Long time Northwest Transportation group to change hands, with Bandstra now in Alberta hands

Bandstra Transportation is now under new ownership with
an Alberta company announcing it has reached a deal to
purchase the Northwest transportation group

In the Northwest, if there are goods being hauled from town to town, or transiting from industrial sites, there's a very good chance they may be inside of or onboard a Bandstra trailer or flatdeck.

And today Bansdtra Transportation a long time fixture on the roads of the Northwest has a new owner; with the Smithers based trucking company recently acquired by the Mullen Group of Okotoks Alberta.

Locally, Bandstra operates an office out of the Prince Rupert Industrial park on Metlakatla Road, the Prince Rupert yard is just one of a number of locations across the Northwest transportation company which was established in 1955. 

As part of the announcement of the deal Friday, the chair of the Mullen Group Murray K. Mullen shared his enthusiasm to be brining the Bandstra group into the corporate fold. 

"This is another gem of a company that I am delighted to have in our growing organization. The Bandstra name is well known to many in the transportation industry. Founded 65 years ago, this family owned business has grown to be one of the largest diversified transportation companies in British Columbia earning a reputation for quality service and community involvement. I want to take this opportunity to welcome the Bandstra Group to our organization. I know from discussions and my past experience that this is a very difficult decision for the Bandstra family. Here is a company that has been family owned and operated for decades, so for the Mullen Group to be chosen as the acquiring company speaks to our reputation."

The new ownership also made note that much of the Bandstra management team will remain in place as the Alberta group merges it with its national operations.

 "We have a history of acquiring family owned businesses and the experience necessary to ensure a smooth transition. I am also pleased that the senior management team, including several of the family members, have agreed to continue to manage and oversee the business. No one knows the Bandstra Group better than the Bandstra family. I firmly believe the transportation and logistics sector of the economy is being transformed by the digital revolution and the emergence of e-commerce as a dominant trend in the retail space. The acquisition of the Bandstra Group will enhance the service capabilities of our organization on the west coast and ensure we can compete with any transportation provider," -- Mr. Murray K. Mullen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Also included in the deal is the purchase of Babine Truck and Equipment Limited. Babine is an Original Equipment Manufacturer ("OEM") dealership that operates from three (3) locations in British Columbia: Smithers, Prince George and Prince Rupert. 

In addition to providing sales of OEM trucks and trailers, Babine provides equipment and maintenance to Bandstra Transportation as well as parts and service work that supports the natural resources, energy and transportation industries in northern British Columbia. 

No purchase price was released as part of the announcement, the two companies  generate 85 million dollars in annualized revenue. 

You can learn more about the acquisition here.

More notes from the Northwest business sector can be reviewed from our archive page.