Franklin Empire Named One of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for 2026
May 29, 2026
Franklin Empire, was recognized once again for its industry-leading performance, its global business practices, and its sustained growth by receiving the prestigious 2026 Canada’s Best Managed Companies award.
Celebrating over 30 years, Canada’s Best Managed Companies program awards excellence in private Canadian-owned companies with revenues of $50 million or greater. To attain the designation, companies are evaluated on their leadership in the areas of strategy, culture and commitment, capabilities, and innovation, governance and financial performance.
“Franklin Empire’s 84th year in business marks ongoing dedication from our teams. In 2025, we invested in people, technology, infrastructure, and services. We completed construction of our new Rouyn-Noranda building, added an enclosure modification machine to provide an additional value-added service to our customers, expanded our renewable energy team and capabilities, and enhanced our ecommerce site with new customer tools. We are thrilled to have retained this recognition as Canada’s best Managed for 3 years in a row”, notes Cara Backman, Vice-President at Franklin Empire.
Canada’s Best Managed Companies is one of the country’s leading business awards programs recognizing innovative and world‑class businesses. Every year, hundreds of entrepreneurial companies compete for this designation in a rigorous and independent evaluation process. Applicants are evaluated by an independent panel of judges with representation from program sponsors and special guests.
The 2026 cohort of Best Managed Companies shares common themes, including fostering a people-centric culture, implementing a strategic company framework, investing in innovation and technological advancement, and maintaining financial resilience and strong corporate governance.
Together, these practices strengthen the Canadian economy by promoting sustainable growth, enhancing competitiveness, and cultivating a thriving business ecosystem.
“Best Managed is a prestigious award that recognizes the significant and ongoing contributions within Canada’s business landscape,” said Ruby Williams, Partner & National Leader, M&A Advisory and Canada’s Best Managed Co-Leader. “Companies such as Franklin Empire who attain this high standard of excellence demonstrate consistent adaptability, versatility, and strategic acuity. Year after year, they thrive in a competitive, rapidly changing market and should be proud of their growth.”
About Canada’s Best Managed Companies Program
Canada’s Best Managed Companies program continues to be the mark of excellence for privately-owned Canadian companies. 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.
The awards are granted on four levels:
1) Canada’s Best Managed Companies new winner, one of the new winners selected each year;
2) Canada’s Best Managed Companies winner, award recipients that have re-applied and successfully retained their Best Managed designation for two additional years, subject to annual operational and financial review;
3) Gold Standard winner, after three consecutive years of maintaining their Best Managed status, these winners have demonstrated their commitment to the program and successfully retained their award for 4-6 consecutive years;
4) Platinum Club member, winners that have maintained their Best Managed status for seven years or more.
