
Manitoba’s capital is also the centre of a robust provincial economy, with Winnipeg firms prominent on the 2016 PROFIT 500 ranking of Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies. (The affordability of doing business and a lucrative local market also helped the city take the No. 8 spot on our 2016 ranking of Canada’s Best Places for Business).
The 10 firms from the Winnipeg Capital Region on this year’s ranking grew their revenues an average of 387% between 2010 and 2015, creating an additional 300 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs over that period. Collectively they employed 802 full-time and 104 part-time employees in 2015.
Here is the complete list of Winnipeg’s Fastest Growing Companies for 2016.
1. EPH Apparel
PROFIT 500: No. 58
Head Office: Winnipeg, Man.
Growth (2010–2015): 1,393%
Revenue (2015): $2–5 million
Employees (2015, full-time equivalent): 26
What it does: Manufactures and sells customized menswear through e-commerce, a retail storefront and a network of “style reps”
2. Polar Industries
PROFIT 500: No. 68
Head Office: Springfield, Man.
Growth (2010–2015): 1,164%
Revenue (2015): $5–10 million
Employees (2015, full-time equivalent): 34
What it does: Transports freight over ice roads to northern communities, mines and fishing lodges
3. FXR Factory Racing
PROFIT 500: No. 201
Head Office: Oak Bluff, Man.
Growth (2010–2015): 282%
Revenue (2015): $50–100 million
Employees (2015, full-time equivalent): 80
What it does: Makes snowmobile apparel, along with casual wear
4. Manitobah Mukluks
PROFIT 500: No. 257
Head Office: Winnipeg, Man.
Growth (2010–2015): 211%
Revenue (2015): $10–20 million
Employees (2015, full-time equivalent): 65
What it does: Manufactures and distributes Aboriginal footwear
5. Bison Fire Protection
PROFIT 500: No. 343
Head Office: Winnipeg, Man.
Growth (2010–2015): 151%
Revenue (2015): $5–10 million
Employees (2015, full-time equivalent): 82
What it does: Sells and services fire protection equipment
6. Value Partners Investments
PROFIT 500: No. 353
Head Office: Winnipeg, Man.
Growth (2010–2015): 144%
Revenue (2015): $20–50 million
Employees (2015, full-time equivalent): 23
What it does: Develops and manages mutual funds for retail investors
7. Tiber River Naturals
PROFIT 500: No. 354
Head Office: Winnipeg, Man.
Growth (2010–2015): 144%
Revenue (2015): $2–5 million
Employees (2015, full-time equivalent): 32
What it does: Manufactures and distributes naturally derived personal-care products
8. People Corporation
PROFIT 500: No. 364
Head Office: Winnipeg, Man.
Growth (2010–2015): 138%
Revenue (2015): $20–50 million
Employees (2015, full-time equivalent): 392
What it does: Provides group benefits administration, HR consulting and recruiting
9. Tank Traders (Vomar Industries)
PROFIT 500: No. 390
Head Office: La Salle, Man.
Growth (2010–2015): 121%
Revenue (2015): $10–20 million
Employees (2015, full-time equivalent): 97
What it does: Operates a propane tank exchange program
10. Clear Concepts
PROFIT 500: No. 398
Head Office: Winnipeg, Man.
Growth (2010–2015): 117%
Revenue (2015): $2–5 million
Employees (2015, full-time equivalent): 23
What it does: Provides IT services to small and mid-sized businesses and organizations