Manitoulin Transport has bought the book of business for Whitehorse-based Kluane Freight Lines Ltd. and formed a joint venture with Chief Isaac Group of Companies, of which Kluane is a member.
Initially established to meet the need for dependable hauling north of Whitehorse, Kluane has become a leading supply chain provider in the region, servicing all of the Yukon, Whitehorse, Dawson City, Carmacks, Pelly Crossing, Stewart Crossing, and Mayo.
The First Nation-owned company has been in business for nearly 40 years.
"Manitoulin Transport has a long history of partnership with Kluane and we know the business well," said Jeff King, president of Manitoulin Transport, in a Dec. 13 news release.
"It has an excellent reputation for providing quality ground transportation and warehousing. Kluane's client base complements Manitoulin's as we serve many of the same vertical markets including heavy equipment, mining, and oil and gas. These industries are key economic drivers for Northern Canada and Kluane is considered to be a trusted partner by many of the major players in these sectors."
Included in the acquisition is Kluane's Dawson City terminal and Edmonton and Whitehorse operations. Under the agreement, Kluane will be co-branded with Manitoulin Transport.
McGarry Selbee, president and CEO at Chief Isaac Group of Companies, said Manitoulin’s experience and portfolio of services would benefit the businesses and communities in the region.
“Manitoulin's extensive coverage enables it to transport small to large freight within Canada and to any part of the globe,” Selbee said.
Headquartered in Gore Bay on Manitoulin Island, Manitoulin Transport was founded in 1960 and remains family-owned and -operated.
As a leading transportation and logistics solutions provider, it offers services including expedited less-than-truckload and truckload, transborder, intermodal, private fleet, guaranteed service, heavy haul, temperature-controlled, dangerous goods and supply chain management.
It now has more than 70 terminals in Canada and 250 service centres in the U.S.
