On September 11, Kleton Manufacturing opened a brand new facility in the municipality of Senneville. The state-of-the-art facility highlights a significant private investment in advanced equipment and automation, with the aim of strengthening Canada’s supply chain, supporting local manufacturing, and creating high‑quality jobs. Since its founding in 1983, Kleton has grown from a small workshop into a national brand serving a wide range of industrial sectors. We spoke with Braden Green, COO of Kleton’s parent group, Tenaquip, to learn more.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Kleton Manufacturing Inc., a division of the Tenaquip Group of Companies. We manufacture material handling solutions like rolling ladders, pallet trucks, storage equipment, and much more.
What made you want to do this work?
Our founder, Ken Reed, saw a gap in the market for quality material handling products at a better price and opened a plant in Lachine, Quebec. I joined in 1999 and was immediately drawn to the direction Kleton was heading—being a Canadian-owned manufacturer providing essential equipment to Canadian businesses.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
Running a business is tough and competitive. Kleton set out to provide customers with dependable, high-quality products at a more affordable price—giving businesses an edge where it matters.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
We work with a wide range of businesses: warehouses, shops, industrial facilities, and more.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We manufacture locally, using Canadian steel and innovative technology, right here in our Senneville plant. We also specialize in custom solutions—if a customer needs a product built to spec or an adjustment to one of our existing products, our engineers will design it and our team will bring it to life. We distribute our products through two main channels: Tenaquip Limited, a Canadian distributor of industrial and safety equipment, and SCN Industrial, a wholesale distributor.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
Our facility is located in Senneville, Quebec.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
I’d ask: “How is your product made?” Our answer is simple—we make our products right here in Quebec, using Canadian steel, and we take pride in the skill, experience, and care our team puts into every detail.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The toughest part is managing challenges outside of our control: tariffs, supply chain hurdles, or staying ahead of evolving technology. But as a COO, I love problem-solving. Every day presents new obstacles, and I get to collaborate with an incredible team—whether it’s sales, welders, or operations—to overcome them together.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
A couple of good ones:
Why don’t manufacturers ever get lost? Because they always follow the assembly line.
Material handling joke: “I tried to tell a joke about a forklift… but it just didn’t carry.”
Where can we follow you?
Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
I would like to recognize Souffle de Vie, a local vineyard right here in Quebec – right next door, actually. Their wines have even been recognized worldwide!
