Groupe Morneau acquires cold storage firm

Anjou, Quebec—Groupe Morneau finalized the acquisition of Total Cold Storage located in Anjou, Quebec. The agreement signed with Patrick Filice, former owner of this cold storage services company, now allows Groupe Morneau to add cold storage services to its wide range of expertise. The purchase price was not disclosed.

Total Cold Storage offers customized services in cold storage, trichina treatment, blast freezing, inspection and much more. Its freezer storage area can accommodate nearly 16,000 pallets and its facilities span 100,000 square feet. Its entirely automated distribution centre and 24-hour services allow solid flexibility on the market.

As a family company with 25 employees, Total Cold Storage is well known on different levels, such as by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, which uses its facilities as a model for agencies and foreign importers.

“The food industry is very important for a transportation and logistics service provider like Groupe Morneau. A large amount of goods circulates daily between producers, processors, and retailers, and Groupe Morneau benefits from specialized expertise. Our know-how, combined with that of Total Cold Storage, now allows us to provide a global and complete range of offerings under one roof for this industry, all while positioning Groupe Morneau as experts,” said André Morneau, president and general manager of Groupe Morneau.

“As a key player, we are proud to acquire a company that offers high-quality services that contribute to maintaining our standards of compliance with HACCP regulations and preserving the cold chain. As a transporter and warehouse operator, we must ensure particular care is given to hygiene, safety and security of goods,” explained David Morneau, development director of Morneau Eskimo.

Groupe Morneau has the largest fleet of multi-temperature units in Quebec and the largest network of terminals in Eastern Canada. With its coverage in Quebec, Ontario and Labrador, it has a competitive advantage with its “just-in-time” delivery of goods. It already offered related services to its clients, but its refrigerated storage space was limited.