SAINT-GEORGES, QC, Oct. 20, 2026 /CNW/ -- Manac, Canada’s largest manufacturer of semi-trailers and specialized transportation equipment, is pleased to announce the launch of Manac Defence, a dedicated business division focused on serving military, government, and defence industry customers across Canada and allied markets.
The creation of Manac Defence formalizes a longstanding commitment to supporting military and government transportation requirements. For more than four decades, Manac has supplied specialized trailer solutions for defence-related applications while continuing to invest in Canadian manufacturing, engineering excellence, and customer support capabilities.
Manac’s participation in Canada’s Logistics Vehicle Modernization (LVM) program since 2019, combined with its manufacturing expertise and national service network, positions the company as a trusted Canadian partner capable of supporting complex military mobility and logistics requirements.
“Manac has always believed in building products that perform in the most demanding environments,” said Charles Dutil, President and Chief Executive Officer of Manac. “The creation of Manac Defence is a natural progression for our organization and reflects our commitment to supporting Canada’s defence industrial base. We see significant opportunities to contribute to future military and government programs while bringing Canadian owned manufacturing expertise and long-term support to our customers.”
Backed by sixty years of manufacturing excellence, Manac’s facilities, engineering resources, and extensive parts and service network provide a strong foundation for supporting military, security, and government customers throughout the lifecycle of their equipment.
The establishment of Manac Defence also reflects the company’s investment in dedicated leadership and resources focused on the unique requirements of the defence sector.
As part of this strategic initiative, Manac has appointed Max Lavoie as Director of Defence to lead the company’s defence business development activities and expand its presence within Canada’s growing defence and security market.
Max Lavoie is an accomplished defence industry leader with more than 15 years of experience supporting military programs, government customers, and defence-sector growth initiatives. Prior to joining Manac, he held senior leadership positions with General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada and Marshall Land Systems-Canada, most recently serving as Director, Program Management. His experience spans program leadership, business development, customer engagement, contract management, and strategic partnerships across Canada’s defence ecosystem.
As Director of Defence, Lavoie will lead Manac’s defence growth strategy, strengthen relationships with government and industry stakeholders, and identify opportunities where the company’s engineering and manufacturing capabilities can support future military programs.
“The launch of Manac Defence demonstrates that Manac is making a long-term commitment to this sector,” said Lavoie. “Canada has a strong and capable defence industrial base, and Manac has the experience, manufacturing capacity, and customer-focused approach needed to support future military mobility and logistics requirements. I am excited to help build on the company’s proud history and position it for continued growth in this important market.”
Through Manac Defence, the company will focus on military logistics, mobility, transportation, sustainment, and specialized trailer programs. The division will also serve as a focal point for strategic partnerships with prime contractors, government agencies, and defence organizations seeking reliable Canadian manufacturing and lifecycle support capabilities.
As Canada’s defence modernization efforts continue, Manac Defence will focus on delivering mission-ready transportation solutions backed by Manac’s proven manufacturing and engineering expertise.
About Manac
Founded in 1966 and fully Canadian owned, Manac is Canada’s largest manufacturer of semi-trailers and one of North America’s leading providers of specialized transportation equipment. With three manufacturing facilities in Quebec and an extensive sales, parts, and service network across Canada, Manac manufactures transportation solutions for commercial, industrial, and government customers.
NGL, I initially read that first word as “Maniac” and thought, wow the Canadian defence industry must really be dire.