Why you want to work here

KI offers unique employment opportunities with a diverse and skilled workforce in an environment that is warm, friendly, down-to-earth and supportive.

Who we are

KI Canada is one of five plants in North America and is the sixth largest manufacturer of office furniture in the world. We have been located in the Ottawa Valley since 1992 and employ approximately 115 full-time production staff and 30 salaried staff. We have various skilled trades positions, including electricians, millwrights, and CAD designers. Our Pembroke facility also has departments specializing in design and engineering, purchasing, MDM, customer service, research and development and human resources.  

What we make

We make top-quality office furniture, primarily storage units like vertical and lateral filing cabinets. We also make desks and privacy dividers for offices.

Our top customers 

Around 95 per cent of our products are shipped to the US. We provide office furniture to many leading corporations and companies around the world.

Our workplace culture

KI really is about different age groups working together with one common goal. We have many employees who have been here for years who have climbed the ranks, and we also hire summer staff to keep up with the demand during our busy season. Our employees like to help each other and support one another.

Career advancement 

When we look at the history of KI, many of our employees who started out in positions such as a production technician or as an hourly employee, have learned the business, and have gradually moved to more senior roles. We give our employees an opportunity to advance in their careers.

Fun stuff

•   We purchase approximately 8,260,428
     pounds of steel annually
•   We purchase approximately 78,689 kg      
     of powder paint annually
•   We use approximately 1,000 locally
      made, pallets per week
•  We use 370 paint hoods per year
•   We purchase and receive inventory
     globally
•   We normally ship 10+ trailers of product
     per day

Meet the team

Position: Team Lead
Name: Raymond Woodcox
Age: 56
Years at company: 22

What do you do on a day-to-day basis at your job?

As a team lead, I make sure that people know how to do their jobs. I train people who are heading into new roles at the company, as well as summer students who are brought on to help with the workflow. I ensure that the parts keep coming and the assembly lines keep flowing.

How did you arrive at your current position? What was your professional or career path?

Since graduating high school I have always worked in industrial plants. Once arriving at KI, I started learning one job at a time and kept climbing the ranks until I became team lead six or seven years ago. It’s all about having a willingness to learn and work hard.

What is the best part about your job?

I have always loved helping and meeting new people, and this job allows me to do that. The people who work at KI are amazing and will do anything for you in or outside of work.

The job

Requirements

To become a team lead, you must know all of the different positions at KI. You must also be able to lead a team, and make sure that the work gets done.

Skills

Knowledge, willingness to learn, collaboration, problem-solving, being hands-on.

Perks

• Long term disability, critical illness, medical, paramedical

• Dental benefits

• Educational assistance program

• Lifeworks employee perks and employee assistance program

• RRSP match

• Life insurance

• Pet adoption reimbursement

• Costco membership

• Annual barbecue

• Christmas dinner

• Annual golf tournament