A James Bay First Nation is growing its business portfolio.
Attawapiskat Enterprises has bought Timmins company Gord's Rentals.
"Development of increased business ownership is a key strategy in some of the most successful First Nation communities," said Steve Hookimaw, Attawapiskat Enterprises board chair, in the news release announcement the acquisition.
"Today we are extremely pleased to add this respected firm to our group of companies."
Attawapiskat Enterprises was founded in 2005 to invest in commercial opportunities to provide sustained benefits for the members of the remote First Nation. While Attawapiskat Enterprises and the group of companies operating under it are owned by the First Nation, it operates separately from chief and council. The organization's activities are guided by a board of directors made up of Attawapiskat members.
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Gord's Rentals is the newest Attawapiskat-owned business locally and has been in Timmins for 52 years. It caters to do-it-yourself customers and larger industrial operations. Along with equipment rentals and sales, the company has a fleet of trucks for deliveries and offers equipment operator training.
"The strong and positive reputation that Gord's Rentals has earned over half a century will continue, even as we move forward under new ownership. Day-to-day operations will remain under existing management," said Hookimaw.
In 2012, Attawapiskat Enterprises bought Advanced Security, which acquired All Security in 2019. The community also owns Attawapiskat Catering.
