Evans acquires Harold North
Evans Wholesale has recently scooped up Harold North Trucking.
These two Chatham operations have a long tradition of excellence in service with strong community ties.
Both Evans and Harold North are valued employers in Chatham-Kent.
Founded by Harold North in 1972, the latter has been operating for the past 25 years by brothers Tim and Rick North.
As Harold North has been in the direct store distribution business, it makes them the ideal fit for Evans.
Over the last six months, Evans has initiated an aggressive restructuring program to remain competitive in today’s evolving distribution landscape.
In addition to the amalgamation of the two companies, they have appointed a new president and CEO, Bill Mathewson.
“Mr. Mathewson brings a new vision and team to the company that will lead Evans in rapid growth and expanded commercial footprint to the operation,” as company founder Andrew Evans said in a media release. “I am excited about the vision of growth and opportunities that are in front of us.”
Evans Wholesale has launched a new website as well as a customer online ordering portal.
“The addition of Harold North Trucking allows us to expand our business footprint, increase the diversity of our offerings, and position us for further growth” Mathewson said.
With the acquisition, Evans will now offer outbound and inbound refrigerated U.S. freight, as well as express refrigerated freight services.
Highgate firm receives boost
Meat processing in East Kent is getting a boost from Canada and Ontario.
According to recent media release from Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Trevor Jones, Highgate Tender Meats Ltd. is receiving up to $76,000 as part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
A joint effort between the federal and provincial governments, the funding aims to help meat processing businesses and abattoirs undertake upgrades to increase production, efficiency and food safety.
As part of the Meat Processors Capacity Improvement Initiative (MPCII), the cost-sharing funds will go towards purchasing a slicer, sausage mixer, hot dog stunner, mixer, sausage stuffer, new doors, freezer coils and doors, a saw, humidifier, and meat smoker cart.
A total of 151 meat processors are receiving cost-sharing MPCII funds with a goal of improving the meat processing system.
Dawson named to NPSOA
Dave Dawson of Instant Print in Chatham has a new feather in his business cap.
Dawson, 52, was recently elected as a director at large for the National Print and Sign Owners Association (NPSOA).
Like many NPSOA members, Dawson is a second-generation print owner. His father started the business in 1978.
“Being a print owner wasn’t a “longtime dream,” but when I graduated, an opportunity came up within the business. I took a little while, but I now love the business and the industry and couldn’t imagine being anywhere else,” Dawson said in a media release.
Dawson is the first Canadian director to serve on the NPSOA Board.
“David brings considerable expertise to the board and is a regular participant in NPSOA’s Think Tanks and national conferences,” said Nathaniel Grant, NPSOA’s chairman. “He will bring a fresh perspective and undoubtedly many new ideas.”
- Business Voice is a bi-monthly column in The Chatham Voice that highlights some of the achievements made and efforts underway in Chatham-Kent’s business community. Send your information to bruce@chathamvoice.com.
