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Glenncoe Transport closing

Thu, 2009-01-22 11:49.
Local News

Seems the economic crunch has taken its toll on a Kelowna trucking company, as Glenncoe Transport is announcing its closure.

President Don Coe tells us they lost a major customer, comprising of 70 percent of their business.

And he says when you combine that with the current state of Canada's economy, it leaves them in a difficult position:

"Several of our other top ten accounts have ceased operations... Glass Plant Lavington, as an example, is one closer to home.  A combination of all those factors and the forecast of the economy in the future, it makes it tough to operate a viable business going beyond."

Coe says, "We run roughly 184 employees at this time, spread out primarily over BC and Alberta.  The Okanagan Valley being fairly dense with employees."

He also tells us, "Because it's not a bankruptcy, it's a business decision and a planned closure...any employee that has tenure at all will have standard severence."

Glenncoe Transport was purchased by Bison Transport back in 2007, but has been operating as a separate entity since that time.

The company will close its doors on May 31st.

Denise Wong - Kelowna

add new comment

i agree that bison did this

Thu, 2009-10-15 04:43
randy
i agree that bison did this for the contract as well as treated the drivers that went over with what ever deal was made. I grew up seeing the GLENNCOE company trucks all the time, then before i became a driver myself i had a job loading some GLENNCOE trailers,i really enjoyed working for GLENNCOE TRANSPORT

glenncoe closing

Thu, 2009-06-04 08:25
Sandy
I agree 100% with Peter, also ever since my departure I have not found a company that treats their drivers as well as the Coe family treated me ! When I first started driving for them I was going through a nasty divorce, Glenncoe was more than accommodating to see me through a very tough time. I'm sure the bigger company's would have sent me packing !! It's truly a very sad day. Good luck Don, Val, Glenn, Russ and most of all Glenn Wakefield. I truly do miss you guys, and driving for you. I'll always have fond memory's of driving for Glenncoe, so all the best to you !!!

glenncoe closing

Wed, 2009-06-03 22:29
Anonymous
Way to go Bison, you guys are jerks !! Glenncoe was a great company to work for until you guys came along. Bison ruined a good thing. You only bought out Glenncoe so you could get your hands on the B.C. wal mart contract. I'm very happy that Bison lost it to CN, but very sad for Glenncoe, especially Val.

Glenncoe Closing

Thu, 2009-05-14 05:09
Start Ablett in Tokyo JAPAN
I'm very sad to hear the news that you guys are closing, Val, if you remember me and read this, my heart goes out to you and your family! Running a family business is hard work, I know, we run my wife's family business here in Tokyo, long hours and hard work for sure. I certainly respect your decision to close, rather than go bankrupt, this shows a lot of respect for your employees. Best of luck in your new endeavors! Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan

glenncoe closing

Thu, 2009-05-07 17:23
Anonymous
What are you people thinking???It had NOTHING to do with a union and it had nothing to do with the economy. they are closing because they lost the walmart contract to CN rail(who will underbid anything to get it).It is run as precision transport now.that was pretty much glenncoes whole reason to be around.you cant keep a company going when they lose a customer that is 80 %of their business.its sad to see but I guess there will be some cheap volvos in the next auction.

Glenncoe Transport

Wed, 2009-05-06 15:13
Peter
It is really unfortunate that a private family owned and run professional business like Glenncoe must depart the business community. This transport company is and has been the best in the industry. They are supportive and respectful to all of their staff including their Transport Drivers. It is a truly sad day! Mr. Coe, Val Coe, Glen Wakefield..Russ..You were the best and trucking will never be the same or respected the same. The huge companies will never be even close to your calibre of professionalism and true grit and spirit! I was truly honoured to be a part of your team!

Incorrect

Wed, 2009-01-28 12:49
Anonymous
The previous comment is incorrect, that is not the reason, what was reported is true, as an employee of Glenncoe, there was no union wanted.

their is no way that any of

Tue, 2009-01-27 20:34
Anonymous
their is no way that any of the Coe's made this call to shut the doors! It was Bison that did as this was their plan from the start. to bad as "the original Glenncoe" was a good strong family company that cared, bison has just wrecked one of the best companys out there!

the truth

Sun, 2009-01-25 12:38
Anonymous
the truth is that bison made the decision to close down glenncoe as the wcta was infiltering the bison workforce, with 900 plus signatures wanting this union bison axed glenncoe, no glenncoe no union