Largest Canadian-owned tire distributor doubling their presence at Manitoba’s inland port with $19 million investment in new facility.
January 24, 2024 – Groupe Touchette, the largest Canadian-owned tire distributor, has acquired 6.62 acres of land to construct an additional 112,000 square feet of distribution space at CentrePort Canada (“CentrePort”). The new facility will bring the Montreal-based company’s total space to 212,000 square feet on 12.6 acres in Brookside Industrial Park West in the Rural Municipality of Rosser (“R.M. of Rosser”).
“CentrePort is a critical transportation hub in our province and across North America, and we’re pleased to see the continued growth shown though Groupe Touchette’s expansion,” said Manitoba Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Lisa Naylor. “I want to thank Groupe Touchette for choosing to invest in Manitoba, and congratulate CentrePort for this exciting announcement today.”
Groupe Touchette currently operates out of a 100,000 square foot facility that opened in early 2020. Initially occupying 70,000 square feet of space, the company rapidly expanded their operations to occupy the full facility in 2023. In September of 2022, Groupe Touchette acquired National Tire Distributors, expanding their business resulting in the need for additional space in Manitoba.
“We are thrilled to announce our flourishing partnership and the remarkable progress we’ve witnessed in the past three years at CentrePort,” said Nicolas Touchette, co-owner and chief executive officer at Groupe Touchette Inc. “This newfound space is a testament to our shared commitment, propelling us towards a future of unparalleled collaboration. This expansion not only signifies a significant milestone in our journey but also represents a strategic move towards fostering our presence and growth in this vibrant part of Canada.”
Construction is expected to begin in spring 2024 and it is anticipated the facility will be operational in late 2024 or early 2025. The company will occupy a total of 150,000 square feet across both facilities, with the remaining 60,000 square feet available for lease, brought to market by Cushman & Wakefield Stevenson.
“Groupe Touchette’s growth is impressive and we are thrilled that they are already expanding their presence in Rosser,” said Reeve Ken Mulligan, RM of Rosser. “Companies choosing CentrePort North for their operations are seeing unbelievable success, with plenty of opportunity for growth. We congratulate them and wish them continued prosperity.”
“From infrastructure to service providers and partners, to public-sector programs and support, each piece of the CentrePort ecosystem works together to support companies like Groupe Touchette to ensure they grow and prosper here in Manitoba,” said Carly Edmundson, president and chief executive officer, CentrePort Canada Inc. “It is exciting to see the success of national leaders like Groupe Touchette locating at CentrePort, then investing in further expansion. This speaks not only to the vision and commitment of Groupe Touchette, but to the effectiveness of the inland port platform that was intentionally created to generate new growth and economic development.”
CentrePort Canada is a 20,000-acre inland port and Foreign Trade Zone. Located in the heart of North America, CentrePort connects to major national and international trade gateways and corridors, and is the only inland port in the country with direct access to tri-modal transportation – extensive truck, rail and air cargo operations. www.centreportcanada.ca
Groupe Touchette Inc. is the largest Canadian-owned tire distributor, recognized for over 40 years for its expertise and superior level of service to automobile manufacturers, dealerships and independent customers. Managed today by Nicolas Touchette and Frédéric Bouthillier, the company whose head office is located in Montreal specializes in value-added tire distribution services. Groupe Touchette is present across Canada, with more than 50 distribution centers. Through its TireLink and DT Tire banners, Groupe Touchette meets the needs of automobile manufacturers, dealerships and independent tire retailers. The company also meets the needs of Canadian consumers through the retail banners Tirecraft, Integra Tire, Signature Tire, Tireland/Ici Pneu, Tire Partners/Pneu Solutions, Pneu Select, MécaniPneu, Pneus Chartrand Mécanique, Pneus Express Mécanique and Touchette Motorsport. www.grtouchette.com