WINNIPEG – Canadian transport management firm OmniTRAX Canada has hired former Kleysen Group senior VP, Brad Chase, to be the new president of the company.

OmniTRAX, which offers a full range of logistics services and port and freight terminal operations (it also owns and operates the emerging northern Port of Churchill and Hudson Bay Railway), says the appointment positions the company for growth and new ventures.

"I look forward to pursuing business opportunities for OmniTRAX that also benefit Canada, and particularly, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the North," said Chase in a press release. "We will make strategic capital investments, seek joint ventures and work with all levels of government to ensure that the Hudson Bay Railway and the Port of Churchill contribute to the success of Canada’s northern strategy."

Chase joined Kleysen in 2001 to lead the carrier’s Intermodal Business unit.

"Brad’s leadership abilities, transportation background and deal-making skills are keys to expanding our operations and partnerships in Canada," said Gary Long, president and CEO of OmniTRAX, Inc. "His appointment as president of OmniTRAX Canada shows our commitment to the Port of Churchill and the Hudson Bay Railway in Manitoba, the economic development of Nunavut, as well as our rail assets in Saskatchewan and British Columbia."

The Port of Churchill has been cited as a potential point of entry and transport solution for delivering megaloads of equipment to the Canadian oil sands.