Canada Packers navigates challenging first year

Canada Packers has strengthened its business and laid the foundation for future growth during its first year as an independent company, president Dennis Organ told the Sun.

The Brandon-based pork producer, separated from Maple Leaf Foods in October 2025, established its own leadership, strategy, systems, culture and identity while continuing operations across its hog production farms and regional hog barns in southern and eastern Manitoba.

The company’s first year was focused on building a successful standalone business while continuing to serve customers, communities and shareholders, Organ said.

“Market conditions over the past year have been more challenging than we anticipated when we became a separate entity,” he said in an email. “Despite that, we continued to execute against our priorities, including increasing processing volumes, maintaining disciplined operations and strengthening the business.”

Brandon remains a critical part of the company’s operations and future growth plans, he said.

“When we talk about increasing processing volumes, we are referring to making greater use of the capacity that already exists within the facility,” he said.

The company’s focus is on the things “we can control: operational execution, customer relationships, product mix, financial discipline and supporting our team members.” Those fundamentals, Organ said, have helped position Canada Packers for long-term success.

The company’s more than 3,800 employees at the Brandon plant — who have come from more than 35 countries — have helped establish Canada Packers as an independent company while maintaining day-to-day operations, he said.

The Brandon plant has been part of the community since 1999 and is “the largest pork-processing facility” in Western Canada and one of the largest employers in the Westman region, he noted.

Organ said the company will continue to assess workforce needs as the business evolves, while investing in attracting, developing and retaining employees.

The company is also focused on strengthening front-line leadership and creating opportunities for team members to learn and grow within the organization.

“The priority is to build sustainable capabilities owned by our own people and supported by the right investments,” Organ said.

“For team members, independence has also created a stronger connection between their daily work and the company’s success. Every shift, production run, customer order and improvement now directly contributes to the success of Canada Packers.”

Organ said the company’s commitment to Brandon and Westman extends beyond the plant to include investments in the communities where its employees and their families live.

The recent opening of the Canada Packers Sports Complex is an example of the company’s sponsorship role in the region. The facility includes soccer fields, a cricket pitch, 3.6 kilometres of pathways and a clubhouse.

As Canada Packers enters its second year as an independent company, Organ said the focus will remain on operational excellence, disciplined growth and improved performance across its network.

“For Brandon, that means continuing to strengthen the plant through investments in safety, capabilities and technology,” he said.

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