Monday, January 26, 2015

Long time British Columbia moving company files for bankruptcy

For the last 86 years the Williams Moving and Storage vans have been familiar sights across British Columbia, but with word last week of a bankruptcy filing, the long time fixture in the Northwest and the province is in the process of shutting down.

Notices were posted at Williams locations across British Columbia last week, outlining the nature of the bankruptcy action and advising customers of the process of retrieving any items that they currently have in storage.

What impact that the bankruptcy proceedings may have locally remain unknown.

Gat Leedm  was in a partnership with Williams,  operating the Container Examination Facility for the Port of Prince Rupert. Following last week's announcement Truck movements had continued through the city to and from the Fairview Container Port and the Inspection terminal.

However, the Gat Leedm Transportation Group Facebook page, twitter feed and website all appear no longer active at this moment.

Back in May of 2012 Gat Leedm Transportation Group announced the joint venture which combined the strengths of the Metlakatla Development Corporation, Williams Moving and Storage and Island Tug and Barge Ltd, to provide a seamless transportation and supply chain in the region.

The closure of Williams Moving and Storage, marks the latest in changes to the province's transportation system. Last year at this time, Canadian Freightways closed a number of its locations across Western Canada, including service out of its Prince Rupert location.

Background on the Williams bankruptcy announcement can be found from a number of media reports over the last few days.

Global BC-- Williams Moving Closes its doors after 86 years of business (video)
Vancouver Sun -- Williams Moving and Storage files for bankruptcy
Prince George Citizen -- Williams Moving & Storage declares bankruptcy
Terrace Standard -- Terrace Williams Moving and Storage employees 'in limbo' after company declares bankruptcy
Business in Vancouver -- Williams Moving and Storage files for bankruptcy
CBC News -- Williams Moving and Storage filing for bankruptcy after 86 years

For more items related to the Commercial sector on the North Coast see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review

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