For more than a century, Friesens Corporation has remained a steadfast cornerstone in Altona, quietly growing from a small print shop to one of North America’s premier book manufacturers.
This year the company celebrates a significant milestone, having once again been recognized by Deloitte as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies. This marks the 22nd consecutive year Friesens has earned the designation, along with continued Platinum Club status—awarded to companies that maintain this distinction for seven years or more.
The recognition is more than just a trophy on the shelf. Marketing manager Pamela Hiebert says it’s a testament to Friesens’ enduring commitment to innovation, community, and its people.
“This recognition offers some validation of the quality of leadership at Friesens,” said Hiebert. “Given our location, we develop most of our leaders from within. At the same time, because we are employee-owned, we are accountable to a large group of stakeholders. So, qualifying for the 50 Best Managed Program provides an outside validation to all of our stakeholders and to ourselves that our company is well led and continues to innovate.”
Now in its 32nd year, Canada’s Best Managed Companies program evaluates hundreds of organizations annually across four key areas: strategy, culture and commitment, capabilities and innovation, and governance and financials. The evaluation process is both rigorous and comprehensive.
Friesens’ approach to strategy begins with a long-range 10-year vision that cascades into three-year goals and then into short-term, actionable steps. This planning involves every level of the organization, from the boardroom to the production floor.
But it’s the people-centric culture at Friesens that truly sets it apart. As an employee-owned company, Friesens has long believed in shared success and inclusive governance.
“Our culture of employee ownership and shared success drives us to excel,” said Odia Reimer, vice-president of people and culture at Friesens. “We are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every team member feels valued and empowered.”
That culture is embedded into everyday operations. The company has made substantial investments in workplace safety, equity, and the continuous development of its diverse workforce.
Innovation is another major pillar in Friesens’ success story. The company is currently implementing a new enterprise resource management (ERP) system and incorporating robotics on the production floor to streamline workflows, reduce physical strain on workers, and enhance overall productivity.
“Friesens is a leader in automation in book printing,” Hiebert said. “Most recently, we are in the midst of installing a world-class enterprise resource management system and deploying several robotic systems to reduce physical stress and repetitiveness in our workflows, all with the intention of increasing the productivity of our employee-owners which leads to greater financial success to be shared.”
Financially, the company maintains a strong footing through disciplined investment in technology and a uniquely transparent structure. With a board comprised largely of active employees—plus a non-management director—Friesens practices inclusive governance and shares financial results with its employee-owners.
Derrick Dempster, national co-leader of Canada’s Best Managed Companies program and partner at Deloitte Private, noted the broader impact of companies like Friesens.
“The spirit within our Canadian business sector is energizing,” he said. “The companies in the Best Managed program are well-positioned to adapt to today’s evolving economic environment. These companies show national pride by supporting our people and communities and using resources right here at home.”
Friesens remains committed to the town that helped shape it. That commitment continues to guide company decisions.
“Our strategic plans aren’t solely about achieving maximum profits,” Hiebert said. “They include the long-term preservation and growth of our families and our community. In that way, community has been at the heart of our decision-making for over 100 years.”
