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Our Routes Have Roots...
Delivering for decades
Norman Wells (July 10/06) - Matco Transportation Systems celebrated its 40th anniversary.
The company was founded in Norman Wells in 1966 when brothers Ray and Lloyd Anderson created a company to transport goods arriving to the town by air.
The operation has diversified over the years and now has its corporate head office in Edmonton, but it still has the same goal since Day 1, said co-owner and president, Ray Anderson.
"Matco really is a community re-supply company focused on the customer," he said.
The company continues to transport cargo and provide expediting services to people and businesses throughout the NWT.
"Wherever there is a road, we'll go," said Anderson.
Matco has also branched out to Nunavut, the Yukon and Alberta, said Anderson.
A network of 250 employees in Alberta and the North allows customers to stay with one company while their goods are transported, he said.
"We are the one stop shop for shipping items," said Anderson who added the company has alliances with United Van Lines and Grimshaw Trucking.
The rich mix of base metals, diamond mines and the proposed Mackenzie Valley pipeline have Anderson and his team excited about the future.
"There are challenges up and down the valley. I see so many opportunities," said Anderson.
Wayne Wishloff, vice-president of operations at Matco, also sees potential in the North but said the company isn't ready to take any huge leaps.
"We're not looking to be a big be-all, end-all," he said.
"We're here to service communities."
While challenges still exist with geography, climate and communication in the North, Matco Transportation Systems is resilient, said Wishloff.
"The NWT has been our roots," he said.
David Ryan
Northern News Services
