In 2017, no one could have imagined that assembling a few pairs of snowshoes would mark the beginning of a new chapter for Faber. What started as a simple assembly contract turned into something much bigger four years later: a new generation taking the reins, built on years of trust.
A Company with Deep Roots in Quebec City
When Noé Sioui and Céline Gros-Louis founded Faber & Co. in Loretteville, Quebec, in 1870, they were making canoes and traditional rawhide snowshoes built to handle harsh Quebec winters.
Over the decades, the brand continued to evolve while staying true to what made its reputation: building reliable, durable products made to last.
In 1987, brothers Guy and Richard Faber took over the family business. As the fourth generation to lead the company, they gradually modernized production and shifted Faber's focus entirely to snowshoe manufacturing.
A few years later, they introduced the brand's first aluminum snowshoes, opening a new chapter in Faber's history.
Driven by Innovation
Innovation has always been part of Faber's DNA.
In 2008, Guy Faber developed the patented Wing Traction Decking, an innovative snowshoe design that delivers better grip and traction without adding unnecessary weight.
A few years later came the S-Line, a hybrid snowshoe combining the benefits of traditional snowshoes with the glide of skis, bringing a whole new experience to winter adventures.
Today, these innovations continue to set Faber snowshoes apart across Canada.
When a Collaboration Becomes a True Partnership
In 2017, Faber was looking for a manufacturing partner to assemble snowshoes for Costco Canada.
Groupe TAQ had an experienced, reliable team known for delivering quality work. What was supposed to be a straightforward assembly contract quickly grew into something much more.
As the projects evolved, both teams worked closely together to adapt workstations, organize production steps and make the most of each team member's strengths.
Some manufacturing operations were even carried out directly at Faber's facility by a Groupe TAQ team specializing in cutting machinery.
Year after year, the partnership grew stronger. So did the trust.
A New Chapter Built on Trust
In 2020, Guy Faber began planning his retirement. With no family successor to carry on the business, he wanted to find a partner who could preserve Faber's identity while helping the brand continue to grow.
For him, Groupe TAQ was that partner.
After four years of working closely together, the acquisition felt like a natural next step. On May 1, 2021, Groupe TAQ officially acquired Faber.
But one thing was especially important: passing on decades of snowshoe-making expertise.
Throughout the transition, Guy Faber worked alongside the team, sharing his knowledge, research and development methods, and the expertise he had built over the years.
Working with Luc Paris, Executive Vice-President of Groupe TAQ and head of the Faber division, he helped ensure the brand's continuity while laying the groundwork for its future.
A Canadian Snowshoe Brand That Keeps Growing
Since the acquisition, Faber has continued to move forward.
More than 220,000 pairs of snowshoes have been manufactured and assembled at Groupe TAQ's facilities in Quebec City.
Today, Faber snowshoes are sold through major retail partners, including Costco and Decathlon Canada, as well as a wide network of specialty outdoor retailers across Canada, the United States and several European countries.
At the same time, Faber continues to invest in developing its utility snowshoes, designed for demanding work environments. These rugged, dependable snowshoes are widely used in forestry, mining and industrial operations, where durability, traction and reliability matter most.
Over the years, Faber has also designed and supplied snowshoes for the Canadian Armed Forces and defence departments of several NATO member countries, including Scandinavian countries and the United Kingdom.
More Than an Acquisition: A Legacy That Lives On
When Groupe TAQ acquired Faber, the goal wasn't simply to preserve a company with more than 150 years of history.
It was about giving the brand the opportunity to keep innovating, manufacturing snowshoes right here in Quebec and bringing its expertise to outdoor enthusiasts and professionals well beyond Canada's borders.
Today, every pair of Faber snowshoes is made by a team that proves, day after day, that manufacturing excellence and workplace inclusion can go hand in hand.
And the story continues, one winter season at a time.