Pelican International, the leading manufacturer of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), canoes, pedal boats and fishing boats was named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies in 2014 for excellence in business performance. Sponsored by Deloitte, CIBC, National Post, Queen’s School of Business and MacKay CEO Forums, the Best Managed award recognizes Canadian owned and managed companies with revenues over $10 million for sustained growth, financial performance, management practices and the efforts of the entire organization. Of special note, only 50 new companies are admitted annually in this very select group.

“I would like to congratulate Pelican International and its entire workforce. Achieving this standard of excellence takes a united effort from a dedicated team,” said Peter Brown, National Co-Leader of Canada’s Best Managed Companies Program and Senior Practice Partner, Deloitte.

Founded in 1968, Pelican International is a family-owned manufacturing company based in Laval, Quebec. The company has been sustaining an important growth in recent years. Worldwide leader in its field, Pelican specialises in the design, manufacturing as well as marketing of nautical products (kayaks, SUPs, canoes, pedal boats, fishing boats, nautical accessories) and recreational products (winter toys and utility sleds) made of plastic. Located in a new industrial park in Laval, the offices and the plant have a total surface of 285 000 square feet and have more than 400 employees. Outside of its local installations, the company occupies 5 additional warehouses totalling more than 500 000 sq ft, and uses tens of different suppliers across North America. The company’s products are sold under the renowned brands Pelican and Elie across Canada, United States, and all over the World.

“2014 has been astounding for us in many ways. We were expecting an increase in demand for our nautical products both because of market intelligence and as a result of last years’ concerted efforts, but not of such magnitude. Everyone at Pelican, each department, had to roll up their sleeves in order to meet our growth challenges. And here comes 2015, promising to be as exciting at all levels. What an honor for us, and right on point in fact, to give us confidence in our ways of doing things” said Christian Elie, President and co-founder of Pelican International.

Established in 1993, Canada’s Best Managed Companies is one of the country’s leading business awards program that recognizes Canadian companies that have implemented world-class business practices and created value in innovative ways. Applicants are evaluated by an independent judging panel on how they address various business challenges, including new technologies, globalization, brand management, leadership, leveraging and developing core competencies, designing information systems, and hiring the right talent to facilitate growth.

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About Canada’s Best Managed Companies:

Canada's Best Managed Companies continues to be the mark of excellence for Canadian-owned and managed companies with revenues over $10 million. Every year since the launch of the program in 1993, hundreds of entrepreneurial companies have competed for this designation in a rigorous and independent process that evaluates their management skills and practices. Program sponsors are Deloitte, CIBC, National Post, Queen's School of Business and MacKay CEO Forums. For further information, visit www.bestmanagedcompanies.ca.

About Pelican International:

Pelican International, the number one manufacturer of plastic boats in the world is proud of its 45-year commitment to promoting the enjoyment of the great outdoors and making water sports fun and accessible for outdoor enthusiasts of every age, skill level and budget.

The company is equally committed to protecting the environment and minimizing its ecological footprint. Its plant, located in Laval, Quebec, recycles 99.5% of the excess material produced in its manufacturing processes and is equipped with specially designed ducts that redirect heated air from their moulding ovens to heat the facility in the winter. Pelican also cares deeply about its customers and advises all boaters, regardless of skill level, to wear a coast guard-approved personal flotation device at all times when on or near the water.