Canusa Wood News
The unsexy startup lessons from a plywood powerhouse
By Vancouver Tech Journal
How Canusa scaled, survived, and stayed relevant in a “boring” industry.
When I asked Ross McLaren how a plywood distributor stays relevant after 50 years, he laughed. “I don’t know how many nuggets of wisdom I can give you,” he said. “But I’ll try.” Over the next half hour, the Canusa Wood Products president laid out a blueprint for something most startups only dream of: scaling across markets, weathering disruption after disruption, and building a culture where leadership renews itself. No venture capital. No pivot-to-AI storyline. Just steady growth in an industry most founders would dismiss as boring. And that’s precisely the point.
Tariff Changes
We want to inform you of some important trade developments that may impact the
import of wood-based products.
In May, a coalition of U.S. plywood producers filed antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) petitions against imports of hardwood and decorative plywood from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
As this case proceeds, it is expected to trigger significant disruptions in the U.S. supply chain for hardwood plywood.
Canusa Wood Celebrates 50 Years of Growth and Stability Amid Industry Turbulence
By Wood Industry Magazine
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 help and continues to operate with a consistent commitment to dependability and customer-focused solutions.
Canusa Wood Products Celebrates 50 Years of Reliability and Resilience
In an industry shaped by unpredictable supply chains, and global trade pressures, reaching 50 years in business is no small feat. In 2025, Canusa Wood proudly marks its 50th anniversary—celebrating five decades of industry leadership, and a commitment to doing things the right way.
Founded in 1975 as part of a joint venture, Canusa evolved during a period when global sourcing was expanding, and trade alliances were in flux. Over the decades, the company has navigated recessions, currency swings, global shipping disruptions, market consolidations, trade wars, and a growing demand for transparency and quality in imported wood products.
