CME Awards Program
Export
Friesens Corporation (Friesens Corporation)
From humble beginnings in 1907, Friesens Corporation has grown into a premier short-run book manufacturer and packaging specialist. Friesens is proud to produce high-quality solutions for top
publishers, schools and consumer brands throughout North America. Their products include art and coffee-table books, yearbooks, self-publishing services, rigid carton packaging, and highly decorative thermoformed packaging.
Friesens is 100% employee-owned and operated. Based in Altona, Manitoba, the company employs nearly 600 owners, which translates to roughly14 per cent of the community.
Friesens has grown through steady export sales and strategic foresight. During the 2008 economic downturn the company maintained a full sales force in the United States while many others cut back. Despite challenges, when the book publishing market finally began to rebound in 2014, Friesens was well positioned for profitable growth. Today the company exports 50 per cent of its products to the United States.
“We maintain the most efficient cost structure through ongoing staff education, LEAN work practices, state-of-the-art equipment, and some of the most innovative production facilities in the world.” – Chad Friesen, President