View From the Legislature

There are few things that haven’t changed over the past 100 years. And the pace of change only seems to be increasing. That is one of the reasons that it is remarkable for any business to remain active for a century. It requires not only the ability to adapt to constant change in business but also to the needs of consumers. As well, succession from one generation of owners to another, even within a family business, is difficult over that length of time. For that and many other reasons, it is not surprising that very few businesses celebrate a 100th anniversary.

Penner International in Steinbach is one of the businesses that have defied those odds. It has managed to not only survive change, but thrive in it. As a result, this year, Penner’s celebrates its 100th year in business.

Back in 1923, Peter K. Penner and his single Model-T Ford truck found a market for moving goods between Steinbach and Winnipeg. With automobile usage and infrastructure being in its early days, this also involved using horses and a sleigh during times when the road was not passable because of weather.

By the 1940s, new drivers were hired as work now included hauling pulpwood into Ontario. Interestingly, during the Second World War, Penner’s Transfer (as it was then called), also offered a passenger service to Winnipeg for those who could not obtain gasoline for their own vehicle as gas was being rationed.

The 1950s and 1960s saw tremendous growth for Penner’s Transfer as it secured a contract to haul parts for the Ford Motor Company from Windsor Ontario into western Canada. As the Ford Motor Company grew, so did Penner’s Transfer which nearly doubled in size during this period. Also during this time, Peter’s son Milton joined the company, ultimately becoming its president.

In the 1970s and 1980s Penner’s Transfer began to expand their reach through partnerships and acquisitions in the United States. During this time, Allan, Milton’s son, began work in the company which he would become President of two decades later. The expanded reach also meant a change of name as Penner’s Transfer became Penner International.

As Penner’s continued to grow in the 1990s and 2000s it was recognized locally, provincially, and nationally for its customer service. All generations of the Penner family were also renowned for their charitable giving and for supporting community events.

In 2020, C.A.T. Inc. acquired Penner International ushering it into a new phase of its storied history.

Penner International has been a tremendous contributor to our province. It has employed hundreds of Manitobans and Canadians and has kept goods moving across North America. My father, stepfather and many other family members drove truck for Penner’s over the years and I have always appreciated the community connection the Penner family fostered in their company.

On behalf of all Manitobans, I want to congratulate Penner International on 100 years in business and thank the Penner family, and all the staff and drivers for helping better our province and country.