Quintex absorbs Mat Master in family-friendly transaction

Two longtime competitors in Winnipeg’s industrial laundry sector have come together after making a deal neither company had to go to the mat for.

Quintex Services Ltd., a family-owned business founded in 1911, has acquired Mat Master, a mat and linen supplier that’s serviced Manitoba for more than 40 years.

Financial terms of the transaction, which closed at the end of July, were not disclosed.

“We loved the fact that they were family-owned,” said David Quinton, owner and president at Quintex. “We knew how they operated. They were great competitors, which told you a lot, and we thought if we could get the synergies of both of them, it would be fabulous.”

Tyson Schwartz, who owned Mat Master for 17 years, echoed those sentiments.

“Their family reminded me of my family,” he said of the Quintons. “What I really like is that I know my customers will be looked after. They’ve always been my best competition. Always.”

Founded in 1911 by English immigrant Alex Quinton, Quintex has evolved from its roots in dye work and dry cleaning into one of Manitoba’s largest industrial laundry operations. The company provides uniforms, mats, linens, towels and washroom products to businesses across the province.

Quintex employs 130 people at its 55,000-square-foot plant on Nassau Street North. The company is led by the third and fourth generations of the Quinton family: David, plus two of his five children, Brodie and Mackie, who serve as co-CEOs.

Meanwhile, Mat Master was founded in 1984 by Schwartz’s grandfather, father and uncle. The company serviced Winnipeg, Brandon and rural Manitoba from its headquarters on Sargent Avenue.

Aug. 1 marked the start of a transition period that will last into next month, Mackie Quinton said. Ninety per cent of Mat Master’s employees (around 35 people) will keep their jobs and are in the midst of moving over to Quintex.

The transaction will expand Quintex’s offerings, effectively doubling its mat services — which, after uniforms, is the second-largest part of the business.

The transition has been challenging, Brodie Quinton said, but fun and exciting, too. “There’s been hiccups along the way but we’re working through them all together with a positive attitude. That’s been really fun to see. Everyone was on board right from the start and it’s just getting better.”

That two family-owned Manitoba businesses have come together is meaningful, added Mackie Quinton. “Tyson and Mat Master trusted us to continue their legacy, and (we’re) coming together with similar values about local service and customer relationships and focusing on our team.”

David Quinton noted Quintex’s largest competitor is Canadian Linens, a subsidiary of Vestis Corp., a publicly traded uniform rental and workplace supplies company headquartered in Roswell, Ga.

“Our give-back to the community I think is very strong because this is where we live,” he said. “(Being local) is important to our people. It’s important to our plant personnel (and) to our customers.”

Quintex marks 115 years in business this year. The anniversary comes at a time of transition for the company’s leadership. David will eventually hand the reins over completely to Brodie, a lawyer by training, and Mackie, an accountant, both of whom started working at the business in 2018.

“Our probation period is almost over,” Mackie Quinton said with a smile.

David Quinton said he was surprised but happy when his sons approached him about joining the company. “It gave me the ability to start slowing down. I was very happy because it was their decision — it wasn’t an ask from me.”

Being part of Quintex’s leadership is a privilege, Mackie Quinton said. “I don’t think it’s something we take lightly. We want to make sure we’re learning as much as we can, working as hard as we can to try to build on what’s been done in previous years.”

The Mat Master acquisition positions Quintex nicely as it looks ahead to serving Manitoba for many years to come, Brodie Quinton said. “As we grow, it gives us a greater opportunity to help our community.”

aaron.epp@freepress.mb.ca