HMCS Corner Brook. Image: Babcock
The Saint-Georges, Que., company, Canada’s largest semi-trailer manufacturer, announced Tuesday the launch of Manac Defence, a dedicated division serving military, government and defence industry customers in Canada and allied markets.
WHY IT MATTERS
It’s another Canadian-owned manufacturer moving to formalize its defence business as Ottawa pushes to grow the domestic industrial base.
Manac already has a foothold: it has been part of Canada’s Logistics Vehicle Modernization (LVM) program since 2019.
The division gives primes and government a single point of contact for Canadian-built military mobility and sustainment equipment.
WHO’S LEADING IT
Max Lavoie has been named Director of Defence. He brings more than 15 years in Canadian defence, including senior roles at General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada and Marshall Land Systems-Canada, most recently as Director, Program Management.
He’ll lead the defence growth strategy, build relationships with government and industry, and pursue future military programs.
“The launch of Manac Defence demonstrates that Manac is making a long-term commitment to this sector,” Lavoie said.
WHAT IT WILL DO
Manac Defence will focus on:
Military logistics and mobility
Transportation and sustainment
Specialized trailer programs
Partnerships with prime contractors and government agencies
THE BACKSTORY
Founded in 1966 and fully Canadian owned, Manac operates three manufacturing plants in Quebec and a national sales, parts and service network.
CEO Charles Dutil called the move “a natural progression” that reflects the company’s commitment to Canada’s defence industrial base.
BOTTOM LINE
Manac isn’t new to defence, but a dedicated division and a seasoned program leader signal it wants a bigger share of Canada’s coming wave of land and logistics spending. Watch for it to team with primes on future vehicle and sustainment bids.
