Manitoulin Transport Does 2nd Ribbon Cutting for North Western Canada


Mississauga, Ontario – May 22, 2008 – 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 councilors, 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.”

CEO Doug Smith named to Canada's Highest Order of Canada

GORE BAY, Ont. -- For at least one family of truckers, the year that just ended will go down in the annuals for generations to come.

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 honor.

According to a statement from the 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.