Manac and Peerless announce new appointments

SAINT-GEORGES, QC, Oct. 21, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Manac Inc. (TSX: MA) ("Manac"), a North American leader in the design and manufacturing of specialty trailers, and Peerless Limited ("Peerless"), its wholly-owned subsidiary located in Penticton, British Columbia, are pleased to announce appointments that aim at strengthening their growth strategy, product development and operations across North America.

Andy McEachern joined Peerless as Senior Vice-President of Peerless following the acquisition by Manac of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Peerless on June 17, 2014. Mr. McEachern is responsible for overseeing all the Canadian and US activities of Peerless and leading the development and growth of its operations. A recognized leader within the trailer manufacturing industry with 28 years of experience (including more than 18 years of past experience working in managerial positions at Peerless), Mr. McEachern brings sound business experience and acumen to a demanding market segment. Mr. McEachern holds a degree in mechanical engineering and has completed the Executive Development Program at the J.L. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, Chicago.

Manac also announces the return of Denis Gosselin as Director of Product Engineering. Mr. Gosselin has held technical responsibilities in the industry since 1988 when he first joined Manac. From 2005 to recently, he held a product development role with a major US based specialty trailer manufacturer. He rejoined Manac in early July. His appointment follows the relocation of industry veteran Marc Berthiaume to Peerless in the role of Vice-President, Operations.

In addition, Manac welcomes Joel Stanwood to its Board of Directors. Mr. Stanwood holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University, magna cum laude, and an M.B.A. from the J.L. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University with majors in finance, management and strategy. Mr. Stanwood, a Lean and Six-Sigma Black Belt, is a partner at American Industrial Partners (AIP) and brings Manac a wealth of experience and knowledge in investment underwriting, business transformation and value creation initiatives. Manac also extends its gratitude to Eric Baroyan, who recently stepped down as director of Manac, for his significant service as director of Manac. Mr. Baroyan is also a partner at AIP and remains actively involved in managing AIP investments.

"The appointment of these talented individuals to our executive teams and Manac's Board of Directors supports our targeted progress and growth strategy for the years to come. I have tremendous respect for their experience and accomplishments and believe we are more committed and dedicated than ever to expand our reach and know-how," said Charles Dutil, Chief Executive Officer of Manac.

About Manac

Manac is the largest manufacturer of trailers in Canada and a leader in the manufacturing of specialty trailers in North America. Manac offers a wide range of vans, flatbeds and specialty trailers such as dumps, low beds, grain hoppers, chip and logging trailers, all of which are sold in Canada and the United States under the recognized brands Manac®, CPS®, Darkwing®, UltraPlate® and Liddell Canada®. Manac services the heavy-duty trailer industry for the highway transportation, construction, forestry and agricultural sectors and manufactures its trailers in facilities located in Saint-Georges, Quebec as well as Oran and Kennett, Missouri. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary Peerless, located in Penticton, British Columbia, Manac also designs and manufactures highly specialized trailers and chassis for the oil and gas, mining, forestry, logging and construction industries.

Forward looking statements

This document may contain forward-looking statements that reflect management's current expectations regarding future events. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of factors and include risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from forecast results. Management assumes no obligation beyond what is required under the law to update or revise forward-looking statements pursuant to new information or future events.

Image with caption: "Manac Inc. (CNW Group/Manac Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141021_C2170_PHOTO_EN_6919.jpg

Image with caption: "Andy McEachern, Senior Vice-President of Peerless. (CNW Group/Manac Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141021_C2170_PHOTO_EN_6920.jpg

Image with caption: "Denis Gosselin, Director of Product Engineering at Manac. (CNW Group/Manac Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141021_C2170_PHOTO_EN_6921.jpg

Image with caption: "Marc Berthiaume, Vice-President, Operations, Peerless. (CNW Group/Manac Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141021_C2170_PHOTO_EN_6922.jpg

SOURCE: Manac Inc.

Nancy Jutras, Analyst, Corporate Communications, Tel: [phone], [email protected]