BLOOMING PRAIRIE, Minn. — A U.S.-based provider of poly truck fenders and accessories belives it can achieve 500 percent growth in Canada this year.

The company, Minimizer, announced plans to expand its relationships with Canada-based distributors and set up a warehouse distribution center in Toronto later this summer.

Today, Canada comprises only 4 percent of Minimizer business. But "optimal market conditions that have arisen from the weakened U.S. dollar," have given the company reason to believe they can increase that five-fold.

"The exchange rate makes us very cost-competitive right now," says Craig Kruckeberg, CEO of Minimizer. "Coupled with the Canadian trucking market’s demand for Minimizer fenders, it makes sense for us to set our sights on what could become a very lucrative market."

Canada, in particular, offers a unique business opportunity for Minimizer, says Kruckeberg, because some jurisdictions allow longer-combination vehicles.

"Many road train operators prefer Minimizer fenders to traditional metal fenders because they hold up better when subjected to many months of road vibrations and regular wear and tear," said Kruckeberg.