Why This Matters to Distributors: Wajax plans to put sales, supplier relationships, and operations under two business presidents while evaluating investments in technicians, sales capabilities, and ecommerce. The approach ties responsibility for customer relationships more closely to the operations that support them.
Wajax Corp. plans to reorganize its management around two business groups and evaluate investments in technicians, sales capabilities and ecommerce as the Canadian industrial distributor seeks to accelerate growth.
The company just released its 2027 strategy roadmap, following a review involving 18 senior leaders. The plan sets priorities for a broader ambition to become Canada’s fastest-growing provider of industrial products, equipment, and services by 2031.
Wajax reported 2025 revenue of CA$2.15 billion (about US$1.53 billion), up 2.3% from 2024, and listed 105 locations and 2,939 employees in its annual report. The U.S. dollar equivalent uses the Bank of Canada’s average exchange rate for 2025.
Its disclosed operating network spans Canada, with revenue reported across Western, Central and Eastern Canada. The annual report does not separately identify U.S. sales or a U.S. branch network.
Under the proposed structure, Wajax would appoint a president of equipment, parts and service and a president of industrial products and engineered repair services. Each would be responsible for profitable sales growth, category management, supplier relationships, and operations within their businesses.
Wajax said the changes would clarify responsibilities and strengthen its focus on customers and suppliers. The announcement did not name executives for the positions or provide an implementation date.
President and CEO George McClean, who became CEO in March, said visits to Wajax locations and discussions with employees, customers and suppliers helped shape the plan.
“These discussions confirmed that Wajax has a strong foundation, great people and significant opportunities ahead,” McClean said. “They also reinforced that there are areas where we can improve and become a more competitive business.”
The strategic review covered all businesses and regions, with particular attention to sales, technicians, how the company serves its markets and the leadership capabilities needed to support growth.
Wajax will evaluate investments in technician recruitment and development, leadership training, sales capabilities, digital and ecommerce tools, and selected supply chain and facility improvements. It did not disclose investment amounts, specific projects, or spending schedules.
The company organized the roadmap around four priorities: workforce development, customer and supplier relationships, community support, and operating performance.
Workforce initiatives include safety, leadership development, employee training, and workplace culture. Commercial priorities include improving customer experience, strengthening supplier partnerships, and making the sales force more effective.
The operating plan calls for disciplined spending, operational improvements, and profitable market share growth. Community efforts will include educational partnerships, coordinated investment and environmental responsibility.
The proposed management structure would give the two business presidents responsibility for both commercial relationships and the operations supporting them. Wajax said it expects the arrangement to improve execution and make the company easier for customers and suppliers to work with.
The announcement did not include a numerical growth target or explain how Wajax would measure its goal of becoming Canada’s fastest-growing provider in its markets by 2031. The company said it would release more details about investments and organizational initiatives in the coming weeks and months.
Wajax also introduced a logo incorporating a maple leaf and the branding “Building Canada Together Since 1858.”
Founded in 1858, Wajax distributes industrial products and equipment and provides parts, repair, and related services. It serves customers in construction, mining, oil and gas, forestry, metal processing, transportation, industrial and commercial markets, government, and utilities.
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