Business news, acquisitions and openings in Stark County
Kelly Byer, Canton Repository
6 min read
Kenan Advantage Group
The Kenan Advantage Group, a transportation and logistics company with headquarters in Jackson Township, has acquired the Michigan-based PRM Trucking and Texas-based XBL Holdings in recent weeks ― both dry bulk haulers.
PRM Trucking specializes in the transportation, transloading and storage of lime, sand and other dry bulk materials for foundries and manufacturing companies throughout the Midwest.
“The further expansion of our dry bulk transportation services will be supported with the latest addition of PRM, allowing us to capitalize on our growing Midwest presence," John Rakoczy, executive vice president for KAG specialty products, said in a prepared statement. "We are also fortunate to benefit from the ongoing leadership of the PRM team, who will continue their successful journey with KAG."
The acquisition included a fleet of 39 tractors, 91 trailers, a terminal and maintenance facility, and about 3,000 feet of railroad. The Kenan Advantage Group will also add 33 professional drivers and 12 additional operational staff from PRM Trucking.
“We are pleased to provide our expertise and knowledge to KAG in the dry bulk space,” PRM Trucking owners Shari and Tom Morris said in a prepared statement. “It’s exciting to be a part of a new platform where our employees can further grow their careers and provide valuable insight into what we feel is a bright future for everyone involved in this transaction."
Financial terms were not released for either acquisition.
XBL is owned by private equity firm Lilium Group and headquartered in Weatherford, Texas. It provides dry bulk transportation, storage and logistics services to industrial and construction customers throughout the Midwest, Gulf Coast and Carolinas ― operating the largest dry bulk fleet in the latter.
“The transaction with XBL uniquely positions KAG to materially expand our dry bulk transportation platform in thefuture,” Grant Mitchell, Kenan Advantage Group's president and CEO, said in a prepared statement. “With their impressive market position and a diverse group of tenured, blue-chip customers, we’ve solidified our entrance into a very niche marketplace."
Kenan Advantage Group will add 162 professional drivers, 53 operational team members from XBL. They'll also acquire 186 tractors, 36 trailers, 10 mobile storage silos, 11 terminal and satellite locations, and three maintenance facilities.
“It was important to our leadership team to find a partner who operates with the same principles and ambitious standards that we hold ourselves to every day – building trust through execution and creating value and long-term stability for our employees and our customers," Richard Hoyle, co-founder and president of XBL, said in a prepared statement. "We look forward to providing our expertise as a leading provider in dry bulk services to help KAG elevate this segment of their business to the next level.”
Kenan Advantage Group made its main entrance into the dry bulk market with its acquisition of Northern Dry Bulk in February.
Alliance electronic waste company joins ReMA
Boardsort.com, an Alliance-based company that purchases discarded circuit boards and electronics for recycling, is now a member of the Recycled Material Association (ReMA).
Boardsort.com is committed to "environmental stewardship and data security" when dismantling electronic devices to recover valuable materials, according to a company news release. The Washington D.C.-based recycling association's mission is "to promote safe, environmentally responsible, and economically sustainable recycling through advocacy, networking and education."
"Joining ReMA is a natural next step for Boardsort.com as we continue to lead the charge in responsible electronic waste recycling," Chris Skeeles, founder of Boardsort.com, said in a prepared statement. "By working together with other industry leaders, we can amplify our voice and accelerate the adoption of sustainable recycling solutions that benefit both businesses and communities."
Dollar General Market relocated in Bolivar
The Dollar General Market in Bolivar has relocated to 10706 state Route 212 NE. The company hosted a grand opening celebration on Nov. 23.
“We are excited to open our relocated store in Bolivar and celebrate with the local community,” Matthew Simonsen, the company's senior vice president of real estate and store development, said in a prepared statement. “As part of our mission of serving others, we look forward to continue being a strong business partner and good neighbor at our new, convenient location.”
The store has an expanded selection of fresh meats, vegetables and fruits. Dollar General currently offers fresh produce in more than 5,400 stores nationwide, according to the announcement.
Tinsel Tavern re-opens in Jackson Township
The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and Embassy Suites hosted a grand re-opening of Tinsel Tavern, a Christmas-themed speakeasy, on Nov. 22.
The pop-up bar inside the hotel at 7883 Freedom Ave. NW will be open on select dates in December, including Sundays for brunch, according to a news release. The menu features holiday drinks, small plates and desserts.
For reservations, visit Open Table or call 330-526-7031.
Barnes & Noble opening new Belden location
Barnes & Noble will open a bookstore next year at 5501 Dressler Road NW in Jackson Township. The 16,000-square-foot store is scheduled to open in early February, according to Janine Flanigan, vice president of store planning and design for Barnes & Noble.
"It will be built in our new design and so we're really excited to have the store open," she said.
The store, which will take over the former Arhaus Furniture location, will have a cafe and fireplace. Flanigan said the space has beautiful architecture and needs few renovations.
The company likely will hire employees in January. Flanigan said Barnes & Noble had been looking for a new location in the Canton area since closing an area store several years ago.
"We're excited to be opening a store in the area and really, again, the structure of the Arhaus just worked so well," she said.
The targeted grand opening is Feb. 5. Barnes & Noble traces its origins to the 1870s and sells an array of books, games and gifts. The nearest stores are in the Fairlawn and Yongstown areas.
Aultman receives sterile processing certification
Aultman Hospital is now the first hospital in Ohio to receive the Advanced Sterile Processing Certification from Det Norske Veritas (DNV), an international quality assurance and risk management company.
Aultman provides sterile processing in partnership with Crothall Healthcare, according to an announcement in October. The certification recognizes an organization's commitment to excellent infection prevention.
"It’s a combination of the right equipment, personnel and training to exhibit excellence in sterile processing for all surgical and endoscopic procedures," Chris Parrish, Aultman's senior vice president of perioperative services, said in a prepared statement. "Achieving certification validates all the effort we have put into this program and to ensuring the health and safety of our patients.”
The certification is based on guidelines from organizations such as the Association of Perioperative Nurses, the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.
“Achieving certification shows a commitment to excellence,” Kelly Proctor, president of DNV Healthcare USA, said in a prepared statement. “And it helps demonstrate to your community that you are performing at the highest level.”
Reach Kelly at 330-580-8323 or kelly.byer@cantonrep.com
