Can-Aqua International

What Can-Aqua International does

Can-Aqua International is a family-owned Canadian manufacturing agent and distributor of plumbing and building mechanical products, founded in 1971 in Laval, Quebec. The company operates two complementary revenue streams: (1) representation and distribution of products from 20+ manufacturers including Zurn (held since 1989), A.O. Smith, Elkay, AquaDesign, Leonard Valve, Sioux Chief, Maax, Encon, John Wood, Giant, Metcraft, GreenDrain, Georg Fischer, Ecotime, and Mansfield; and (2) custom in-house manufacturing in stainless steel, HDPE, FRP, and polypropylene — producing sinks, drinking fountains, bottle fillers, interceptors (including polypropylene grease and grease biodegradation systems), shower systems (including the CA-RC3000 stainless steel recessed metering push-button system), and HDPE U-shaped trench drains. The company also offers web-based specification and sizing tools that integrate manufacturer sizing software and a troubleshooting video library, positioned as efficiency aids for engineers and contractors rather than AI-driven products.

Can-Aqua goes to market through a field sales representative network organized by territory and manufacturer brand, supplemented by an internal sales/customer service team and a dedicated specifications and submissions department. Its customer base spans five horizontal segments — plumbing contractors, wholesalers (grossistes), specialty plumbing boutiques, engineers, and designers/architects — served primarily in Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Distribution channels combine direct field sales, internal inside sales, wholesale partners, and direct custom manufacturing. Visible project work includes supply of Zurn drainage solutions for the Jean-R.-Marcotte Wastewater Treatment Plant in Montreal (in partnership with Pomerleau and distributor Réal Huot) and Zurn/AquaDesign fixtures for Decathlon's Montreal store (installed by Plomberie CMPL). Operational footprint includes the Laval headquarters (relocated to a doubled-warehouse facility in August 2025), an Ottawa office and warehouse opened in 2024, a Quebec City office (since 2009), and a Winnipeg warehouse and now 70%-larger Mid-West facility (originally opened 2020, expanded 2026). The company remains wholly family-controlled, with second-generation co-presidents Philippe and Jean-Nicholas Beaudoin leading since 2022, and announced a strategic alliance with Trilex in 2026.

Name

Can-Aqua International

Legal name

Can-Aqua International

Website

https://can-aqua.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1971

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Can-Aqua International is a family-owned Canadian manufacturer-representative and distributor founded in 1971, serving plumbing contractors, wholesalers, engineers, and architects across Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba with custom-fabricated stainless steel, HDPE, FRP, and polypropylene plumbing products and distributed lines from 20+ manufacturers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Building Mechanical (Plumbing) Products Manufacturing and Distribution

NAICS

Plastics Pipe, Pipe Fitting, and Unlaminated Profile Shape Manufacturing (32612), Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing (333310)

akta.pro primary industry

Water Filtration, Treatment & Softening Plumbing Products (IMADALAK)

akta.pro secondary industry

Plumbing & Building Drain/Waste/Vent (DWV) Pipe & Fittings (IMANADAG)

Keywords

• Plumbing products distribution
• Building mechanical supplies
• Manufacturer representation services
• Custom plumbing manufacturing
• Plumbing specification tools

Headquarters

HQ city

Laval

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Manufacturer Representation and Distribution: Can-Aqua acts as a manufacturer's agent representing multiple plumbing product brands and earns commissions or margins on products sold through their distribution network. They serve as the representative for brands like Zurn, A.O. Smith, Elkay, and others.
2. Custom Manufacturing: Can-Aqua manufactures their own products (stainless steel, HDPE, FRP, polypropylene) including sinks, drinking fountains, interceptors, separators, and shower systems. Products can be customized to meet specific project requirements.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Can-Aqua International is a Canadian manufacturing agent and custom manufacturer specializing in building mechanical (plumbing) products. The company manufactures its own line of sinks, drinking fountains, bottle fillers, grease interceptors, separators, shower systems, and trench drains using stainless steel, HDPE, FRP, and polypropylene, and distributes complementary plumbing products from 20+ manufacturers including Zurn, A.O. Smith, Elkay, Leonard Valve, AquaDesign, and Maax across Canada. It supports customers with free online specification, sizing, and troubleshooting tools plus a dedicated specifications department.

Product overview

Can-Aqua International operates as a manufacturing agent and manufacturer specializing in building mechanical (plumbing) products since 1971. The company offers two main product categories: (1) Custom-manufactured products made in Canada using stainless steel, HDPE, FRP, and polypropylene — including sinks, drinking fountains, bottle fillers, interceptors, separators, shower systems, and janitorial sinks with 66+ technical data sheets available; and (2) Distributed products through partnerships with 20+ manufacturers including Zurn, A.O. Smith, Leonard Valve, AquaDesign, and others. The company provides complementary online tools including a product specification tool, product dimensioning tools, and troubleshooting video library. In 2026, Can-Aqua announced a strategic partnership with Trilex, combining nearly 100 years of collective expertise while maintaining both companies' brands and identities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Can-Aqua Manufactured Plumbing Products Custom-manufactured plumbing products made in Canada from stainless steel, HDPE, FRP, and polypropylene, including sinks, drinking fountains, bottle fillers, interceptors, separators, shower systems, and janitorial sinks, supported by 66 technical data sheets and customizable to project specifications. For plumbing contractors, engineers, and designers specifying commercial and residential projects.
• Zurn Channel Frames and Grates Drainage channel frames with double anchors every 12 inches in 10-foot sections, available in painted steel, galvanized steel, and stainless steel finishes; corresponding grates available in ductile iron, galvanized ductile iron, and stainless steel (load classes A through F). Distributed in Canada by Can-Aqua for infrastructure and commercial drainage projects.
• CA-RC3000 Recessed Stainless Steel Metering Push-Button Shower System Recessed stainless steel metering push-button shower system with pneumatically timed operation for controlled water usage; available with or without cabinet (CA-RC3000-CBSS). Manufactured by Can-Aqua for institutional, commercial, and correctional facility applications.
• Polypropylene Grease Interceptors (CA-SG Series) Recessed and above-ground polypropylene grease interceptors with various configurations for different installation requirements; options include models with painted steel exterior (CA-SG-AP-E). Manufactured by Can-Aqua for commercial food service and institutional kitchen drainage applications.
• HDPE U-Shaped Trench Drain Systems Factory-made U-shaped trench drain channels in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) that interlock for fast delivery; offer exceptional durability and resist chemical exposure and harsh weather conditions for long service life. Manufactured by Can-Aqua for commercial, industrial, and infrastructure drainage projects.
• SBG Grease Biodegradation System Integrated grease biodegradation system including a DG grease level detector and control panel, DH waste oil level detection system, and PHM pH meter control panel. Manufactured by Can-Aqua for commercial kitchen and food service wastewater treatment applications.
• AquaDesign Streamlav View (SLV02) Sink Seamlessly molded contemporary sink available in lengths from 30 to 120 inches for 1 to 4 users, in 5 colors, with antimicrobial homogeneous material that resists stains, burns, scratches, and vandalism; includes stainless steel skirt for plumbing protection. Distributed in Canada by Can-Aqua for commercial restroom projects.
• Zurn Camaya Touchless Sensor Faucet (Z6953-XL) Battery-operated touchless sensor faucet using Hydro-X Power technology for up to 10 years of battery life; generates power from low flow activations to optimize energy and conserve water, and can be paired with a matching soap dispenser. Distributed in Canada by Can-Aqua for commercial restroom and public facility projects.

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, minor and project.

• Zurn Industries, LLCcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor manufacturer partner for low water consumption sanitary devices, roof and floor drains, carrier fittings, grease/oil interceptors, flush valves, and commercial faucets. Can-Aqua has represented Zurn since 1989 and handles their products across all territories.
• A. O. Smith Water ProductscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorManufacturer partner for gas, electric and oil-fired water heaters, boilers, heat exchangers and storage tanks. Can-Aqua provides access to Pro-Size water heater sizing tools.
• Elkay Manufacturing CompanymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner for sinks and drinking fountains, refrigerated fountains and bottle filling stations.
• AquaDesign ManufacturingmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner for collective and individual stainless steel and synthetic material sink-fountains, and electronic faucets. Featured in Decathlon case study project.
• TrilexcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation announced in 2026 combining nearly 100 years of collective expertise. Two independent businesses with complementary strengths offering more depth, increased response capacity, and expanded product portfolio for better customer support.
• Halsey TaylormajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner for drinking fountains, electric water coolers, and bottle fillers.
• Just ManufacturingmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner for stainless steel sinks.
• Leonard Valve CompanymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner for thermostatic mixing valves for domestic water systems and emergency equipment. Can-Aqua provides access to Caspak sizing software.
• Sioux Chief Manufacturing CompanymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner for washing machine housings, toilet flanges and miscellaneous plumbing accessories. Can-Aqua provides HydraRester sizing guide.
• MaaxmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner for bathtubs, showers, shower bases, shower doors, and accessories.
• Encon Safety ProductsmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner for combined emergency units, emergency showers, eyewash stations and eye/face wash stations.
• John WoodmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner for water heaters and storage tanks.
• GiantmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner for electric and gas water heaters and storage tanks.
• Metcraft Industries Inc.majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner for stainless steel sanitary fixtures for correctional and institutional use.
• GreenDrainminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner for membrane sewer gas valves.
• Georg FischerminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner for laboratory piping in polypropylene and polyvinylidene (PVDF).
• EcotimeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner for all-in-one rainwater harvesting and greywater hydrovalorization systems.
• Mansfield Plumbing ProductsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner for stylish residential and commercial water conservation plumbing fixtures.
• Pomerleau (construction project partner)projectChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorConstruction company partner for Jean-R.-Marcotte Wastewater Treatment Plant project. Can-Aqua supplied Zurn drainage products in partnership with Pomerleau and distributor Réal Huot.
• Réal Huot (distributor)projectChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWater and sewer product distributor partner for Jean-R.-Marcotte Wastewater Treatment Plant project.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Trilex: Quebec/Canadian plumbing manufacturer's representative that announced a strategic alliance with Can-Aqua International in 2026 to combine ~100 years of expertise. Direct peer given identical business model (rep + custom manufacturing for the Canadian plumbing/mechanical market) and explicit commercial alignment with Can-Aqua.
• IPEX Inc. Canadian manufacturer of plastic piping systems including PVC, CPVC, ABS, and HDPE for DWV, plumbing, and irrigation - directly overlapping with Can-Aqua's HDPE trench drain and polypropylene interceptor manufacturing. Comparable material focus, specification-led sales motion, and contractor customer base.
• Viega LLC: Manufacturer of press-fit plumbing fittings, valves, and drainage systems sold through independent manufacturer's representatives to plumbing contractors and engineers. Highly comparable in distribution model (rep network) and commercial/institutional project focus to Can-Aqua.
• Crane Supply - Distribution Division: Canadian plumbing, HVAC, and industrial distribution business with branches across multiple provinces, selling to contractors, engineers, and wholesale customers. Closely comparable distribution footprint and customer segments to Can-Aqua in the commercial/institutional plumbing channel.
• MIFAB Inc. North American manufacturer of commercial plumbing products (drains, grease interceptors, cleanouts, access covers) sold through independent representatives. Closely comparable in product mix (drainage and interceptors overlap with Can-Aqua's Can-Aqua SS/HDPE/PP lines) and rep-driven sales model.

Broad incumbents

• Wolseley Canada / Ferguson Canada: Largest plumbing and HVAC distribution platform in Canada (formerly Wolseley Canada, now under Ferguson Enterprises). A broad incumbent competing with Can-Aqua on contractor/wholesaler supply in overlapping categories such as Zurn, A.O. Smith, and Elkay - the very brands Can-Aqua represents - but at vastly greater scale across more provinces.
• Watts Water Technologies: Global manufacturer of plumbing, water quality, and flow control products (backflow preventers, mixing valves, drainage) that competes with several Can-Aqua principals (Zurn, Leonard Valve, Wilkins). Comparable as a multi-brand spec-driven manufacturer serving engineers and contractors through reps and distribution.
• Reliance Worldwide Corporation (Canada): Plumbing products manufacturer (Cash-Acme, SharkBite, HoldRite) with significant Canadian operations that distributes through reps and wholesalers. Comparable as a manufacturer whose products flow through Canadian specification channels similar to those Can-Aqua serves.
• Emco Corporation: Canadian plumbing, HVAC, and waterworks distributor operating 200+ branches nationwide. Competes with Can-Aqua for contractor specification influence and wholesale supply, especially in plumbing fixtures, drainage, and water heater categories where Can-Aqua represents Zurn and A.O. Smith.
• Masco Corporation: Parent of major plumbing brands including Delta Faucet, BrassCraft, and Liberty Hardware, competing with and acquiring some of the manufacturers Can-Aqua represents. A broad incumbent whose brand portfolio and cross-brand commercial strategy resemble Can-Aqua's 'Expertise 360' multi-brand offering.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Can-Aqua International