As one of the largest Oil provinces in the world, Canada has formed an important part of ASCO's global business over the last 25 years. Following almost 30 years focussing purely on the UK North Sea, ASCO spread its wings in 1995 and established new international operations in Norway and in Atlantic Canada. Through an initial joint venture with Newfoundland mainstay, the Crosbie Group, ASCO Canada Limited came into being in St.John's, with the objective to supply the burgeoning Newfoundland offshore industry with the same high standards as we delivered in the UK.
Success was not instant as the industry slowly moved forward in the Province and it wasn't until 2000 that we commenced our first contract, operating the Hibernia Management Development Company (HMDC) warehousing and pipeyard facility in Mount Pearl. After a year of operation, HMDC removed all of their own personnel from the facility, leaving ASCO to fully manage and operate all materials management activity on their behalf. Following this full outsource, ASCO successfully attracted Petro-Canada (now Suncor), PSN (now Wood) and Husky to the facility - delivering a highly efficient shared service model to all three offshore Operators in Newfoundland.
In parallel, emboldened by success in Newfoundland, the company branched out into neighbouring Nova Scotia, securing a long-term contract with Aliant Telecom (Bell Aliant) to manage all their order management, warehousing and distribution requirements across the Maritimes.
In 2006 ASCO acquired 100% of the ASCO Canada business, with Rob Crosbie (Owner/Chairman of Crosbie Group) remaining with the business as President for North America to oversee the next phase of growth in the Canadian business. ASCO continued its expansion into the Onshore Oil and Gas market in Alberta, through both acquisition and organic growth. Establishing a corporate office in Calgary as well as operational bases in La Corey and Conkilin. In 2012 the significant acquisition of Manatokan grew the business further, opening up new capability and service lines in Western Canada.
Today, ASCO's business in Canada continues to operate in Alberta (as Manatokan) and in Atlantic Canada and continues to provide Materials Management, Warehousing, Logistics and Fluid Hauling services to the likes of Husky, Suncor, Cenovus and CNRL. Growth in Canada is uppermost in ASCO's focus and we are pursuing significant opportunities in new parallel sectors, including refining and renewable energy across the vast expanse of the country.
The business in Canada employs in the region of 160 people, many of whom have been with us since day one. Both in Alberta and in Newfoundland our people care deeply for their communities and have, over the years led community initiatives such as Habitat for Humanity, foodbank collections and community clean-ups.
ASCO is extremely proud of its business in Canada and intends to continue to invest in delivering world class standards in safety and service excellence. The future looks busy, but for ASCO, busy is how we like it.
Watch our video on 25 years in Canada below: