Canada’s Cooke Inc has acquired a provider of trucking and transportation services in Atlantic Canada to expand its own fleet of 115 trucks and 217 trailers and improve logistics efficiencies.
The salmon producer acquired Connors Transfer Ltd through Cooke’s wholly owned subsidiary, Shoreland Transport.
Shoreland was established by Cooke in 2002 to primarily move fresh salmon and seafood products for Cooke Aquaculture companies, as well as other customers in Atlantic Canada.
Supply chain woes
“There are many challenges for logistics in today’s environment, and this acquisition will further strengthen Cooke’s vertical integration,” says Glenn Cooke, CEO of Shoreland Transport Inc.
“Many of Connors customers operate in food retail and agri-food, so their business and fleet align very well with Shoreland’s current operations and will enable us to improve services with our customers.”
Largest network in Atlantic Canada
The acquisition of Connors Transfer and its fleet of 143 trucks, 261 trailers and four terminal locations makes the subsidiary of Cooke one of the largest trucking companies in Atlantic Canada.
Photo: Cooke Inc
The companies will operate all terminals and facilities. Cooke will retain all of Connor’s 215 employees.
Connors was founded in Stellarton, Nova Scotia in 1982 by brothers Glenn and Lauchie Connors. The business began as a small operation with two trucks delivering dry goods to grocery stores in Nova Scotia, eventually moving to fresh and frozen produce. Over the last 40 years, the company has grown to a fleet of 143 trucks and 261 trailers with four terminal locations.
“It’s terrific the Cooke family continues to make strategic investments in Nova Scotia as a global seafood leader that’s always thinking locally,” the brothers said in a statement.
