Kruger's Two-Year Reign as a Top Montréal Employer

MONTRÉAL, QC – March 19, 2026 – For the second consecutive year, Kruger Inc., a cornerstone of Canadian industry since 1904, has secured its place on the prestigious list of Montréal's Top Employers. This back-to-back recognition, part of the national Canada's Top 100 Employers competition, highlights the company's sustained efforts to cultivate a workplace that stands out in a competitive and evolving industrial landscape.

The award validates the company's focus on creating a healthy and stimulating work environment through people-centric management, professional development, and robust support for its employees. "For the second year in a row, this recognition confirms that our actions are making a real difference for our teams," said Eric Ashby, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Kruger Inc. "It is a source of pride that encourages us to continue to build a respectful, inclusive, and attractive workplace together."

But beyond the accolades, Kruger's achievement offers a compelling case study in how long-term strategic investment and a commitment to human capital can forge a resilient and attractive corporate identity, even as the regional economy faces headwinds.

The Anatomy of a Top Employer

The 'Montréal's Top Employers' designation is more than a feather in a company's cap; it's a distinction earned through a rigorous evaluation by the editors at Mediacorp Canada Inc. The competition assesses employers on eight fundamental criteria that have remained the benchmark since the project's inception in 2006: the physical workplace; work atmosphere and social life; health, financial, and family benefits; vacation and time off; employee communications; performance management; training and skills development; and community involvement.

This comprehensive audit ensures that recognized companies excel across the board, from tangible benefits to the intangible aspects of corporate culture. The transparency of the process, which includes publishing detailed reasons for each company's selection, allows other organizations to learn from the leaders and elevates workplace standards across the region.

For Kruger, this repeated recognition suggests a consistent and deliberate strategy. A deeper look at the employee experience reveals a company that provides strong foundational support, though like any large industrial employer, it navigates complex challenges. Publicly available employee reviews paint a picture of a workplace with significant strengths, particularly in compensation and job security. Many employees report competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, with one review platform showing Kruger's perks and benefits scoring in the top 30% for companies of its size. The stability of the company, which employs 6,000 people across North America, is frequently cited as a major advantage, with opportunities for advancement often opening up as the long-serving workforce sees retirements.

However, the experience is not uniform. The demanding nature of industrial work, especially the 12-hour continental shifts common in its mills, is a recurring theme that impacts work-life balance. While some find the schedule manageable, others describe it as a difficult adjustment. Similarly, reviews on management and culture are mixed. While some departments are praised for a "great team environment" and supportive leadership, others report a more challenging atmosphere with perceptions of micromanagement and high-pressure workloads. This dichotomy highlights the ongoing challenge for large, multi-site organizations in ensuring a consistently positive culture across all operations.

Investing Billions in a Sustainable Future for its Workforce

Perhaps the most tangible element of Kruger's employer strategy is its massive and sustained capital investment. Over the past 15 years, the company has injected more than $3.5 billion into modernizing its Canadian facilities, diversifying its product lines, and revitalizing key industrial hubs. This long-term vision is not just about upgrading machinery; it's intrinsically linked to securing a stable and forward-looking future for its workforce.

Several large-scale projects illustrate this commitment:

• Modernization and Job Security: In 2015, a $250 million investment converted a newsprint machine at the Trois-Rivières mill to produce 100% recycled linerboard, a move that secured 270 direct jobs and hundreds more in related activities. More recently, a $30 million modernization of the Place Turcot containerboard mill in Montréal, set for completion in 2025, will not only secure 153 jobs but also position the mill as a North American leader in recycled specialty board manufacturing, all while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

• Expansion and Growth: The company has also focused on growth, exemplified by a $240 million expansion of its tissue operations in Sherbrooke, which helped create and retain hundreds of local jobs. This followed a previous $575 million investment in Canada's largest and most modern through-air-dry (TAD) tissue machine in the same region.

• Innovation and Diversification: Looking ahead, a $32.4 million investment in the Kamloops, BC pulp mill is set to implement innovative technology for next-generation specialty pulps, securing 340 direct jobs and over 1,000 indirect positions. Further investments in Trois-Rivières and the Wayagamack mill are aimed at consolidating recycling operations and diversifying production, respectively.

These strategic investments demonstrate a clear link between capital expenditure and human capital development. By future-proofing its facilities against market shifts and environmental pressures, Kruger reinforces job security, creates demand for new skills, and signals to current and prospective employees that it is built for the long haul.

A Beacon in Montréal's Challenging Industrial Climate

Kruger's success as an employer is particularly noteworthy when viewed against the backdrop of Montréal's current economic climate. While employment levels remain high, the regional labor market has shown signs of cooling, with a rising unemployment rate that stood at 8.6% in mid-2025. The goods-producing sector, particularly manufacturing, has faced pressure, and the employment outlook for general manufacturing labor is considered limited for the coming years.

Furthermore, like many regions, Québec is grappling with an aging population and a resulting labor shortage as retirements outpace the entry of new workers. In this environment, attracting and retaining skilled talent is a critical business imperative.

This is where the 'Top Employer' designation becomes a powerful competitive advantage. It helps Kruger stand out in a crowded and challenging market, signaling a commitment to a superior employee experience that goes beyond salary. For job seekers weighing their options in the industrial sector, the award serves as a third-party endorsement of the company's culture, stability, and investment in its people. By setting a high bar for employee benefits, professional development, and workplace atmosphere, Kruger not only strengthens its own talent pipeline but also provides a benchmark for other regional businesses striving to become employers of choice.