Highway Motor Freight Expands Operations at CentrePort Canada Rail Park with $16M Investment in New 32,000 Sq. Ft. Facility and the Creation of 150 New Jobs
August 22, 2024 – Rosser, Manitoba – Highway Motor Freight is proud to announce the expansion of its operations at CentrePort Canada Rail Park with a significant $16 million investment in new facilities and the creation of 150 new jobs for Manitobans. This expansion includes the acquisition of 20 acres of land to construct a state-of-the-art 32,000 square foot transportation terminal, located at CentrePort Canada Rail Park in the Rural Municipality of Rosser (R.M. of Rosser).
As the next tenant to commence construction in the 665-acre CentrePort Canada Rail Park project, developed by Focus Equities Inc., the new facility will create over 150 new jobs once fully operational. This marks a significant milestone for Highway Motor Freight, demonstrating its commitment to growth and excellence in the transportation industry in Manitoba and Canada.
“Manitoba’s trucking industry is critical to our economy. This new facility will create over 150 new jobs and help to ensure that Canadians receive the goods they need, when they need them. CentrePort Canada Rail Park plays a strategic role in making sure that Manitoba has a strong supply chain now, and in the years ahead,” said Kevin Lamoureux, Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons.
“We are thrilled to see Highway Motor Freight expand operations here in Manitoba. CentrePort is a unique industrial and economic hub that connects Canadian trade to major markets across the country, the continent and around the world,” said Jamie Moses, Manitoba’s Minister for Economic Development, Investment Trade and Natural Resources. “By combining industrial space with logistics infrastructure, CentrePort Canada Rail Park is a strategic location with great opportunity for business development. This expansion will grow our economy and create good jobs for Manitobans. Our government is proud to work with CentrePort as they continue to attract new business, expand current businesses, and demonstrate why Manitoba is the ideal place for companies to serve their regional and global clients.”
Highway Motor Freight has experienced rapid growth since it began operations out of a 7,000 square foot building at CentrePort Canada in 2020. The new facility, which is more than four times the size of its current space in Brookside Business Park, will enable Highway Motor Freight to better serve its clients and expand its capabilities. This includes increasing its fleet from 125 units to over 800 units and incorporating corporate operations, maintenance, warehouse space, and a wash bay.
“We are thrilled to announce our $16 million investment in CentrePort Canada Rail Park, which includes a state-of-the-art 32,000 square foot transportation terminal and the acquisition of 20 acres of prime industrial land,” said Jass Dhillon, President & CEO of Highway Motor Freight. “This investment marks a significant milestone in our growth journey and demonstrates our commitment to enhancing service capabilities for our clients. Looking ahead, we have begun planning Phase 2, which will feature a 50,000 to 75,000 square foot cold storage warehouse. This expansion will further solidify our position as a leader in the transportation industry, enabling us to better meet the needs of our customers and contribute to the economic growth of Manitoba and beyond.”
Founded in 2015, Highway Motor Freight provides temperature-controlled and dry freight services across North America. The new terminal, anticipated to be operational in late 2025, represents the company’s ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation in transportation in Manitoba.
Located in the unique rail-served CentrePort Canada Rail Park, the new facility benefits from prime industrial land and unparalleled connectivity to major national and international trade gateways. Phase 1, which covers 193 acres of the 665-acre project, is now available for sale and further development.
“We are excited to announce the sale of 20 acres to Highway Motor Freight, a dynamic and rapidly growing company in the transportation sector. This significant investment underscores the strategic importance of CentrePort Canada Rail Park as a hub for economic growth and development. The new facility will not only create over 150 jobs but will also enhance the efficiency of logistics and transportation in the region. This partnership is a testament to Manitoba’s vibrant economic landscape and our commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this development will have on our local economy and the broader community,” said Chris Reiter, Senior Development Manager, CentrePort Canada Rail Park and Focus Equities.
“We are continuing to see companies experiencing incredible success in Rosser, leading to further growth and expansion of their operations,” said Ken Mulligan, Reeve, RM of Rosser. “We congratulate Highway Motor Freight on this impressive announcement and look forward to seeing their new building take shape this construction season.”
“Highway Motor Freight is the next company to break ground in the CentrePort Canada Rail Park, and we are thrilled to see development continuing in this pivotal project,” said Carly Edmundson, President and CEO, CentrePort Canada Inc. “The Rail Park is a key piece of the tri-modal ecosystem, and the CentrePort Canada value proposition is strengthened everyday as it grows and develops.”
“Highway Motor Freight’s expansion highlights the power of collaboration in driving economic development and creating opportunities for businesses to thrive,” said Amanda Macdonald, Vice President of Business Development & Market Intelligence at Economic Development Winnipeg. “The continued development of CentrePort Canada Rail Park led by Focus Equities Inc. strengthens Winnipeg and Manitoba’s position as global leaders in transportation and logistics. Congratulations to Highway Motor Freight on this exciting announcement and to everyone who helped bring this vision to life.”
About Highway Motor Freight
Founded in 2015, Highway Motor Freight has become a cornerstone of efficiency in Manitoba’s transportation sector. With over 15 years of industry experience, the company is recognized as a trusted asset-based carrier dedicated to providing exceptional service. Its core principles are rooted in dependable and reliable customer service, supported by its most valuable resources: its staff and drivers. Committed to safety for their employees, customers, and the environment, Highway Motor Freight is a vibrant, growing company where service and customer satisfaction are paramount. The company specializes in hauling temperature-controlled meat, perishables, beverages, frozen food, and dairy products. The passion and expertise of its team enable them to deliver seamless solutions to all their customers’ transportation needs. For more information, visit www.highwaymotor.com
About Focus Equities Inc.
Focus Equities Inc., a Canadian corporation, provides development, investment, and project financing in real estate and infrastructure. Founded over 50 years ago by Canadian entrepreneur Kenneth W. Mariash, Sr., a graduate architect with an MBA, Bachelor of Commerce, and BSc., Focus Equities Inc. and its associated companies (“Focus”) have developed, purchased, or sold millions of square feet of real estate and thousands of residential/condominium units in North America. Focus Equities Inc. is currently developing projects in North America valued at more than US$5billion and has a long track record of successful innovative financial structures. For more information, visit www.focusequities.com and www.centreportcanadarailpark.com
About CentrePort Canada
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. For more information, visit: ww.centreportcanada.ca.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Avi Gill – Media Relations
437.218.8089
Focus Equities Inc./CentrePort Canada Rail Park
Chris Reiter
Sr. Development Manager
250.920.6768
creiter@centreportrailpark.com
CentrePort Canada Inc.
Aimee Goyer
Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives & Marketing
204.981.8845
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