Kenan Advantage Group (KAG), a prominent North American transportation and logistics company, has announced the acquisition of Idaho Milk Transport, Inc. (IMT), a Burley, Idaho-based firm specializing in the transportation of bulk dairy and other liquid food-grade products. This strategic move, announced on October 11, 2023, will see IMT become part of KAG’s Food Products division, enhancing KAG’s service offerings and geographical footprint in the Pacific Northwest.
According to Tyler Coventry, Executive Vice President of Food Products at KAG, the acquisition of Idaho Milk Transport is a significant step in strengthening their position in the liquid food grade industry. “The acquisition of IMT provides us with an excellent platform to enhance our service offerings to the liquid food grade industry, primarily dairy, while also expanding our geographic presence in the Pacific Northwest,” Coventry stated. This expansion is further bolstered by the inclusion of three tank wash facilities in the deal, which will support KAG’s growing tank wash business, serving both internal needs and third-party clients. Coventry emphasized that these strategic additions are aimed at improving service delivery to both current and future customers, a core focus of KAG’s partnership approach.
The acquisition sees the entire Idaho Milk Transport team, comprising approximately 160 professional drivers and 40 operational and administrative staff, transitioning to KAG within its Food Products division. IMT’s co-founders, Gene and Robert Brice, will remain with the company to ensure a smooth transition. The deal also includes a substantial asset acquisition for KAG, incorporating 162 tractors, 327 specialized trailers, and five facilities located across Idaho, Washington, and California. These assets will significantly enhance KAG’s capacity and reach in the region for Idaho milk transport and related services.
Robert Brice, CEO of IMT, reflected on the company’s journey since its inception in 1986, starting with just two trucks transporting milk from local dairies to processing plants. “This has been a labor of love for us over the years, which is why it was so important to find the right partner who shared our mission of offering safe, reliable, quality, and efficient transportation services to our customers,” Brice explained. He highlighted the alignment of values between IMT and KAG, noting, “KAG also reflects our value of putting our employees and customers first, which has been the foundation of our success.” This shared commitment to service and employee well-being was a key factor in choosing KAG as the ideal partner for Idaho Milk Transport moving forward.
The Kenan Advantage Group operates extensively across North America through six specialized groups: KAG Energy, KAG Specialty Products, KAG Food Products, KAG Merchant Gas, KAG Canada, and KAG Logistics. With a vast network of terminals and satellite locations spanning 42 states and seven Canadian provinces and territories, KAG offers unparalleled delivery capabilities throughout the contiguous United States, Canada, and Mexico. Furthermore, KAG Logistics provides specialized supply chain solutions, reinforcing KAG’s position as a leader in the transportation and logistics sector. The acquisition of Idaho Milk Transport further solidifies KAG’s commitment to growth and service excellence within the food grade transportation industry.