Leiko Equipment Inc.
Elevating Safety and Performance in Trench Solutions
Optimizing manufacturing, marketing, and supplier management for sustained expansion across Canada and Beyond
Founded in 2020, Leiko Equipment, Inc. has achieved sustainable growth and expansive reach thanks to its balanced approach that couples visionary goals with practical execution.
Based in Montreal, Quebec, this burgeoning company specializes in manufacturing trench safety products, such as steel and aluminum trench boxes. It has quickly positioned itself as a reliable name in the Canadian and North American markets.
Leiko Equipment is best known for its innovative yet reliably high-quality product designs, which consistently meet the evolving demands of the trench safety industry.
Investment in advanced materials, adoption of eco-friendly manufacturing practices, and diversification of product lines undoubtedly position the company as a leader.
Similarly, the company maintains several strategic partnerships with municipalities, contractors, and rental companies that strengthen its operational prowess, benefiting both its market share and long-term customer loyalty.
It would be fair to say that Leiko Equipment’s success hinges on its operational efficiency and impeccable quality standards. So, the company constantly fortifies its supply chain by securing reliable material sources, particularly from Canadian and American suppliers, which ensures resilience during production.
Internally, Leiko Equipment’s collaborative and family-oriented workplace culture remains paramount. As a core practice, expanding the team while providing training and mentorship will further solidify the company’s foundation.
Employees feel valued and empowered and always have opportunities to contribute to process improvements and innovation.
Leiko Equipment’s success is evident in its continued growth, both in workforce and production capacity, and its reputation as a trusted provider of durable, efficient, and cost-effective trench safety solutions.
Led by its savvy owner, a professional engineer named Francis Desjardins, Leiko is taking the industry by storm.
An Operational Foundation Built on Expertise
Manufacturing demands precision, safety, and efficiency—values that Leiko Equipment Inc. has embraced since its inception.
Guided by a breadth of professional engineering expertise, Leiko Equipment has balanced innovation with customer-centric practices to deliver high-quality products and exceptional service.
Before Leiko Equipment’s founding, Francis Desjardins spent over a decade working in construction and excavation, developing a deep understanding of trench safety needs.
Recognizing a gap in the market for high-performance, durable, and cost-effective trench safety equipment, he decided to channel his expertise into entrepreneurship.
“In 2020, I decided to start a fabrication business, and that’s where Leiko Equipment began. Our focus was on manufacturing trench safety products. So, trench boxes, aluminum trench boxes, modular trench boxes, and other trench safety products,” explains Owner Francis Desjardins.
Despite its young age, Leiko Equipment has dominated the market, garnering industry recognition.
Less than a year after its creation, the company won the Lauriers d’Or award from the Montcalm Chamber of Commerce in the Young Entrepreneur category and a Young Entrepreneur grant from the Montcalm MRC.
This is all thanks to its specialization in the design and manufacture of its shoring equipment, which emphasizes quality and performance.
From the beginning, the company committed to using Canadian and American materials for its products. Fortunately, by relying on local suppliers for steel and aluminum, Leiko Equipment supports domestic industries while ensuring consistent quality in its output.
As the company enters its fourth year of operation, it’s looking to expand in various ways.
“Everything is made in-house. So, for now, we have 12 employees, and we are looking to expand within the next year to about 20 so we can serve major clients and increase our production capacity,” Desjardins explains.
Leiko Equipment currently sells its products to three main client types: rental companies, contractors, and cities and municipalities. Leiko Equipment’s commitment to quality, responsiveness, and customization has already earned the trust of clients who value durability and precision in their trench safety solutions.
So, as it expands, its meticulous quality control will surely lead to larger and better client pools, especially considering that it is the only company in Quebec that manufactures this type of equipment.
Advancing Through Material Optimization and Supply Chain Resilience
Innovation is central to Leiko Equipment’s approach and has been a key differentiating factor for the company.
“We started in this business using standard equipment, manufacturing standard products… but I want to do more. I wanted to optimize the process and equipment we were selling. So, in 2023, we developed new products that used advanced materials like high-tensile and abrasion-resistant steel,” Desjardins says.
So, while the technology behind Leiko Equipment’s products may not differ from what is found in the industry, the quality of its materials is far superior. This results in trench safety products that balance all of the factors frequently considered by clients before purchasing.
The goal is to create trench boxes that balance strength, weight, and cost.
“It’s hard to optimize all three criteria…it’s easy to make the strongest or the lightest box or even the cheapest box. We are aiming for the box with the best weight-to-performance ratio versus cost to deliver the best overall solution,” Desjardins explains.
Fortunately, being a professional engineer allows Desjardins to both take part in and lead this design process. This has been critical to ensuring that Leiko Equipment’s products not only meet and exceed industry standards but align with the overall company vision as well.
Prioritizing optimization has ensured that Leiko Equipment’s products are not only strong and durable but also efficient to transport and install—critical factors for customers managing tight budgets and timelines.
Similarly, like its products, Leiko Equipment’s supply chain management practices are also built to withstand harsh conditions. The company’s founding occurred during the same year as the COVID-19 pandemic, yet its performance never wavered; in fact, it flourished.
The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of supply chain reliability for many companies, but only some, like Leiko Equipment, were able to adapt.
The company responded by diversifying its supplier base. Speaking on the effects of the pandemic, Desjardins states, “Since then, we have decided not to supply our materials from a single place. So, for every single part, component, or material we use, we now have at least two suppliers. And the same goes for services as well.”
This approach put Leiko Equipment in a better position to pivot and continue to serve customers well at the time. Even today, this strategy enables us to maintain steady production, even in the face of supply chain disruptions.
This is also why the company emphasizes long-term relationships with its suppliers, recognizing that strong partnerships yield benefits such as faster lead times and enhanced service.
One of Leiko Equipment’s core philosophies is that building trust and collaboration with suppliers is just as important as maintaining great relationships with clients.
Sustaining a Culture of Teamwork and Service in the Long Term
Leiko Equipment’s workplace culture also reflects its philosophy of collaboration and support. Employees are encouraged to contribute ideas for improving processes and product designs, fostering a sense of ownership and investment in the company’s success.
“I really value my workers. I talk to them every day. I consult them when designing a product or when making decisions about how we can improve our processes or products. I like to involve the team in the decision-making and the accomplishments the company makes… I see this business as a big family,” Desjardins says.
Despite his role as owner, Desjardins’s door is always open to address concerns, whether professional or personal, and he encourages his employees to be bold and speak up about any problems or concerns.
Fortunately for Leiko Equipment clients, this open-door policy also applies to them as well. In an industry where responsiveness can be a rarity, Leiko Equipment’s dedication to customer service sets it apart.
“The companies and people we work with really love to do business with us because we are a local company. We offer excellent service, and most importantly, we answer the phone… Staying connected to our clients allows us to meet their needs effectively and continuously improve our offerings,” Desjardins explains.
This hands-on approach extends to after-sales support and customization, ensuring that every customer interaction builds trust and satisfaction. Combined with a reputation for quality and reliability, it’s no wonder why Leiko Equipment has established itself as a go-to partner for trench safety solutions.
As Leiko Equipment grows, it continues to explore initiatives that align with its values of safety, quality, and sustainability.
While the company currently focuses on its core product lines, it remains open to adopting new technologies and practices that enhance eco-friendliness and operational efficiency.
Additionally, continuing to expand its employee base will surely grant it access to higher, more lucrative sectors of the manufacturing sector both domestically and beyond.
With its unwavering commitment to innovation, customer service, and employee engagement, Leiko Equipment Inc. is poised for a bright future in the trench safety industry. Its mission is to provide the best overall solution for clients while staying true to its values.
The company has executed this brilliantly thus far and will surely continue to do so in the years to come.
AT A GLANCE
Leiko Equipment Inc.
What: A Montreal-based manufacturer of trench safety products specializing in producing high-quality steel and aluminum trench boxes, modular systems, and other trench safety solutions.
Where: Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Leiko Equipment serves clients across Canada and North America.
Website: www.leikoequip.com/en/contact-us
PREFERRED VENDORS

Leiko Equipment – www.leikoequip.com
Leiko Equipment is a fast-growing company specializing in designing and manufacturing premium shoring and trench safety equipment. Our expert team offers customized solutions for rental companies, contractors, and municipalities, focusing on safety and durability. From high-tensile steel trench boxes to hydraulic shores, we provide innovative, cost-effective solutions for all excavation needs. With a commitment to R&D, we ensure your job sites remain secure, compliant, and efficient.