The Kenan Advantage Group (KAG), North America’s largest tank truck transporter and logistics provider, recently completed the acquisition of Fort Transfer Company.
The Morton IL-based company is one of the leading liquid bulk chemical carriers and storage companies in the U.S.
“This is a perfect fit for our organization based on Fort Transfer’s excellent reputation, safety practices, customer service and professional drivers,” said John Rakoczy, executive vice president of KAG Specialty Products. “We expect to leverage the two companies’ combined footprints, driver force, specialized equipment and industry expertise to provide additional services to our combined customer base while also entering new markets.”
As part of the transaction, KAG will acquire 100 tractors, 249 trailers and, most importantly, 158 professional drivers/independent contractors and 45 operational personnel. Fort Transfer’s operations include one of the largest bulk storage facilities in the Midwest, with 2.6 million gallons of temperature-controlled capacity, and satellite locations in Beaumont TX and St. Gabriel LA. Fort Transfer’s operations complement KAG’s footprint and are strategically located within the center of the nation’s chemical manufacturing business.
“After three generations of Fort Transfer being a part of my family, it is a privilege and honor to transfer ownership to an organization with similar core values with respect to safety, service and taking care of others, particularly our employees and our communities,” said Brad Kahler, president, CEO and owner of Fort Transfer. “I am thankful for God, who makes everything possible and has guided us to and through this transition.
“I also thank the generations before me, my father and grandfather, who have set the foundation of Fort Transfer that has allowed us to build upon. And I sincerely thank all our past and present drivers, staff, vendors and customers who have made Fort what it is today.
“Finding the right partner to carry on this legacy was extremely important to me. We found that with KAG.”
Added Rebecca White, KAG vice president of corporate development: “We are excited to partner with the Fort Transfer team and leverage our combined expertise in the bulk transportation of specialty chemicals. The acquisition of Fort Transfer provides us entrance into the bulk storage and transportation of agricultural herbicides. It also provides us with expanded opportunities within Isocyanates with numerous end markets ranging from household goods, automotive, medical, industrial sealants and adhesives.”
