MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — Manitoulin Group of Companies has acquired Expedite Plus, a specialized service provider for the movement of highly time-critical shipments across the globe via air and ground. Manitoulin announced its partnership with Expedite plus, of Milton, Ont., in October 2008, as a means to augment its own time-critical shipment capabilities.

Expedite Plus will be a new division of Manitoulin Global Forwarding which now comprises global time-critical, international freight forwarding, warehousing and distribution.

“This has been a hugely successful collaboration and we are delighted to welcome Expedite Plus to the Manitoulin family,” said Dwayne Hihn, president of Manitoulin Global Forwarding. “True expedited shipping, such as delivering a vital package from Toronto to Frankfurt in less than 24 hours, is something only a few have perfected. It demands a global network, intricate coordination, and local knowledge and experience. We are proud that Expedite Plus’ 30 years’ experience in the global time-critical field, coupled with our extensive reach, gives Manitoulin customers a distinct competitive advantage when it comes to delivering urgent shipments at a moment’s notice, quickly and reliably to any part of the world.”

All Expedite Plus employees have transferred to Manitoulin Group of Companies.  Officials said customers of Expedite Plus can “expect a seamless transition with immediate effect.”