Triple E Founder Phil Ens To Receive Order Of Manitoba

Over 50 years ago, around the kitchen table of P.W Enns, Peter Elias and Philipp Ens spoke with their father-in-law and about creating a trailer manufacturing company in Winkler.

Playing off the alliteration of their last names, Triple E, was born.

Canada's major milestones would become intertwined with the new Winkler company.

At Expo '67 in Montreal, held on Canada's centennial, the company's trailers were able to meet a lack of hotel space and tripled production in its second year.

Now, 50 years later on Canada's 150th anniversary, Philipp Ens will be awarded the province's highest honour, the Order of Manitoba, for his contributions as community leader through the company he helped create with his brother-in-law and father-in-law around the kitchen table half a century ago.

"It was a total surprise," Ens says. "One of my first reactions was "did they run out of names? Why me?" It was a big surprise... very humbling."

He notes the list of fellow recipients, 12 in all this year, features a number of people who have made amazing contributions to the overall welfare of the province.

"To be in their company is a very humbling experience," Ens says.

"The vast and varied contributions made by these individuals, whether their impact is felt on the local, national or international level, are most worthy of acknowledgement and acclaim," Lt.-Gov. Janice C. Filmon, said in a release.

Ens explains he's always been interested in seeing the community grow, and "to help people find jobs locally instead of having to leave."

Since starting in 1965 the company saw Winkler grow from under 3,000 to closer to 13,000.

(Below is a video from the company's 50th anniversary celebrations in 2015)

"And we've been part of that growth," he says, adding they've always made it a priority to be good corporate citizens.

"I have a big interest in seeing our community grow and flourish."

Triple E has taken the lead on many community projects over the last half century. And Ens also has become widely respected as a community builder and philanthropist with wide-ranging contributions on local, provincial and national boards and organizations.

And despite many offers to move the company, Ens says their answer was always very simple: "Winkler was our home," he says.

Among his many voluntary services, he was the president of the former P.W. Enns Family Foundation, a charity that has supported such projects as the Mennonite Heritage Centre, located at Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg, as well as a hospital in Taiwan. Additionally, he has been involved, both through the foundation and personally, in numerous projects in the Winkler and surrounding areas.

Ens will receive the award, the province's highest honour, on July 13 at the Manitoba Legislative Building.

Members who enter the Order of Manitoba are entitled to use the initials O.M after their names for life. Ens will also have his name placed on permanent display in the Legislative Building.