From succession to strategic resilience

Lepage Millwork moved quickly to let clients know what was happening and worked with them to share extra costs, fostering a spirit of partnership. The team also delayed some orders in the hopes that tariffs wouldn’t last. By exploring different options and keeping the conversation open with customers, suppliers and employees, Lepage Millwork got through a difficult period and kept heads above water. Teamwork and the quick coordination of key functions are part of the company’s well-established culture of agility.

This responsiveness also highlights a long-term strategic vision.

Blending tradition and innovation

Lepage Millwork stands out with a hybrid approach: the company makes custom, high-quality doors and windows that are manufactured on an industrial scale. “We called it the industrial workshop. The idea was to take artisanal expertise and standardize it,” explains François-Xavier Bonneville. 

This strategy helps the company carve out its place in a market largely dominated by American giants. However, it retains a strong identity and the ability to adapt. “We moved away from the mass market and closer to a different group: small local shops with a few artisans. We’ve found the sweet spot right between the two,” he adds. 

Developing the U.S. market

By focusing on customers who are looking for high-end products, Lepage Millwork sees exports to the United States as its main growth driver.

Today, most sales are south of the border, where the potential exceeds that of the Canadian market. Despite uncertainty, the company is pushing ahead, powered by a strong existing network.

Even under protectionist pressure, the company has kept strong business ties thanks to clear and open communication. “We were prepared to share tariff costs with our customers. We told them: this wasn’t our choice, and it wasn’t yours. We split the difference,” says François-Xavier Bonneville.

Knowledge transfer and structured training

For the company, training new team members and standardizing skills are major challenges.

The gradual departure of experienced staff complicates things even more. Replacing someone with several years of experience with new recruits, sometimes from different sectors, involves a lengthy integration process.

Lepage Millwork responded to the labour shortage by creating the Lepage Academy, a structured training program. The academy assists with the integration of temporary foreign workers. Effective integration relies on providing support for new team members and draws attention to the experience offered by long-term employees. 

To safeguard both quality and continuity, the company focuses on documenting its processes and standardizing skills. François-Xavier Bonneville’s message is clear: “The company’s foundation is its people. Now it’s about passing that knowledge forward,” he states.

A culture of productivity and innovation

The company also invests pragmatically in automation and artificial intelligence. “It’s a significant investment to save a few jobs, but the long-term value is worth it,” notes François-Xavier Bonneville. 

An internal committee is working on integrating AI into planning, manufacturing and work instructions. The goal is to strengthen competitiveness while managing the complexity of the products. 

Lepage Millwork is not looking to follow the market but to redefine it. “It’s about trusting ourselves, staying calm and always doing our best,” concludes François-Xavier Bonneville.

Next step 

Looking to grow your business? Get strategic and download this free BDC guide.