand for quality assurance in imported wood products. Early on, during the economic downturn of the early 1980s, Canusa gained a foothold by focusing on reliable delivery of wood products at a time of significant industry uncertainty.

Its strategic response to trade volatility has been a defining factor in its sustained success. In 2017, following the imposition of U.S. antidumping duties and tariffs on Chinese hardwood plywood, Canusa launched Premcore® Plus, a high-grade panel designed to meet elevated quality standards while complying with shifting trade rules. The company also introduced Kingcore®, an import panel engineered to match domestic-grade specifications, offering buyers an alternative that maintained performance without compromising cost-effectiveness.

“Our product innovations weren’t about following trends—they were about solving real problems for our customers,” said Ross McLaren, President of Canusa Wood. “That approach has defined how we grow.”

The company underwent a management buyout in 2000 and was fully transitioned to current owners Jeevan Manhas (CEO) and McLaren in 2016. Under their leadership, Canusa modernized operations and continued expanding its North American footprint. The team has grown from five staff members in 1986 to nearly 30 across the continent today, supported by two quality assurance teams and an office in Suzhou, China.

“Supply disruptions, regulatory changes, freight volatility—we’ve seen it all,” said Jim Bennett, VP of Finance and Operations. “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.”

Canusa attributes its sustained success not only to operational flexibility, but to its relationships—with customers, suppliers, and staff. The company continues to focus on transparent sourcing, reliable logistics, and consistent service delivery.

“Fifty years in this business is proof that a steady hand and strong partnerships can go a long way,” said CEO Jeevan Manhas. “We’re proud of the path we’ve taken—and we’re just getting started.”