TORONTO, Ontario – Manitoulin Global Forwarding has acquired N/J International Inc. of Houston, Texas.  N/J International is a global supply chain provider of fully integrated transportation and logistics solutions covering air and sea freight, warehousing, crating, distribution and supply chain management. This is the first acquisition Manitoulin Global Forwarding has made on U.S. soil.

“N/J International is a well-established service provider in the United States operating since 1982. They service some of the top companies in the Houston market in various industries,” said Dwayne Hihn, president, Manitoulin Global Forwarding. “N/J International complements our own service capabilities in the Canadian market.  Manitoulin has become a trusted brand in Canada and for many years has been at the forefront of servicing some of the top global companies. Adding N/J International to the Manitoulin family was a natural choice given the strong business ties between Texas and Alberta and our countries in general. By combining our resources, capabilities, and relationships, Manitoulin is now positioned as the premier provider to the oil and gas and project sector on both sides of the border.”

Brian Fainter, the former president of N/J International, will serve as president for all U.S. sales and operations for Manitoulin Global Forwarding. “We believe this acquisition will benefit not only N/J International’s customers but any company seeking outstanding customer service, reliability, and corporate stability,” said Fainter. “Manitoulin has a sterling reputation, deep roots in Canada and more than fifty years’ experience servicing the Northern American market. Its impressive line-up of in-house resources including over 3,000 pieces of transportation equipment, and 80 terminals, make it capable of meeting every supply chain scenarios.”

“N/J International’s customers can feel confident that the quality of service they are accustomed to will continue at Manitoulin,” said Gord Smith, CEO, Manitoulin Group of Companies. “Also, they now have easy access to Manitoulin’s global coverage and broad service portfolio. This includes international freight forwarding, customs brokerage, crating, warehousing, global time-critical delivery, project logistics and heavy haul, office moving, ground transportation, and supply chain management. This provides a true one-stop-shop for all transportation and logistics needs across Canada and around the world.”

“We warmly welcome N/J International’s customers and employees,” said Hihn. “We are excited to demonstrate our capabilities to businesses in the United States. We understand the complexities and challenges of various industries and can expertly handle the most demanding projects.”

Toronto, Ontario – Manitoulin Transport has acquired Express Havre St-Pierre (EHSP) of Quebec, Canada. The acquisition builds out Manitoulin’s coverage in Central and Eastern Quebec, particularly in the province’s rural areas.

Express Havre St-Pierre provides truckload (TL) and less-than-truckload (LTL), dangerous goods, temperature controlled, and white glove services, for a wide variety of industrial and commercial customers. Headquartered in Havre-St-Pierre, the company has terminals in Quebec City, Varennes, Baie-Comeau, Sept-Îles, and Chicoutimi in QC, and also in Labrador City, NL.

“Express Havre St-Pierre has stood the test of time and built a solid name for itself as a well-run, customer-centric business,” said Jeff King, president, Manitoulin Transport. “Having served the Quebec marketplace for more than forty years, their knowledge of its communities, roads, and the unique needs of its industries, is second to none. This depth of experience, combined with their broad range of equipment and process-oriented operations have been key to EHSP providing consistent, quality service for many years.”

“We look forward to combining our knowledge and experience with Manitoulin’s,” said Félix Bélanger, general manager, Express Havre St-Pierre. “We believe our customers will be delighted with their easy access to Manitoulin’s various transportation and logistics services and global reach.”

“This acquisition demonstrates Manitoulin’s commitment to ensuring strong coverage in Quebec,” said Gord Smith, chief executive officer, Manitoulin Group of Companies. “Further, it is another example of our commitment to building out our coverage across Canada. Businesses in rural and remote communities need reliable transportation and logistics services just as much as those in cities. We are delighted that through the acquisition of EHSP, Manitoulin can provide enhanced coverage to our customers, with immediate effect.”

EHSP will operate as a stand-alone entity with the current management team remaining in place.

“Express Havre St-Pierre has been an important interline partner of Manitoulin Transport for many years,” said King. “We have experienced their commitment to service excellence first-hand and believe this to be an ideal fit for us, and for our customers.”

Jeff Smith, executive vice-president of Manitoulin Transport, presented a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to CLM Executive Director Tammie Molenaar and CLM management staff last Friday in Mindemoya.

“We understand Community Living Manitoulin (CLM) is in need of capital funds for a new van for its clients,” Mr. Smith told the Recorder. “We felt this donation would be a great way to give back to the community and benefit the clients of CLM.”

“We’re hoping to finance $80,000 to purchase a full-sized van; we have several clients in wheelchairs and others who have accessibility issues who have difficulty getting around, so we are looking at this automatic hydraulic van,” Ms. Molenaar said. “So far we have raised $48,000 with Manitoulin Transport’s very generous donation. And we are currently receiving a portion of the proceeds from every ticket sold in Mindemoya through the Catch the Ace draws being put on by the Little Current Lions Club.”

Mr. Smith read a letter that Manitoulin Transport had received from CLM, explaining “Community Living Manitoulin has been a presence on Manitoulin island assisting individuals from the Manitoulin district for over 30 years. Our first group home, ‘Hope Farm Residence,’ opened in 1980 when the board of directors purchased Hope Farm. Today, we have four group homes supporting 25 people; a Supported Independent Living program supporting 36 people; and a Community Hub supporting over 40 people with volunteering, employment, and recreational opportunities.”

CLM, “continues to operate within a tight budget with zero increases in the past few years. We come to you again in search of support in the form of a financial donation. We are currently in the process of upgrading our small fleet of transportation vehicles as a couple of them have reached their maximum usefulness. As you know, transportation on Manitoulin is crucial to socialize and work. Our individuals are no different. The government is pushing us to have our clients out more participating in community events and activities. With the push to get out more, our aging vehicles and no capital vehicle dollars available from the government, we find ourselves in need of financial support from our communities.”

“The individuals we support are counting on your generosity to help them realize their dream of an accessible vehicle. A vehicle equipped to meet their need, allows them the freedom to go to necessary appointments and to have a social life,” the CLM letter explains.

Ms. Molenaar explained, “we have a small accessible van that was very gently used that we purchased for a very good price from Rolly Piche, whose wife had M.S.”

“The new full-sized van we are still fundraising for would allow us to take all of our clients who have difficulty getting around for appointments and outings, and the smaller van will be used when we take individuals for medical appointments,” said Ms. Molenaar.

The Move Mobility Ram Promaster Rear Lift 159″ wheelbase van is known to live up to the challenge of tough wear-and-tear of transit fleet, with flexible seating options and wheelchair positions to meet the needs of every client. Seating is provided for up to 10 passengers, in a wheelchair or ambulatory passengers and the vehicle has auto-floor and swing and fold systems. Seats can be moved around and added or taken away depending on need. No lifting is required as all the seats roll.

Mr. Smith added, “we hope our donation encourages others to give similarly to this most important Island agency.”

MISSISSAUGA, ON – Manitoulin Global Forwarding has acquired IPE Logistics (Canada) Ltd., of Toronto, ON. The purchase strengthens Manitoulin’s overall global capabilities, especially from Asia to North America in the less-than-container-load (LCL) space, and provides enhanced access to Asian markets. This is the eighth acquisition Manitoulin has made in the last year to extend its offerings and global reach.

“Asia continues to be a major engine of global growth and our customers must be able to readily leverage business opportunities associated with the region,” said Dwayne Hihn, president, Manitoulin Global Forwarding. “Combining IPE Logistics’ expertise with Manitoulin’s existing capabilities enables us to satisfy the most complex freight forwarding situations. We believe that through this purchase, businesses in Canada and across North America now have improved access to Asia’s lucrative markets via an array of robust and reliable offerings.”

“Our investments invariably relate to anticipating customers’ needs and helping them to optimize business opportunities,” said Gord Smith, CEO, Manitoulin Group of Companies. “We expected Asia’s dynamic economies would trigger tremendous growth in our customers’ businesses and took steps years ago to ensure our infrastructure could facilitate that growth. As one entity, we are among the top international freight forwarders in Canada today, and provide a significant competitive advantage for our customers.”

IPE Logistics was founded in 2002 by Tony Leung and Paul Xian. Over the years, it established itself as a national enterprise with offices in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. IPE Logistics provides freight forwarding, project consulting, e-commerce supply chain management, and warehousing and distribution, as well as customs brokerage consulting.

“IPE Logistics is delighted to join the Manitoulin family,” said Tony Leung, former owner, IPE Logistics. “Clearly, we have complementary offerings, but our real strength lies in our shared culture of striving for excellence and delivering on what we promise. Our customers will now benefit from the integrated global supply chain capabilities of Manitoulin Group of Companies.

“IPE Logistics’ significant presence in the LCL import space from Asia, fits well with the integrated time-sensitive services that Manitoulin offers, especially given the recent port and rail congestion on both sides of the country,” said Hihn. “With Manitoulin, businesses can be confident that regardless of challenging events affecting the industry, we have the ability to provide relevant and effective supply chain solutions that meet their needs.”

IPE Logistics customers can expect a business-as-usual experience with the continued leadership of Leung and Xian.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — February 28, 2018 — Matco Moving Solutions, a fully integrated provider of residential and commercial domestic and international moving services, household goods relocation and warehousing, has acquired I-Care Office Solutions of Edmonton, Alberta. The purchase adds to Matco’s growing commercial relocation business and provides Matco entry into the office systems installation and reconfiguration markets.Northbridge Insurance

Founded in 2007 by Aaron and Michelle Eicher, I-Care provides commercial moving, warehousing, installation and reconfiguration of office space, home delivery, furniture repair and rental throughout Alberta.

“I-Care has earned an excellent reputation that is unparalleled in Alberta’s commercial moving space,” said Wayne Wishloff, vice-president and general manager, Matco Moving Solutions. “Their professionalism, approach to customer service, and safe handling of customers’ goods mirrors our own and is exactly as their name suggests. I-Care’s services perfectly complement those of Matco and solidify our strength in the moving, relocation and storage space. Now we can provide a complete solution and are poised to become one of the largest commercial moving businesses in Alberta, Yukon and the Northwest Territories.”

“We are excited to welcome I-Care into Matco and the Manitoulin Group of Companies family,” said Don Goodwill, president, Manitoulin Group of Companies. “I-Care customers now have at their fingertips a more robust offering from Matco, at the same time, access to a complete line of transportation and logistics solutions through the Manitoulin Group of Companies. We look forward to putting our capabilities to work for I-Care’s customers to help them expand in Canada and around the world.”

“We are confident our customers will greatly benefit from this transaction,” said Aaron Eicher. “Matco has been in business for more than fifty years with many customers in both the residential and commercial market returning to them time and again. Our own experience tells us that this kind of trust can only be earned by caring for the goods they deliver as if they were their own and attending to every detail. It is satisfying to know that our customers are in good hands.”

“We never stop looking for ways to do more for our customers,” said Wishloff. “We believe the infusion of more capabilities and expertise through this transaction, together with planned advancements in technology and geographic reach, will greatly benefit our customers.”

All staff and operations will relocate to the Matco office at 18151 – 107 Avenue, Edmonton. Aaron and Michelle Eicher will remain with the company for a period of time to ensure a smooth transition.

“This is a significant achievement for Manitoulin,” said Jeff King, president, Manitoulin Transport. “It validates our commitment to the security of our customers’ shipments, safety of our people, and the communities in which we operate. This further distinguishes Manitoulin as a leader in the transportation industry. The audit mirrors some internal measurements that we conduct such as our cargo claims ratio averaging 99.79 percent. Over-all, this reflects the importance of safety within Manitoulin. It’s in our culture to continuously push the envelope and find better ways to do things safely and securely.”

The Northbridge audit of Manitoulin Transport focused on five key safety-related metrics: driver management, equipment management, safety management, cargo management, and compliance performance. Manitoulin achieved a number of perfect scores in various categories and an overall score of 4.7 out of a possible 5 points, compared to an industry average of 3.3. Only five percent of the Canadian carriers evaluated by Northbridge in 2017 achieved Elite status.

Northbridge Insurance has more than 60 years’ experience working with the transportation sector. Its Transportation & Logistics Best Practices Council, which creates the industry benchmarks used in its audits, includes risk managers from leading Canadian transportation firms. Its risk management services aim to protect clients from losses and enhance clients’ own risk management efforts
“Manitoulin’s culture of safety was not achieved overnight,” said Gord Smith, chief executive officer, Manitoulin Group of Companies. “It requires rigorous internal standards, painstaking attention to detail, and a desire for continuous improvement. It means not cutting corners to save money or time, or settling for just the basic safety measures we are obliged to meet, but going beyond what is expected. It’s about operating professionally and responsibly at every level of the organization and earning the trust placed in us each day.”

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario— Manitoulin Transport has acquired Direct Right Cartage Inc. of Brampton, Ontario, a premium intermodal service provider. This is the seventh purchase for Manitoulin in the last 12 months. The acquisition builds on the company’s existing intermodal offerings and signifies Manitoulin’s intent to further expand its capabilities in this service.

“Customer demand is a key influencer in Manitoulin’s business decisions and this latest transaction further demonstrates that we listen,” said Jeff King, president, Manitoulin Transport. This purchase enables Manitoulin to provide a higher level of service and frequency of intermodal service within Canada. We will continue to look for opportunities such as this to build out our services and coverage to ensure our offerings meet our customers’ evolving needs.”

Founded by Paul Enright and John Farrugia in 1982, Direct Right Cartage was established initially to serve the time-sensitive transportation needs of Canada’s entertainment industry. Over the years, Direct Right expanded its expertise and geographic scope to cover all industries, including automotive, plastic, retail, packaged foods, and other general commodities. Headquartered in Brampton, Ontario, Direct Right Cartage has locations in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, and Montreal. Its founders, John Farrugia and Paul Enright, will continue in their respective leadership roles.

“John and I are both delighted to join the Manitoulin Group of Companies,” said Paul Enright, co-founder of Direct Right Cartage. “Manitoulin is one of the more prominent companies in the transportation industry and we have long admired its history and brand. We are excited to introduce our customers to the Manitoulin Group, given the holistic and global supply chain services it can offer.”

“Through this transaction, customers of Direct Right Cartage now have more options at their disposal in terms of coverage and supply chain services,” said Gord Smith, chief executive officer, Manitoulin Group of Companies. “Manitoulin’s ability to extend customers’ reach from Canada to the rest of the world through multiple supply chain service offerings, gives them a significant competitive advantage. We look forward to working with them and contributing to their success as a true business partner.”

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Manitoulin Transport has acquired Duckering’s Transport Ltd. of Red Deer, Alberta, a less than truckload (LTL) service provider offering next-day service to more than 400 locations throughout the province. The acquisition builds on Manitoulin’s many previous investments in Western Canada in recent years and further demonstrates its commitment to provide the most comprehensive coverage across Canada.

“Duckering’s Transport has carved out a niche for itself in the Alberta LTL marketplace and earned a reputation for on-time delivery as well as a customer-first philosophy that we share,” said Jeff King, president, Manitoulin Transport. “It is an important addition to Manitoulin as it instantly increases our direct service footprint with over 100 new direct service points. This, combined with our technology, equipment and best-in-class supply chain processes, means that businesses in the region can connect faster and more easily with customers and prospects across the province and around the globe. This will help them compete and grow in an increasingly competitive world.”

Duckering’s Transport Ltd. was founded by Clarence Duckering in 1971 and has remained a family-owned business for more than 40 years. Headquartered in Red Deer, AB, it has terminal facilities in Brooks, Calgary, Camrose, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Lethbridge, and Medicine Hat.

“We are delighted to welcome Duckering’s into the Manitoulin fold,” said Don Goodwill, president, Manitoulin Group of Companies. “We look forward to introducing Duckering’s customers not only to the trusted services of Manitoulin Transport but also to the wealth of additional offerings they now have at their fingertips through Manitoulin Group of Companies. We believe our one-stop-shop for all transportation and logistics needs, combined with our unsurpassed coverage, positions us well to contribute to our customers’ success and fulfil our goal of becoming a true business partner. To this end, David Duckering will remain with the company in a management capacity to help ensure a smooth transition for all Duckering’s customers.”

Duckering’s International Freight Services Inc. was not included in the purchase.

EMERALD PARK, Saskatchewan — June 20, 2017 — Cratex Industries Ltd.,Western Canada’s largest packaging and crating company, today celebrated the official grand opening of its new facility at 9 Great Plains Industrial Drive, Emerald Park, Saskatchewan. The site was formerly the home of Balgonie Pallet & Crate Ltd., which Cratex purchased in February of this year.

“Putting down roots here represents a significant investment for us, not just in Emerald Park but in Saskatchewan in general,” said Jeff Loesch, vice-president, Cratex Industries Ltd. “We are committed to the region and believe we can fill a void in the provision of intricate, complex, and oversized packaging and crating expertise. Our customer-first mindset has earned us the trust of some of Canada’s largest firms and spurred us to develop unique capabilities. Over the years we have been sought out to package everything from a highly delicate dinosaur fossil to an immense and bulky C-130 cargo plane. We are thrilled to officially open in Emerald Park and eager to demonstrate how Cratex can benefit businesses of all types, in all sectors.”

Local Cratex employees and customers, and senior executives from Cratex and its parent company Manitoulin Group of Companies attended the event. Guests of honour included Hon. Jeremy Harrison, Saskatchewan minister of the economy; Mitchell Huber, reeve, RM Edenwold 158; and Hon. Christine Tell, member of legislative assembly, Regina Wascana Plains.

“A key advantage of trusting your business to Cratex Industries is its membership of Manitoulin Group of Companies,” said Don Goodwill, president, Manitoulin Group of Companies. “Each Manitoulin company is an expert in its field and together they provide the full suite of transportation and logistics services and a global reach. This affords businesses a convenient one-stop-shop for all their transportation and logistics needs which gives them a competitive edge and reduces the risk of damage, loss, and error that can arise with engaging numerous, unconnected organizations to get the job done.”

“In recent years, Manitoulin has been investing heavily in Saskatchewan and Western Canada via numerous acquisitions and new terminals,” said Minister Harrison. “They recognize the business opportunities that our province presents and, as our economy begins to recover from low resource prices, the increasing need for the type of services Cratex Industries and Manitoulin provide. I extend a warm Saskatchewan welcome to Cratex and wish them continued success.”

“We welcome Cratex Industries into our community and commend the decision to invest here,” said Reeve Huber. “Businesses depend on reliable service providers such as Cratex to help them grow and succeed. We wish Cratex great success in their venture and their contribution to the local economy.”

“Businesses in the region can feel confident that they have a capable partner in Cratex that can also facilitate easy access to a reliable, full-service transportation and logistics provider that can help them reach distant markets,” said Loesch. “Cratex has the people, skills, solutions and experience necessary to securely package or crate virtually anything to get it safely across town, across the country, or around the world.”

EDMONTON, Alberta — February 13, 2017 — Cratex Industries Ltd., Western Canada’s largest packaging and crating company, announced today that it has purchased Balgonie Pallet & Crate Ltd. located at 9 Great Plains Industrial Drive, Emerald Park, SK. Balgonie designs and builds pallets and crates primarily for the agricultural and food manufacturing industries. This purchase will enable Cratex to expand its existing business in those sectors and extend its reach in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and eventually into the United States.

“We are excited to achieve another milestone in our company’s long history,” said Dwayne Hihn, president Cratex Industries Ltd. “Balgonie is known for its excellent craftsmanship and exemplary customer service and Cratex shares these values and practices. By combining our skills and capabilities we have created an impressive portfolio of packaging and crating services that is second to none in the region. We welcome Balgonie’s customers and employees and look forward to an exciting future serving the agricultural and food manufacturing sectors in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and beyond.”

Pat Leibel, former owner of Balgonie, will stay on as the company’s general manager for the Saskatchewan office

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Manitoulin Transport announced today that it has opened a new transportation terminal in Wawa, Northern Ontario, further strengthening its ability to provide the widest direct coverage in Canada. The new terminal ensures that businesses in the region, including those in the mining industry, can benefit from consistent, reliable and exceptional service throughout Canada.

The new terminal at 164 Mills Drive, Wawa, which sits on 1.8 acres of yard, has greater storage capacity than Manitoulin’s existing Wawa terminal and is able to handle twice as many shipments.

“This new, larger terminal demonstrates our commitment to Wawa and surrounding areas. It also emphasizes our readiness to support businesses here as they grow,” said Jeff King, president, Manitoulin Transport. “While some of our competitors may also offer national coverage, Manitoulin provides the widest direct national coverage of any provider in Canada. This enables shipments to get to their destination without leaving our hands, minimizing the risk of damage, loss and delay. Also, with Manitoulin, clients benefit from personalized service through a dedicated account representative who understands their business and is able to assemble the most advantageous solution for them from the full suite of transportation and logistics services available.”

“As the provider of the widest direct coverage in Canada, Manitoulin goes beyond simply investing in major towns and cities,” said Don Goodwill, president, Manitoulin Group of Companies. “More remote areas, such as Wawa, can also be highly strategic in building out a network of truly comprehensive coverage. As well, access to a reliable transportation partner who can provide a one-stop-shop for all their transportation and logistics needs, is just as essential to businesses in Wawa as it is to businesses elsewhere in Canada, particularly as the mining industry in Northern Ontario continues to expand.”

Manitoulin’s former terminal has been closed and employees have transferred to the new facility.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario —  Manitoulin Transport has donated a total of $100,000 to Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) with this year’s annual holiday gift. The funds will be used to help NCC deliver on its mandate to conserve and protect natural habitats in Canada of ecological significance.

“We are delighted to continue our support of NCC — a highly respected organization known to produce tangible results,” said Jeff Smith, executive-vice president, Manitoulin Transport and Manitoulin Group of Companies. “Our company is national in scope and we care deeply about the communities across Canada where we do business and where our staff and customers live. The holidays are a time for giving and it simply makes sense to support NCC in their mandate of nature preservation which benefits us all and aligns with our company’s core value of operating with integrity.”

“We thank Manitoulin Transport for the generous donation and for their continued and significant support over many years,” said John Grant, program director, midwestern Ontario, NCC. ” During the time that Manitoulin Transport first got involved with NCC, the importance of conservation was not nearly as well understood as it is today. Manitoulin Transport has shown great leadership, not just within their own industry but among companies in general, by getting involved and staying involved with NCC and our important work. It is very gratifying to have the support of a company of such calibre as Manitoulin Transport and we look forward to many more years of partnership with them.”

“As a transportation and logistics company, we fully understand that just one breakdown in a chain can unsettle an entire process,” said Smith. “Nature operates in a similar way, which is why we take steps to operate our business in a socially responsible manner and to limit our impact on the environment. In fact, Manitoulin Transport is the first transportation company in Canada to be certified in ISO 14001 — a world-renowned environmental management standard. Contributing to NCC enables us to go a step further and help protect ecologically important land in Canada and the species that call it home — for its intrinsic value, and for the benefit and enjoyment of generations to come. We hope our support of NCC inspires others to do the same.”

Mississauga, Ontario — Manitoulin Transport announced today that it is now providing direct service to all towns and cities in southeastern Ontario via three new strategically located terminals in Cornwall, Peterborough and Kingston. Direct service in the region will enhance Manitoulin’s ability to provide faster transit times and increase shipment visibility for its customers.

“When our customers entrust Manitoulin with their goods and packages, they deserve excellent service every step of the way,” said Jeff L. King, president, Manitoulin Transport. “By providing direct service throughout southeastern Ontario we can better ensure that customers in the region consistently receive the kind of high-quality experience they associate with Manitoulin Transport which they have come to expect and count on.”

“Having a reliable transportation provider can be a critical success factor for many businesses,” said King. “As we continually expand our network and coverage, our aim is to be a true business partner to our customers — one that nurtures their success, not simply by providing exemplary transportation solutions and customer service — but by constantly working to identify new and better ways to serve them and help them grow.”

“The addition of the three new terminals in southeastern Ontario further solidifies Manitoulin as the transportation provider with the widest coverage in Ontario and in Canada as a whole,” said Don Goodwill, president, Manitoulin Group of Companies. “Further, our network of terminals serves as a gateway to other supply chain solutions that may be required, such as customs brokerage, international freight forwarding, warehousing, logistics, crating, global time critical service and supply chain management. As business is getting increasingly competitive for our customers, we use our resources, expertise and various services to provide them with a competitive advantage that helps them stand out in their respective industry.”

MISSISSAUGA — Ontario — June 13, 2016 — Manitoulin Global Forwarding has bought M.A.P. International Freight Inc. of Vaughan, Ontario, a specialist in the movement of goods requiring a temperature-controlled environment be it refrigerated or heated. The acquisition rounds out Manitoulin Global Forwarding’s service offerings, enabling it to now provide clients with the full suite of international freight forwarding offerings available.

Established in 1991, M.A.P. International specializes in the movement of refrigerated cargoes, chilled and frozen goods, agri-commodities and goods requiring heating, via ocean, air and truck transportation. Customers range from major food manufacturers and distributors to pharmaceutical companies. With a focus on moving goods in and out of North America, M.A.P. International leverages its network of agents on six continents to deliver goods to destinations all over the world.

“We are delighted to welcome M.A.P International into the Manitoulin family,” said Dwayne Hihn, president, Manitoulin Global Forwarding. “In the temperature-control realm of freight forwarding there is no room for error when you consider the delicate nature of the goods. An improperly planned delivery, be it the packaging and storage of goods or the wrong forecast on the length of a delivery, could be catastrophic for a business. As well, it is vital to be thoroughly knowledgeable about local documentation requirements in the jurisdiction of any country we serve. You need a highly trained technical specialist in this business that understands and executes on the many intricacies involved in getting temperature-controlled freight safely and securely to its destination in its expected condition. With the acquisition of M.A.P International, Manitoulin Global Forwarding is now that provider.”

“When we bring a company into our group, naturally we consider how it would enable us to better serve our customers by enhancing our portfolio,” said Gord Smith, chief executive officer, Manitoulin Group of Companies. “M.A.P. International has the depth and breadth of experience in this highly specialized field that we were looking for, but that kind of fit alone is never enough. We must also be sure that their culture and approach to servicing customers is in-keeping with our own high standards. We were as impressed with M.A.P.’s technical capabilities as we were with its reputation in the industry for customer service.”

“M.A.P. International customers should look forward to a seamless transition to Manitoulin as well as a number of advantages,” said Smith. “Including the convenience and assurances enabled by the latest in transportation technology, and easy access to the full suite of transportation and logistics services of the Manitoulin Group.”

M.A.P. International employees have transferred to Manitoulin’s offices in Toronto, Ontario. M.A.P’s former president, Mark Albert, will also join Manitoulin in a consulting capacity and help ensure a smooth transition for customers.

Mississauga, Ontario — Manitoulin Group of Companies and its staff across the country have donated $24,370 to the Canadian Red Cross to help those impacted by the Fort McMurray wildfire disaster. Through the Government of Canada’s commitment to match the portion of funds donated by employees ($12,185), the total contribution is $36,555. The company has also donated transportation services to get essential supplies into the area.

On May 3rd, when massive wildfires triggered the largest fire-related evacuation in Alberta’s history, tens of thousands of people were forced to leave their homes in more than 12 communities, including Fort McMurray. Only recently have residents been allowed to start to re-enter the city and begin to rebuild their lives.

“We have a terminal and staff in Fort McMurray,” said Don Goodwill, president, Manitoulin Group of Companies. “So when the fires broke out, our first thought was for our people there and their families. We were relieved to learn they were safe. Like everyone, we were horrified by the images on the news of the destruction and heartbreak this disaster has caused. We knew we had to do something to help make things better.”

Manitoulin Group of Companies initiated a fundraising campaign among its staff across the country through the Canadian Red Cross. The initiative included financial support from the Smith family, Manitoulin’s founders, who encouraged staff contributions by committing to match them.

“Our staff have opened their hearts to those impacted by these terrible fires,” said Gord Smith, chief executive officer, Manitoulin Group of Companies. “I am touched by this positive reaction and how we have come together to help our fellow co-workers, their families and friends, and the city of Fort McMurray during this time of great need. I believe this response reflects Manitoulin’s culture and its desire to contribute positively to society, both in communities at home and around the world.”

In addition to the financial contribution made to help get people back on their feet, Manitoulin has donated transportation services to the cause and continues to do so. Manitoulin intends to continue to provide help in this manner and is directing requests for such services to donations@manitoulintransport.com.

“We have the means to help in a practical sense so we are doing what we can,” said Smith. “And we plan to provide further support to help re-build the community.”

Manitoulin’s Fort McMurray terminal was not damaged by the fires. It re-opened on Friday, June 2 and normal business operations have resumed.

BRANDON, Manitoba — Manitoulin Transport has opened a newly built transportation terminal in Brandon, Manitoba, it announced today. This is the second new terminal Manitoulin has launched in that province within the last seven months, as it continues to gear up for further growth in that region.

“Our customers are our top priority and we continue to anticipate their future needs and make strategic investments accordingly,” said Jeff King, president, Manitoulin Transport. “Brandon is situated in the very heart of North America. Building out our capacity here with a larger terminal not only delivers end-to-end coverage for us in Manitoba, it positions Manitoulin firmly as one of the largest and most capable providers of transportation and logistics services in Canada.”

The new terminal located at 1865 1st Street North, Brandon, has 50 percent more dock space than Manitoulin’s former Brandon terminal and includes an office and a 5.5 acre yard. This larger facility increases Manitoulin’s ability to provide reliable freight services and handle higher shipment volumes in a safe and organized manner, with even greater speed and accuracy.

To ensure that shipments are well guarded, Manitoulin has fortified its premises with advanced security measures including perimeter fencing, controlled entry and exit and 24-hour surveillance cameras on the dock and yard. In keeping with Manitoulin’s commitment to reduce its carbon footprint, the new terminal will be equipped with all-electric forklifts.

“Our investment in the Brandon community goes beyond bricks and mortar,” said King. “In addition to the new terminal, we have a team of service professionals in and around Brandon ready to support customers near and far, plus a newly hired sales representative dedicated to Brandon and the surrounding areas.”

“As we continue on our trajectory of growth and expansion, our message is clear,” said Don Goodwill, president, Manitoulin Group of Companies. “Manitoulin has the company values, terminal network, equipment, technology, and the unstoppable commitment required to be the partner of choice for businesses of all sizes and in all industries, be they in Brandon or anywhere in the world.”

Manitoulin’s former terminal in Brandon has closed and all personnel have transferred to the new location.

Mississauga, Ontario— On May 3rd, massive wildfires triggered the largest fire-related evacuation in Alberta’s history. Tens of thousands of people were forced to leave their homes in more than 12 communities, including Fort McMurray, in which Manitoulin Group of Companies has a terminal.

“Thankfully, our regional manager in Fort McMurray has confirmed that all of our staff and their families are safe,” said Don Goodwill, president, Manitoulin Group of Companies. “However, we cannot imagine the sense of loss and sadness this devastating disaster has caused and our hearts go out to all those impacted. We are committed to supporting our staff and their families in Fort McMurray and others affected by this tragedy and are working closely with various agencies to provide assistance where we can.”

“Our Fort McMurray terminal is intact but closed temporarily,” said Goodwill. “We are monitoring the situation closely and plan to re-open as soon as we get permission from the authorities to re-enter the city. We have resumed service to the oil sands sites north of Fort McMurray and are accepting pick-ups throughout our network for shipments to Fort McMurray and surrounding areas. We are using our extensive terminal network in Alberta to safeguard any shipments awaiting delivery.”

Manitoulin Group of Companies has initiated an aggressive fundraising campaign among its staff across the country through the Canadian Red Cross. This initiative will also involve financial support from the Smith family who is establishing a matching program for staff member donations contributed up to May 31, 2016.

“We are encouraging our staff to donate generously and we are actively exploring how Manitoulin can assist in a practical sense with immediate needs, and/or in longer-term efforts to help rebuild lives,” said Gord Smith, chief executive officer, Manitoulin Group of Companies.

As the situation in Fort McMurray continues to unfold, please check www.manitoulingroup.com for further updates.

Donations can be made via the Red Cross at www.redcross.ca

Mississauga, Ontario — Manitoulin Transport announced today that it has opened a newly built transportation terminal located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, adjacent to its former terminal which is now closed. The new terminal supports Manitoulin Transport’s current and projected growth in Western Canada as it continues to extend and enhance its services and coverage in that region and beyond.

“This larger facility increases our ability to provide reliable freight services and enables us to handle the higher volume we’re seeing and will continue to see,” said Don Goodwill, president, Manitoulin Transport. “Customer satisfaction is a top priority at Manitoulin and this terminal will help ensure customer shipments are handled in a safe and organized manner with greater speed and accuracy. Manitoba customers can now consider Winnipeg a true gateway for shipments to anywhere in the province, across North America and around the world.”

To ensure that shipments are well guarded, Manitoulin has fortified its premises with advanced security measures including perimeter fencing, controlled entry and exit and 24-hour surveillance cameras on the dock and yard. In keeping with Manitoulin’s commitment to reduce its carbon footprint, the new terminal will be equipped with all-electric forklifts.

“Winnipeg is a hub of commerce in the province and we’re excited to grow our business there by helping our customers to grow theirs,” said Gord Smith, chief executive officer, Manitoulin Group of Companies. “We do this by giving customers a competitive edge through our reliable national and global coverage, aggressive transit times, advanced technology, and easy access to an impressive array of transportation and supply chain services which meet every conceivable need.”

Personnel based at Manitoulin’s previous Winnipeg terminal have transferred to the new site.

Mississauga, ON — May 5, 2015 — Manitoulin Group of Companies announced today that it has purchased Ridsdale Transport Ltd. of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The acquisition augments Manitoulin’s existing coverage capabilities in the province, positioning it as Saskatchewan’s largest transportation and logistics provider, with the most comprehensive portfolio of services.

“We have had our eye on Saskatchewan for coverage improvement for some time,” said Gord Smith, chief executive officer, Manitoulin Group of Companies. “We have been looking for the right company to meet our exacting standards and our strategic business needs. Ridsdale not only provides the routes, the equipment and the human resources we desire, but demonstrates a culture of service excellence and dependability that we and our customers expect. Manitoulin is now Saskatchewan’s largest transportation company, with the significant competitive advantage of being able to provide customers with the technology, the global reach, and all the transportation and supply chain offerings they depend on to grow their business.”

A family-owned firm, Ridsdale Transport has been in business since 1949. It has an extensive LTL service in the Saskatchewan market with additional service offerings in Alberta and Manitoba. Operating with approximately 400 pieces of equipment within its network, Ridsdale provides service to more than 200 Saskatchewan points of service via scheduled less-than-truckload (LTL) and truckload (TL) lanes, as well as a dedicated expedited pickup and delivery service to meet non-scheduled transportation requirements. Ridsdale also provides courier service and other specialized service offerings, including warehouse storage, container service and contracted transportation.

Ridsdale Transport Ltd. will operate as a separate business unit within the Manitoulin Group of Companies under the leadership of Greg Ridsdale, vice-president. Wayne Ridsdale, the former president of Ridsdale Transportation Ltd., will remain in a consulting role.

“We built our business from the ground up and are very proud of where we are today,” said Greg Ridsdale, vice-president, Ridsdale Transport Ltd. “By joining Manitoulin, I know what we have created will flourish and that our customers will benefit from the many additional services that the Manitoulin Group of Companies can provide them. I’m thrilled about the future as we continue to evolve.”

“We are excited about Ridsdale’s merge with Manitoulin and the positive outcome it brings to customers,” said Smith. “Manitoulin continues to seek out customer-focused businesses that will contribute significantly to our service capabilities. Ridsdale’s motto ‘we carry through’ speaks to the reliable service the company has provided since 1949 and its pursuit of excellence. Ridsdale is a solid addition to the Manitoulin family and we encourage their customers to explore the many additional services that Manitoulin can offer them. “

Under the agreement, Manitoulin has acquired all Hi-Way 13 LTL division employees and related assets which include a modern fleet of trucks, tractors, dry and heated vans and a network of terminals in Calgary, Edmonton, Provost, Wetaskiwin and Camrose. Effective today, all freight will be handled under the Manitoulin Transport banner.

“There are three key reasons for this purchase,” said Don Goodwill, president, Manitoulin Transport. “First, Hi-Way 13 is a major player in a geographic pocket of Alberta that we want to have a stronger presence in. Second, their reputation for quality, customer service, and their stellar safety record are all characteristics Manitoulin holds dear. Third, like Manitoulin, Hi-Way 13 has built strong relationships with customers over several decades, which we greatly value and intend to build upon.”

“In recent years Manitoulin has made numerous strategic acquisitions to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers,” said Gord Smith, chief executive officer, Manitoulin Group of Companies. “Customers acquired in the past have been very pleased with the fact that they moved to a company that can provide comprehensive support for their supply chain through technology, a diverse range of equipment, the capacity to help them grow and expand into new areas, and the ability to manage their shipments to and from any place in the world. We believe Hi-Way 13 customers will feel the same way and will welcome the breadth of service Manitoulin can provide them.”

Manitoulin Transport founder Doug Smith, pictured with his wife, Phyllis, and his son, Jeff, was inducted into the SAMSSA Hall of Fame on December 4, 2014

In the Smith family, the “r” word is verboten.

Patriarch Doug Smith, founder of Manitoulin Transport, is in his 80s, but retirement is nowhere near his radar.

After devoting 54 years to building the company up from scratch, Smith maintains the same values and customs that have guided him through more than a half-century of success: modesty, hard work, attention to detail, and a nap every afternoon.

“To this day, his administrative assistant is required to sharpen about a half a dozen No. 6 pencils each morning to be at the ready,” said his son, Jeff Smith, describing his father’s daily routine. “His other secret weapon is a bag of Oreos.”

For his contributions to the mining sector through his innovative solutions in the trucking industry, Doug Smith was inducted into the SAMSSA Hall of Fame on Dec. 4, along with the late Paul Marcotte, founder of Marcotte Mining.

Born in Gore Bay in 1933, Doug has remained a humble, hardworking Northerner, never straying far from his roots. After a brief stint in Toronto working in banking following high school, Doug returned to his hometown to help with the family business, Smith’s Wholesale, which serviced general stores, grocery stores and service stations across Manitoulin Island.

In 1957, the company introduced fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables to its grocery line, ferrying goods from Toronto to customers in Manitoulin, Killarney and Espanola, and teaming up with George Bertrand and Sudbury Wholesale.

Facing stiff competition in the wholesaling business, Doug sold to National Grocers and acquired Hill’s Transport for $18,000. With a fleet of three straight trucks and four tractor-trailers, the company continued to service customers from Toronto, backhauling turkeys from the Manitoulin Turkey Co-op, Jeff noted.

In 1965, Doug teamed up with Cooper’s Transport to serve companies like Loeb Grocery Wholesale, Canadian Liquidaire and Canada Cement. Two years later, the companies merged.

Manitoulin Transport was instrumental in bringing more freedom to the trucking industry, which was highly regulated between the 1960s and 1980s. In order to get an expanded licence to operate in additional communities, Smith had to prove a new service was necessary. During Ontario Highway Transport Board hearings, he brought in witnesses from Inco, Falconbridge, mining supply companies and Sudbury’s then-mayor Jim Gordon to testify on the company’s behalf.

“Many of the founders of many of Sudbury’s existing mining suppliers, and management at the mining companies themselves, were enormously supportive of Manitoulin throughout those years, and we owe a lot to them,” Jeff said. “Those early witnesses wanted a better service and we bent over backwards to give it to them.”

When it came time to set up a new Sudbury terminal, Manitoulin Transport was the first company to occupy the Walden Industrial Park in 1978.

But Manitoulin and other transport companies faced a difficult time in 1989 when they were simultaneously hit with industry deregulation and a recession. Some companies “hunkered down to ride out the storm,” Jeff said, but freight volumes in the province dropped to 30 per cent.

“Many of those companies are now gone,” Jeff said. “Instead, my father took this as an opportunity to expand our services even more. In the last 25 years, he led a determined expansion by organic growth and acquisition across the country.”

Manitoulin Transport now services more direct points than any other carrier in Canada through a network of 66 terminals across the country. Head office remains in Gore Bay, where, in a town of 900 people, Manitoulin Transport employs 200.

The Manitoulin Group of Companies, meanwhile, offers ground transportation (LTL / TL), international freight forwarding, warehousing, customs brokerage, global time critical delivery, logistics, residential and commercial moving, crating and supply chain management.

For his efforts, Doug was invested into the Order of Canada in 2008, and last year received the Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Mississauga, ON — December 2, 2014 — Manitoulin Global Forwarding has purchased Canfleet Logistics Ltd., of Vancouver, British Columbia. This is the latest of many strategic investments Manitoulin has made in Western Canada in recent years to build out its offerings and coverage in the region. The purchase of Canfleet, with its excellent export capabilities to Asia, also strengthens Manitoulin’s access to high-growth Asian markets, where many of its customers do business, and advances its overall global reach.

“In order to continue to meet our customers’ emergent needs, Manitoulin is maintaining a trajectory of steady growth by acquiring businesses that improve our geographic reach or which provide high-quality offerings that complement our own,” said Dwayne Hihn, president, Manitoulin Global Forwarding. “Canfleet delivers on both accounts with improved access to Asia and excellent exportation capabilities that mirror Manitoulin’s importation strengths. We now have the expertise and volume capabilities to create greater efficiencies for our customers, whether exporting or importing, to Asia or around the world.”

Founded in 2005, Canfleet has established itself as a trusted provider of integrated logistics solutions, ocean freight operations, and global supply chain management to customers in the lumber, agriculture, scrap metal, and automobile export industries. It also provides refrigerated transportation for perishable goods.

“An on-going quest for Manitoulin is to extend our customers’ global reach, with an emphasis on Asia because the West to Asia and intra-Asia lanes are only going to get busier,” said Gord Smith, chief executive officer, Manitoulin Group of Companies. “To that end, earlier this year, Expedite Plus, a member of Manitoulin Group of Companies, launched sites in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing to strengthen the company’s ability to manage urgent shipments throughout Asia and beyond. Now, we can make even greater inroads into Asia through Canfleet’s Asian markets expertise coupled with its ideal location in Vancouver, British Columbia — Canada’s gateway to Asia. Canfleet is an important addition to the Manitoulin family and we are delighted to welcome them aboard.”

Under the purchase agreement, all Canfleet employees, including its founder and former owner, and all assets have transferred to Manitoulin Global Forwarding.

For the past 14 years, Toyota has awarded the honour to the parts logistics company that has a relentless focus on customer service with best performance transit time, quality and response.

As a leader in customer service, Toyota Canada recognized the competitive advantages that Manitoulin builds into its service model including extra driver training with a focus on excellence in on-load and off-load procedures to ensure consistent and damage free deliveries to our dealerships each day.

“We congratulate Manitoulin Transport and thank everyone on their team for their commitment to service excellence,” said Tony Kelly, Vice President, Toyota Canada Inc. “Manitoulin Transport is an important part of ensuring our company and dealerships can offer excellence in meeting our customer’s needs.”

“We continue to expand in Canada’s west due to its buoyant economy and our desire to round out our offerings in the region for the convenience of our customers,” said Don Goodwill, president, Manitoulin Transport. “This acquisition enables Manitoulin to provide customers needing LTL, flat deck and temperature-controlled services with greater choice through increased trip frequency to the north.”

“We made a strategic business decision to focus on our bulk transportation and construction business moving forward,” said Grant Mitchell, president and CEO of RTL-Westcan Bulk. “We are delighted with this agreement, believing our loyal LTL customers are in good hands, given Manitoulin’s reputation and the breadth of local, national and global service they are able to provide.”

“Westcan Bulk LTL customers will now benefit from easy access to the full global suite of transportation and logistics services that the Manitoulin Group of Companies provides specifically, expedited less-than-truckload/truckload, crating, customs brokerage, global forwarding, residential and commercial moving, global time critical delivery, heavy haul, logistics, warehousing and supply chain management,” said Goodwill. “We look forward to partnering with them and contributing to their business success.”

“Manitoulin and Westcan Bulk Transport share a similar heritage of modest beginnings in the 1960s and steady growth,” said Gord Smith, CEO, Manitoulin Group of Companies. “We also share the same corporate values of exemplary service, environmental stewardship, a commitment to safety, and the desire to be a true customer partner — ensuring a seamless transition for Westcan Freight Systems LTL customers.”

Gore Bay, Ontario — Manitoulin Transport is the first transportation and logistics company in Canada to receive a certificate of compliance with ISO 14001:2004, an international standard that sets out the criteria for an environmental management system. This certification, which Manitoulin spent two years preparing for, demonstrates the company’s commitment to understanding and improving upon its impact on the environment.

“We are proud to lead the industry in this critical endeavour,” said Jeff Smith, executive vice-president, Manitoulin Group of Companies. “We feel morally compelled to reduce our CO2 emissions and our overall footprint, given the consequences of climate change that we now regularly experience in Canada and around the world.”

ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is the world’s largest developer of voluntary International Standards. ISO 14001:2004 assures company management, staff, customers and other external stakeholders that environmental impact is being measured and improved.

Manitoulin Transport has a history of environmental stewardship which includes: the early adoption of speed limits for all its trucks; the use of super single tires; investing in long-combination vehicles to carry greater loads in a single trip; using recycled water to clean its trucks; retrofitting tractor-trailers with aerodynamic enhancers such as cab extenders, roof fairings and trailer skirts — which significantly reduce emissions.

“We are constantly challenging ourselves to find ways to address environmental concerns relating to our business and, more importantly, our equipment,” said Smith. “Becoming ISO 14001 certified is a significant accomplishment for management and staff. It was a long and rigorous process, which called for deep commitment to the cause. It wasn’t easy getting there, but it was all worth it.”

Winnipeg, Manitoba — Manitoulin Transport announced today that it has purchased Jomac Transport of Winnipeg, Manitoba. The latest of several strategic investments in Western Canada, this builds on Manitoulin’s purchase of Smooth Freight of Brandon, Manitoba in November 2013, and provides Manitoulin with comprehensive ground coverage throughout Manitoba.

“Nothing says commitment to a region like providing complete coverage and by acquiring Jomac we now have Manitoba covered,” said Don Goodwill, president, Manitoulin Transport. “Jomac was very appealing to us because of their strong customer relationships, high quality of service, disciplined approach to operations, and because they have a company culture similar to our own.”

Jomac Transport provides daily overnight freight-shipping service between Winnipeg and three northern communities in Manitoba: Thompson, Flin Flon and The Pas. From its northern docks, it also delivers to most outlying areas in the north such as Lynn Lake, Leaf Rapids, Gillam, Norway House, Cross Lake, and Snow Lake. Jomac Transport also services remote communities during winter road season. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, all of Jomac’s assets and employees will be absorbed by Manitoulin Transport.

“We believe our customers and employees will be in good hands with Manitoulin,” said Wes MacLean, president, Jomac Transport. “This merge will certainly benefit companies in Manitoba as Manitoulin can provide more extensive coverage and services to help bring their business to the next level.” MacLean will be staying on at Jomac Transport in a consulting role as it transitions to Manitoulin.

“We said a few years ago that we were committed to rounding out our services and reach in Western Canada, and we made good on that commitment,” said Gord Smith, CEO, Manitoulin Group of Companies. “Not only can customers in the region send and receive shipments quickly and reliably with Manitoulin Transport, they also benefit from being able to access the full global suite of transportation and logistics services through the Manitoulin Group of Companies.”

Gore Bay, Ontario — July 15, 2014 — Manitoulin Transport is the first transportation and logistics company in Canada to receive a certificate of compliance with ISO 14001:2004, an international standard that sets out the criteria for an environmental management system. This certification, which Manitoulin spent two years preparing for, demonstrates the company’s commitment to understanding and improving upon its impact on the environment.

“We are proud to lead the industry in this critical endeavour,” said Jeff Smith, executive vice-president, Manitoulin Group of Companies. “We feel morally compelled to reduce our CO2 emissions and our overall footprint, given the consequences of climate change that we now regularly experience in Canada and around the world.”

ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is the world’s largest developer of voluntary International Standards. ISO 14001:2004 assures company management, staff, customers and other external stakeholders that environmental impact is being measured and improved.

Manitoulin Transport has a history of environmental stewardship which includes: the early adoption of speed limits for all its trucks; the use of super single tires; investing in long-combination vehicles to carry greater loads in a single trip; using recycled water to clean its trucks; retrofitting tractor-trailers with aerodynamic enhancers such as cab extenders, roof fairings and trailer skirts — which significantly reduce emissions.

“We are constantly challenging ourselves to find ways to address environmental concerns relating to our business and, more importantly, our equipment,” said Smith. “Becoming ISO 14001 certified is a significant accomplishment for management and staff. It was a long and rigorous process, which called for deep commitment to the cause. It wasn’t easy getting there, but it was all worth it.”

From left to right:Judy Harwood, Reeve, R. M. of Corman Park; Don Goodwill, President,Manitoulin Transport; Corey Tochor, MLA Saskatoon Eastview.

CORMAN PARK, Saskatchewan — Manitoulin Transport announced today that it has opened a new terminal in the Rural Municipality of Corman Park, Saskatchewan. The new facility will enable significantly more shipping capacity and provide Saskatchewan businesses with improved connections across Canada and the rest of the world.

The 16 dock level-door terminal sits on an 8.4 acre property strategically located to service Corman Park, Saskatoon and the surrounding areas. It is equipped to handle the full spectrum of shipping requirements for the region’s oil and gas, forestry, mining, and agriculture industries.

An open house was held today to showcase the new terminal to Manitoulin customers, local dignitaries and the media. “This terminal benefits local businesses by providing easier access to distant markets they may not otherwise be able to reach,” said Don Goodwill, president, Manitoulin Transport, who attended the ribbon cutting ceremony. “Now they have a reliable full-service transportation partner right on their doorstep that can help them drive success at home, and on a global scale.”

Also in attendance was Judy Harwood, Reeve, Rural Municipality of Corman Park. “Saskatchewan is booming and local businesses must have service partners they can count on to help them optimize every opportunity for growth,” she said. “Getting shipments from A to B quickly and reliably is an essential part of doing business. As such, we are thrilled to welcome a company of the calibre of Manitoulin into our community. We believe the services Manitoulin provides will help take our businesses to the next level of competitiveness that they so deserve.”

“This is the latest of several significant investments we’ve made recently to benefit our customers,” said Gord Smith, chief executive officer, Manitoulin Group of Companies. “We are constantly investing in infrastructure and developing new supply chain services to meet the ever-evolving requirements of our customers. Now local businesses can rely on a single-source provider for ground transportation, freight forwarding, customs brokerage, warehousing, global time critical delivery, crating, heavy haul, oil field services, logistics and supply chain management.”

Manitoulin Transport’s existing terminal operations in Saskatoon will be moved to the new facility, with incumbent employees transferring to the new premises.

BRANDON, Manitoba – Manitoulin Transport announced today that it has purchased Smooth Freight Ltd., of Brandon, Manitoba. Smooth Freight provides scheduled less-than-truckload (LTL) and truck load (TL) services and storage trailer rentals to over 300 rural communities in southern and western Manitoba, from its terminals in Winnipeg and Brandon.

“A key component of Manitoulin’s growth strategy continues to be building out our reach and service offerings in Western Canada,” said Don Goodwill, president,

Manitoulin Transport. “We look for highly successful companies, with a customer-oriented culture that strongly reflects our own. Smooth Freight fit the bill on all

accounts and we are delighted to welcome them into the Manitoulin family.”

Established in 1987, Smooth Freight has more than 200 trailers and 25 trucks including dry vans, heat/refrigeration, flat deck and tail lift.

“Like Manitoulin, Smooth Freight has been a family owned and operated business for many years,” said Borden Hadley, founder and former owner,

Smooth Freight Ltd. “We’re excited about this development and delighted to become part of a continuously expanding and highly reputable enterprise

that shares our values and puts the customer first. Importantly, we believe our customers will benefit greatly from having more choice now in

Manitoba when it comes to their transportation requirements, through easy access to the full suite of transportation services Manitoulin can provide.”

Borden Hadley, will stay on in a consulting capacity, and Bobbi Hadley and Tobi Hadley will continue on in Sales and Management roles.

EDMONTON, Alberta – Manitoulin Transport announced today that it has acquired Matco Transportation Systems of Edmonton, Alberta. Established in 1966, Matco is a fully integrated Canadian transportation services company providing domestic and international freight, household goods relocation services and warehousing. Its geographic focus is Edmonton and Calgary in Alberta, the Northwest Territories and Yukon.

Matco is the second transportation company Manitoulin has acquired in the last four weeks and its fifth acquisition since May 2012. This demonstrates Manitoulin’s continued push to further strengthen its service portfolio and its reach across Canada. The acquisition of Matco also signifies Manitoulin’s entry into the household goods relocation market, an area it considers to hold significant growth opportunity.

“We are delighted to announce that we have purchased Matco, a company known for more than forty years for its exceptional customer service, professionalism and expertise,” said Don Goodwill, president, Manitoulin Transport. “This brings together two highly complementary businesses which should significantly benefit both Manitoulin and Matco customers. Manitoulin customers now have the benefit of accessing expertise in the household relocation business, as well as even greater coverage in Canada’s northwest. Matco customers now benefit from easy access to Manitoulin Group of Companies full suite of services, and can continue to experience the same high level of customer service they have come to expect.”

Matco has seven terminal locations in Edmonton, Calgary, Inuvik, Norman Wells, Yellowknife, Hay River and Whitehorse. Matco will be lead by Wayne Wishloff, Vice President and General Manager and founding partners, Lloyd and Ray Anderson, will stay on in a consulting capacity.

EDMONTON, Alberta – March 18, 2013 – Manitoulin Group of Companies announced today that it has acquired Cratex Industries Ltd., Alberta’s largest crating, packaging and export services company, based in Edmonton. This is the fourth acquisition Manitoulin has made since May 2012, demonstrating its continued commitment to building out a portfolio of services that fulfill the total supply chain requirements of its customers.

“We are delighted to welcome Cratex Industries into our expanding Manitoulin family,” said Gord Smith, chief executive officer, Manitoulin Group of Companies. The company shares our culture of excellence and dedication to customer service, and is a terrific fit for us. Cratex is a valuable addition to Manitoulin as it complements our existing businesses. Our intent is to eventually expand Cratex to other locations and provide an even greater breadth of service for our customers.”

Headquartered in Edmonton, with a facility in Calgary, Cratex has been providing professional packaging for the shipment of manufactured goods since it was established in 1989. A leading supplier to Alberta’s oil and gas technology services sector, the company’s offerings include: crating, skidding, poly wrap, container loading and unloading, mobile site teams and project packaging.

“Cratex has been sought out worldwide to securely package items as delicate as an entire dinosaur fossil, to something as immense and bulky as a C-130 freight plane,” says Smith. “Clearly, we’re bringing in a capable company with the expertise to handle a highly diverse range of packaging requirements. We’re extremely excited about how this new addition will enhance our existing customer offerings.”

Manitoulin intends to retain all Cratex employees, with Ron Holdinga, its former owner, staying on as president. Cratex’s customers will continue to have access to all of its offerings, and experience the same high level of customer service they have come to expect.

Mississauga, Ontario – Manitoulin Transport will be featured in the hit TV series, Ice Road Truckers, when it teams up with veteran truck driver, Alex Debogorski, for Season 6 this coming fall. The new season from Shaw Media’s History Channel, promises to be another nail-biting exposé of this gritty occupation.

Ice Road Truckers showcases a specialized area of the trucking industry unknown to most. In some of the coldest regions of North America, many communities can be reached only for a few months each year, when rivers, lakes and seas freeze over and make it possible for trucks to get in. Ice Road Truckers follows some of the drivers who tackle these challenging and dangerous conditions to deliver the vital goods that communities at the very top of the world need to survive.

Alex has more than 30 years’ experience driving and hauling goods across North America. In Season 6, he moves on to conquer new territory: Canada’s remote Dempster Highway, stretching up into the Arctic Circle connecting the Klondike Highway in the Yukon to Inuvik, in the Northwest Territories. Here, unseasonably warm weather forces Alex to battle some of the thinnest ice the winter roads have ever seen.

“Taking an 18-wheeler out onto a frozen body of water, far from civilization, takes skill, dedication, and physical and mental endurance,” said Gord Smith, chief executive officer, Manitoulin Transport. “We’re proud to have Alex represent us because he shares those qualities with our own drivers. We’re also proud to have the geographic coverage and equipment it takes to deliver vital goods, such as food, tools and medical supplies, to the people and industries in remote regions of North America that depend on us to get them there, and get them there on time. Ice Road Truckers does an excellent job of exposing the important work transportation companies do and their contribution to isolated communities.”

MISSISSAUGA — Ontario – July 5, 2012 – Manitoulin Group of Companies has acquired its strategic business partner, Expedite Plus, a specialized service provider for the movement of highly time-critical shipments across the globe via air and ground. Manitoulin announced its partnership with Expedite plus, of Milton, Ontario, in October 2008, as a means to augment its own time-critical shipment capabilities.

Expedite Plus will be a new division of Manitoulin Global Forwarding which now comprises global time-critical, international freight forwarding, warehousing and distribution.

“This has been a hugely successful collaboration and we are delighted to welcome Expedite Plus to the Manitoulin family,” said Dwayne Hihn president, Manitoulin Global Forwarding. “True expedited shipping, such as delivering a vital package from Toronto to Frankfurt in less than 24 hours, is something only a few have perfected. It demands a global network, intricate co-ordination, and local knowledge and experience. We are proud that Expedite Plus’ 30 years’ experience in the global time-critical field, coupled with our extensive reach, gives Manitoulin customers a distinct competitive advantage when it comes to delivering urgent shipments at a moment’s notice, quickly and reliably to any part of the world.”

All Expedite Plus employees have transferred to Manitoulin Group of Companies. Customers of Expedite Plus can expect a seamless transition with immediate effect.

Mississauga, ON – June 11, 2012 — Manitoulin Global Forwarding announced today it has acquired Can-Tran Intl. Inc., an international freight-forwarding enterprise, based in Leduc, Alberta. This is the second business based in Western Canada to be acquired by Manitoulin Global Forwarding in the last two months, demonstrating its commitment to extend its reach in that region.

Founded in 1985 Can-Tran Intl. Inc. provides a full suite of solutions to Alberta clientele, including freight forwarding, customs brokerage, ground transportation, and distribution and warehousing. With the majority of its customers in the oil and gas industry, Can-Tran has gained significant expertise in complex project moves, especially those involving drill rigs. All Can-Tran employees will remain with the company.

“Can-Tran is a natural fit for us, for three reasons,” said Dwayne Hihn, president, Manitoulin Global Forwarding. “First, it is a major player in Western Canada, with a solid base of loyal clients. Second, it specializes in the oil and gas industry, a growth-sector we already service and which we intend to build on in future years. Third, its corporate culture mirrors Manitoulin’s, with its unswerving commitment to meeting customers’ unique needs.”

“We are excited about the merge,” said Barry Young, former Can-Tran president. “We can feel confident that the customers we’ve had the privilege to serve for many years will now enjoy even greater flexibility and reliability by being able to access the full suite of services offered by the Manitoulin Group.”

Mississauga, ON – May 2, 2012 – Manitoulin Global Forwarding announced today it has acquired freight-forwarding company, Beler International Inc., of Regina, Saskatchewan. The purchase builds on previous acquisitions in Western Canada in recent years and demonstrates Manitoulin’s continued commitment to expansion throughout the region.

“We look forward to working with local businesses and contributing to their success,” said Dwayne Hihn, president, Manitoulin Global Forwarding. “Manitoulin’s portfolio of solutions provides the business community with a one-stop-shop for all its local and international transportation and logistics needs. This can help facilitate expansion into new markets, at home and abroad.”

Established in 1994, Beler International Inc. is the longest-standing freight-forwarding company in Saskatchewan. Exporting predominantly from the Prairie Provinces, it serves clients around the world in the agricultural machinery market place.

“Beler was strategically important to us due to its location, clientele, reputation, and brand recognition in the region,” said Hihn. “We plan to build on that success.”

Beler International’s previous owner and founder, Gerry Beler, and all former Beler employees, have transferred to Manitoulin Global Forwarding. Beler customers can expect an effortless transition to Manitoulin over the coming weeks.

“We are thrilled to have a presence in Regina,’ said Hihn. “Saskatchewan’s economy is growing exponentially and so is Manitoulin. We have been investing strategically in areas of importance to our customers to provide the unique supply chain solutions they require. We’re doing this through coverage, equipment, technology, manpower and by continually evaluating our processes to ensure their products arrive securely and on time.”

From left to right: Manitoulin Transport President and CEO, Gord Smith; Parkland County Mayor, Rod Shaigec; Manitoulin Group of Companies chair, Doug Smith.

ACHESON, Alberta – Manitoulin Transport today celebrated the grand opening of its new 100,000 sq. ft. terminal in Acheson, Alberta. The terminal, which represents an important company investment in western Canada, will enable significantly more shipping capacity for Manitoulin Transport and provide its customers with access to a full suite of transportation services.

“We’re thrilled to open this major new terminal in Acheson,” said Gord Smith, president and chief executive officer, Manitoulin Transport.

“This is the latest of a number of major investments Manitoulin Transport has made in recent years in western Canada and demonstrates our commitment to the region. Not only does this new terminal position Manitoulin for future growth in the west, we believe it also helps position Alberta businesses to become more competitive through improved connections across Canada and the rest of the world.”

Manitoulin Transport’s two existing terminals in Edmonton have been consolidated into the new facility and all incumbent personnel have transferred to the new premises at 402-53114 Range Road 262, Acheson Industrial Area.

The new terminal is one of the largest transportation facilities in western Canada, with a terminal and garage building, including a large freezer and cooler area, situated on 30 acres of land. The extensive property enables over-dimensional shipments to be staged and manoeuvred with ease. The cross-dock terminal has 80 dock doors enabling faster and more efficient loading and unloading of shipments. This investment will serve as a springboard for future developments, such as additional service coverage, in order to accommodate customers’ constantly evolving needs.

Attending the celebrations with Manitoulin Transport executives, local employees and customers, was guest of honour Parkland County Mayor Rod Shaigec and other local dignitaries. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony was performed by Manitoulin Transport president and CEO, Gord Smith, Manitoulin Group of Companies chair, Doug Smith, and Mayor Rod Shaigec.

“It is very gratifying to see private investment such as his in Alberta,” said Luke Ouellette, “It is very gratifying to see private investment such as this in Alberta.” Alberta transportation minister, commenting on the event.

“Clearly, Manitoulin Transport recognizes the business opportunities and potential for growth in the region and is positioning itself to serve its customers as they grow.”

“We are delighted to welcome Manitoulin Transport to Parkland County and commend the decision to invest here,” said Mayor Shaigec. “Having access to a reliable, quality carrier, such as Manitoulin Transport and its extensive global network, is essential to local businesses and the future economic growth of the area. We believe this new terminal will significantly benefit the region.”

Customers of Manitoulin Transport also have access to the full range of services of The Manitoulin Group of Companies, Canada’s largest transportation management provider with the most extensive network in Canada. Services include logistics, international freight forwarding, warehousing and distribution, customs brokerage solutions and supply chain management.

“We’re not simply opening the doors to a new terminal today,” said Gord Smith. “We’re opening the doors to a one-stop-shop for streamlined, efficient and worry-free shipping.”

Mississauga, Ontario –  Manitoulin Transport today announced it has acquired the Less-than-Truckload (LTL) business of Penner International Inc., based in Steinbach, Manitoba. Penner International has made the decision to focus on its Truckload business and has concluded an agreement with Manitoulin Transport to purchase its LTL book of business.

The LTL business segment operates through seven terminals: Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary, and Surrey in Canada, and Minneapolis, Minn. and Fargo, N.D. in the United States. The primary consolidation points are Winnipeg and Minneapolis.The additional freight to and from the U.S. will allow Manitoulin to provide direct service coverage between Minneapolis and Winnipeg, improving service times to all of Western Canada.

Mississauga, Ontario – Manitoulin Transport today announced it has acquired Exalta Transport Corp., based in Medicine Hat, Alberta, to further strengthen its reach in Western Canada. Exalta Transport is a regional carrier serving hundreds of communities in Alberta and Saskatchewan through a network of seven terminals and more than 300 pieces of company-owned  equipment.

“The acquisition of Exalta Transport demonstrates our commitment to our customers and prospects in Western Canada as we continue to expand our western reach and press forward with our goal of complete transportation coverage throughout the country,” said Gord Smith, president, Manitoulin Group of Companies. “Our expansion into Saskatchewan and Southern Alberta will provide direct service coverage and a uniform level of service across the Manitoulin network. As well, we can better partner with businesses as they grow by accessing Manitoulin Group of Companies’ local and global services, including ground transportation, international freight forwarding, customs brokerage, warehousing, supply chain management and logistics.”

Exalta Transport provides scheduled general freight service between terminals in Regina and Saskatoon, and among terminals in Brooks, Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and other locations throughout Alberta. It also provides a through service between points in Alberta and Saskatchewan, and a truckload division between points in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Manitoulin Transport aims to make the acquisition of Exalta Transport Corp. transparent to its customers. John Finn, Exalta Transport Corp.’s former owner will stay on briefly in a consulting capacity to ensure a seamless handover.

“Exalta Transport is a natural fit for Manitoulin Transport,” said Smith, “not only for its strategic locations,assets and regional experience, but because of our shared culture of customer service, dedication to growth and continuous improvement.”

Manitoulin Transport today announced it celebrates its 50th anniversary of operations in Canada this summer.

Founded in 1960 by Doug Smith, now chair, The Manitoulin Group of Companies, Manitoulin Transport is a privately held, family-owned company that has experienced considerable growth since its inception in Gore Bay, Manitoulin Island, 50 years ago.

“This year we’re celebrating a true Canadian success story,” said Gord Smith, president, Manitoulin Transport. “A story created from the ground up, driven by customer commitment and achieved through the dedication of our people.”

Manitoulin Transport had only a couple of vehicles when it started out, initially carrying freight to various points on Manitoulin Island. It quickly set about growing the business and earning a good share of the market by providing a level of service and a suite of offerings that would set the standard in the industry.

Over the years, Manitoulin Transport has evolved purposefully to keep pace with a changing global marketplace, meet customers’ current and anticipated needs and to consistently provide superior value. A number of strategic acquisitions has spurred its growth and its ability to partner with customers to extend their businesses across Canada, the United States and around the world. Today it’s proud to be an industry-leading, global transportation provider.

“This is a time for reflection on where we’ve been and where we plan to go,” said Gord Smith. “We’re always looking for ways to do better and do more, and that’s something we hope to do for another 50 years.”

Mississauga, Ontario  – Manitoulin Group of Companies today announced a strategic partnership with Expedite Plus, a specialized service provider for the movement of highly time-critical shipments across the globe.

“Today’s intensely competitive landscape places our customers under increasing pressure to send and receive shipments as quickly as possible, anywhere in the world, at any time of the day or night, and often at a moment’s notice,” said Rolando Meo, vice-president sales and marketing, Manitoulin Transport. “Through this service, businesses will be able to reduce the cost of downtime caused by delays in getting critical products or parts on time. Our partnership with Expedite Plus, a twenty-five-year veteran of the expedited shipping industry, augments our own capabilities in this critical area and demonstrates our on-going commitment to providing our customers’ with a single one-stop-shop solution.”

Expedite Plus operates 24/7/365 days a year, with a complete range of time-critical delivery services to meet the most stringent customer requirements. Its expedited solutions cater to any size or weight of the shipment and are enabled by a network of agents, carriers and partners worldwide. Services encompass: On Board Courier, secured, personalized pick-up and delivery for shipments around the globe within 24 hours; Air Expedite – a next-flight-out delivery service from the shipper’s city and a chartered air service which provides a dedicated aircraft; and Ground Expedite, provides dedicated vehicle and driver.

“We’re delighted to join forces with Manitoulin Group of Companies,” said Victor J. Deschenes, president and chief executive officer, Expedite Plus. “We believe our experience and expertise in the expedited shipping industry, combined with their breadth of service portfolio and reach, will give customers a significant competitive advantage moving forward.”

Expedite Plus
www.expediteplus.com
1.800.387.7828
sales@expediteplus.com

Missauga, Ontario – Manitoulin Transport today officially launched a strategic new site in Hay River, North West Territories (N.W.T.). The new multi-purpose terminal is the second to be launched by Manitoulin Transport this month in order to further strengthen its presence and reach in North Western Canada. The new terminal provides a much-needed and convenient hub for local businesses and industries in the region, which now have access to an array of services, including ground transportation, international freight forwarding, customs brokerage, warehousing, supply chain management and logistics.

The official launch got underway today with a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by senior Manitoulin Transport representatives; the deputy mayor of Hay River, Mike Maher; city councillors, local employees; and Manitoulin Transport customers from the region.

Prior to building its own facility, Manitoulin Transport, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Northwest Transport Ltd, provided services in the region through a local agent. “We’re very pleased to have Manitoulin Transport open a local depot in Hay River,” said Randy Williams purchasing agent, Northwest Territories Power Corporation. “Their experience and ability to provide multi-faceted transportation services can only benefit us and enhance our excellent working relationship with the company. Also, as Hay River is a small community, it’s always reassuring to be dealing with a familiar face instead of a voice on the phone. We congratulate Manitoulin Transport and look forward to working closely with their local personnel.”

Manitoulin Transport’s new terminal is located at 38 Dean Drive. It is one of the company’s 34 terminals in North Western Canada and the latest of 66 nationwide. Features include a cross-dock facility, a climate-controlled environment and ground-level loading capability, all allowing the faster and reliable handling of all types of commodities.

“Our investment in this new site, our second to open in just over a week, demonstrates our continued commitment to our many customers in North Western Canada,” said Rob Eskens, director of sales, Manitoulin Transport. “Manitoulin Transport is a total transportation service provider and now we have further solidified our ability to partner with our existing and prospective customers in extending their businesses across Canada, the United States and around the world.”

Manitoulin Transport chose to further invest in Hay River due to the increasing need for local industries, such as mining, forestry, and oil and gas, to have access to a much greater scale of supply chain and distribution services. Additionally, Hay River is a strategic location due to opportunities associated with the rapid growth of the area, for example, the construction of the 1,220-kilometre natural gas pipeline system along the Mackenzie Valley in the N.W.T. to connect northern onshore gas fields with North American markets.

“Hay River is the undisputable ‘hub of the north,’” said deputy mayor Mike Maher. “We’re delighted that a company of such calibre as Manitoulin Transport has decided to invest in the region. The provision of expanded transportation capabilities in this strategic location, especially at a time of such unprecedented growth, will benefit local businesses and industries, and in doing so, benefit the Hay River community as a whole and that’s good news for everyone.”

The official launch got underway today with a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by senior Manitoulin Transport representatives; the mayor of Cranbrook, Ross Priest; local employees; and more than eighty Manitoulin Transport customers from the region.

“This new facility demonstrates our continued commitment to our many customers in Western Canada,” said Rob Eskens, director of sales, Manitoulin Transport. “Being a total transportation service provider, we have now further solidified our ability to partner with our existing and prospective customers in extending their businesses across Canada, the United States and around the world.”

Manitoulin Transport’s new facility is located at 1112 Cobham Avenue West. It is one of the company’s 34 terminals in Western Canada and the latest of 66 nationwide. It replaces the original Cranbrook location whose employees have moved to the new facility, which is anticipated to generate additional jobs. Features of this cross-dock facility include a climate- controlled environment, ground-level loading capability and a flat deck loading apron, all allowing the faster and reliable handling of all types of commodities.

Manitoulin Transport chose to further invest in Cranbrook due to the increasing need for local industries, such as mining, forestry, retail and manufacturing, to have access to a much greater scale of supply chain and distribution services. Additionally, Cranbrook is a strategic location due to it’s proximity to the rapidly expanding Kootenays and Creston Valley regions.

“I congratulate the company for recognizing the many economic attributes and opportunities that Cranbrook offers and welcome this expansion of services,” said mayor Ross Priest. “I feel sure this new facility will not only benefit local businesses but also, serve as an economic driver that will benefit the community as a whole.”

We’re referring to the Smiths, of Gore Bay, Ont., and specifically patriarch Doug Smith, founder of the Manitoulin Group.

In November, at the Ontario Trucking Association’s (OTA) annual conference, Smith was presented with the Trailmobile Service to Industry Award. It’s among our industry’s most coveted citations.

And then just before the calendar year ran out, Canada’s Governor General Michelle Jean announced that Smith was named to the Order of Canada, this country’s highest civilian honour.

According to a statement from Ms. Jean’s office, Mr Smith, one of 60 appointees to the Order in ’07, was recognized in the industry, commerce and business category, for his “contributions as a business leader, philanthropist and champion of economic and community development in Northern Ontario.” Entrepreneur, philanthropist, inventor and now Officer of the Order of Canada, Doug Smith appeared with his wife Phyllis to accept the Service to Industry Award from Bert Clay of Trailmobile.