Manitoulin buys Exalta Transport

GORE BAY, Ont. — The Manitoulin Group just promoted itself.

This time last week, the Northern Ontario-based carrier ranked as Canada’s 15th-biggest for-hire fleet.

Now it’s 12th, thanks to the purchase of Western Canada’s 300-unit Exalta Transport.

The deal was announced Wednesday.

Since it was founded 50 years ago, Manitoulin has grown to operate more than 60 Canadian and 250 U.S. terminals, providing over-the-road, LTL, intermodal, temp-controlled, you name it.

Exalta is a regional general-freight carrier serving hundreds of communities in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

John Finn, Exalta Transport Corp.’s former owner, will stay on briefly in a consulting capacity, and all Exalta employees, including Deborah Ziegenhagel, Exalta’s general manager, have transitioned to Manitoulin.

"Exalta Transport is a natural fit for Manitoulin," said Manitoulin President Gord Smith, adding, "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."

The acquisition "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," he said.