Klassen Business Group

The Klassen Business Group has been in business since 1963. A third-generation family enterprise, the company is now run by the kids and grandkids of founders Neil & Rita Klassen. Grandpa Neil began the company when he purchased our first truck in 1963, to haul firewood and sawdust. As time went on, his four sons Lando, Mervin, Dennis and Reg and his one daughter Genny each came to work in and expand the business. Early on, Lando branched off and began his own family business, a bookstore and coffee shop in Abbotsford called the House of James (www.houseofjames.com), however the other four siblings all remain integral to the business to this day. Currently there are twenty members of the Klassen family involved in day-to-day operations, with ten more serving in supportive roles. The third generation family members each started from the ground floor, or more literally "pushing a broom" across the pavement in our retail landscape yard. Slowly, each member of the G3 management team worked their way up into managing their own divisions. The company now employs over 100 people, operating from primary bases of operations in Abbotsford, Mission and Merritt, with satellite operations based out of Maple Ridge, Radium Hot Springs and 100 Mile House. Valley Pulp & Sawdust Carriers or 'Valley Carriers' ( www.valleycarriers.com) as it is more commonly known, is the Klassen's original operating company and is still thriving today. Each year, the fleet of forty trucks travels nearly 2.5 million kilometers, transporting wood residuals such as Sawdust, Bark Mulch & Hog Fuel for use in Agriculture, Landscaping and the Pulp & Paper Industry. True to our roots, we still provide bedding material for dairy, equestrian and poultry farming throughout the Lower Mainland, but we've grown to include the transportation of wood residuals from shake & shingle mills to pulp mills and also the hauling of logs from the bush to sawmills. We package bagged wood shavings through our subsidiary company, Klassen Wood Co ( www.klassenwoodco.com). These bags are shipped all over the world, including destinations in the US, Canada, Mexico, England, Korea & China. We also supply Bark Mulch, Soil and other Landscape Supplies to many of the smaller landscape centers in the lower mainland. We operate our own retail landscape supply center, Klassen Landscape Supply ( www.klassenlandscapesupply.com), serving both homeowner and professional landscaper, at our primary facility in Abbotsford. With members of the 4th generation beginning to enter the business, the Klassen family intends to continue to grow and evolve in business together for generations to come. Our strength is found in the integrity of our faith, in hope, and in love. Thankful for family heritage, our adventurous humility guides our ambition as we diligently work as a diverse team with open minded collaboration. With balanced determination, we drive change and pursue growth, while respecting the past and embracing the future.