Manitoulin Global acquires temperature-controlled logistics specialist

Third-party logistics provider Manitoulin Global Forwarding’s purchase of Vaughan, Ontario-based M.A.P. International Freight will enable the company to offer a full suite of international freight forwarding services.    Third-party logistics provider Manitoulin Global Forwarding has purchased temperature-controlled logistics M.A.P. International Freight Inc., according to a statement from the company.
   The purchase will enable Manitoulin Global to offer a full suite of international freight forwarding services, specifically expanding its offerings to include transport of refrigerated or heated cargoes.
   Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
   Vaughan, Ontario-based M.A.P. International specializes in the global movement of chilled and frozen goods, agri-commodities and goods requiring heating, via ocean, air and truck transportation with a focus on North America. Its primary customers include major food manufacturers and distributors, as well as pharmaceutical companies.
   Manitoulin said employees of M.A.P. International have transferred to the company’s offices in Toronto and former M.A.P President Mark Albert will join the company in a consulting capacity to assist with the transition.
   “We are delighted to welcome M.A.P International into the Manitoulin family,” Manitoulin Global Forwarding President Dwayne Hihn said of the purchase. “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,” he added. “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 of the 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.”