Finalists in the large companies category–companies with greater than $75 million in annual revenue–included familiar Winnipeg names such as New Flyer Industries, E.H. Price and Bison Transport. Between them, these innovative firms employ over 5,000 workers across North America. Common themes of environmental sustainability and innovative technology join them together. At the end of the day, judges selected New Flyer Industries as the recipient of the 2010 Spirit of Winnipeg Award.

The world's first zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell buses that rolled through Whistler during the recent Olympics were made right here in Winnipeg by New Flyer Industries.

New Flyer is one of the city’s best examples of how innovation can be embodied within a corporate culture–and that’s not just in the marketing department’s eyes. The company has a list of accolades, which includes Canada’s Top 100 Employers for five years running (2006 through to 2010), one of Canada’s Greenest Employers (2008-2009), the Financial Post’s Ten Best Companies to Work For (2008-2009), and now, in 2010, the Spirit of Winnipeg Award in the large business category.

What started in 1930 as a five-person operation known as Western Auto & Truck Body Builders Ltd. has grown to an international heavyweight, employing over 2,400 people in the manufacture of transit buses.

New Flyer is consistently first-to-market with products that change the landscape of its industry–ground-breaking innovations like the first low-floor bus, the first diesel-electric bus and most recently, the world’s first zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell fleet, which rolled through Whistler during the recent Olympics. Zero emission means nothing but water vapour pours out of a tailpipe. Paul Smith, executive vice-president of sales and marketing, explains, “Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity through a special chemical reaction involving hydrogen and oxygen, with a final by-product of mostly water. We use this electricity on the fuel cell transit buses to power large electric drive motors that turn the wheels and power all of the other vehicle accessories.”

Smith adds, “Although the concept is simple enough, in reality it requires multiple controllers and sub-systems working in perfect unison with a staggering amount of computer code. The final result was the creation of the world’s first large-scale fleet of fuel cell buses operating in one of the harshest climates the technology has yet to see.”

It’s innovations like these have made New Flyer the go-to manufacturer for 248 transit authorities across North America–including 20 of the 25 largest transit authorities, as measured by both annual production and share of buses currently in revenue service. Smith says, “These 248 transit systems operate 84 per cent of all heavy-duty buses in service today. Our customer base is comprised of systems of varying sizes, ranging from smaller cities the size of Los Alamos, N.M. and Grand Forks, N.D. to large metropolises such as New York and Philadelphia.”

The company’s three facilities–in Winnipeg, St. Cloud, Minn., and Crookston, Minn.—are all ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and the occupational health and safety standard of OHSAS 18001-certified. ISO/OHSAS certifications are an important element of the New Flyer Management Systems because they drive continuous improvement in first-time product quality, on-time delivery, manufacturing cost reduction and improved product performance and reliability. Smith summarizes, “These certifications ensure dependable products are manufactured under the safest conditions, using the most environmentally responsible techniques available.” It also means that New Flyer has progressed beyond mere regulatory compliance to a position of environmental advocacy in its local communities and the North American transit market.

The Winnipeg-based market leader also supports its products with an industry-leading comprehensive parts and service network. Sales and service representatives are located in Winnipeg, Erlanger, Ky., and Fresno, Calif.

So the next time you’re visiting another city in North America, look for a familiar symbol from Winnipeg on the front of every transit bus you see.

Runners-up
E.H. Price Limited
If a company that can nearly double its size within five years–while the industry around it is shrinking drastically–it must be doing something right. E.H. Price is the market leader in air distribution products for non-residential buildings, with annual total revenues of approximately $300 million, eight manufacturing plants and 2,000 employees. Price Research Centre North, located in Winnipeg, is one of the most advanced product development and research labs of its kind in the world. The company employs about 100 engineers, lab technicians and software developers. In fact, Price has more engineers engaged in product development and application support than the rest of the industry combined. CEO Gerry Price has created and fostered a company with a spirit of relentless innovation, as well as a foundation of philanthropy and community building. Direct giving through the company now exceeds approximately 10 per cent of pre-tax profit. 

Bison Transport
After 40 years on the road, Bison Transport has become one of the largest truckload carriers in Canada today. As a value-add supply chain partner, Bison offers a full range of transportation options in addition to full-service logistics, dedicated fleet operations, yard management and warehousing and distribution. With terminals located across Canada, Bison’s team of 1,600 drivers and transportation experts operate over 1,050 power units and 3,000 trailers. The company has been an innovator in terms of environmental research and development as well as driver safety. For example, the company is currently conducting a fleet-wide test of aerodynamic trailer fairings that are designed to reduce fuel consumption. It is also pioneering a computer-based driver development program that incorporates the simulation technology used in the aviation industry and military.  Bison Transport has been selected as North America’s safest fleet in the over-25-million-mile category by the Truckload Carries Association for three consecutive years.