The NG Times Newspaper

North Grenville’s most successful business venture ever is entering a new and expanded stage of its phenomenal history. The company begun by Gerald Tallman in Kemptville in 1973 has since grown into the largest International Truck dealer in Canada, employing over 600 people in fourteen locations, including Mississauga, Toronto, Kingston, Ottawa, Belleville, and, of course, Kemptville. Last year, the Tallman Group had revenues of $370 million (CAD) and delivered almost 2,000 trucks. In 2015, Tallman Group was named International’s North American Truck Dealer of the Year, and was named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for 10 consecutive years.

The Group has now entered into an agreement with Rush Enterprises, Inc., which operates the largest network of commercial vehicle dealerships in North America, by which each company will own 50% of the new entity, to be known as Rush Truck Centres of Canada Limited, and will operate under the same leadership of Kevin G. Tallman, Chief Executive Officer and Roger Poirier, CFA, President. Once final closing conditions are met, the new venture will formally launch later this month.

This has been a family business ever since Gerald opened the first Truck Centre in Kemptville, and Kevin is continuing that tradition, becoming CEO of the new partnership.

“This is a very exciting partnership for our entire network of employees and customers that have known and trusted Tallman Group for 45 years”, Kevin commented. “This partnership will give us tremendous access to industry leading technology which should greatly enhance our entire customer service experience. Our cross‑border customers will greatly benefit by having priority access to the largest commercial dealership group in North America. We are looking forward to utilizing this joint venture as a platform to accelerate our growth strategy in Canada with the support of Rush Enterprises.”

The new partners are very happy with the deal too, recognising the reputation and record of the Tallman Group in the industry.

“I am extremely excited to announce Rush Enterprises’ joint venture with Tallman Group,” said W.M. “Rusty” Rush, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Rush Enterprises, Inc. “The Tallman family has built a successful and respected International Truck dealership network in Ontario, which is consistently recognized as one of the best performing International Truck dealership groups in North America.”

Rush Enterprises reported $4.7 billion in revenue in 2017. With 110 locations in 22 states, Rush is the largest commercial vehicle dealer in North America. The company employs 6,900 people and sold nearly 32,800 trucks in 2017.

This is another huge step in the continuing story of a local business making good, based on vision, excellent standards, and a positive relationship with workers and clients. Good news all round.

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