Wagg's Petroleum Equipment builds on success.

• Position: CORPORATE PROFILE - Company overview

Wagg's Petroleum Equipment Ltd is celebrating 50 years of operation in North Bay this year. Wagg's Petroleum was founded in 1963 by Harvey Waggs, was subsequently purchased by Terry and Polly Murphy, and in 2003 Terry and Marilyn Ablett bought Wagg's and are both actively involved in the operation of the business. Wagg's specialty operations include retail gas station construction and maintenance, site decommissioning, industrial fuel handling systems, cardlock systems, vac truck services, and fuel contaminated water treatment systems. Wagg's service area extends as far south as Barrie and as far North as lqaluit and everything in between.

Wagg's Petroleum's early work involved the construction and maintenance of retail gas stations for the major oil companies. The company continues this work today, but has also expanded into the design and construction of industrial fuel systems.

"When we took over 10 years ago, Wagg's was recognized as the leading supplier of fuel equipment and maintenance services in the north for the retail gas station sector. We've tried to take that position and gradually expand it out into the industrial sector. We are very involved in building fueling systems for the mining industry, transportation sector, military, as well as all levels of government", says Terry Ablett, General Manager.

There were two reasons for diversifying: the evolution of the retail sector and Ablett's professional experience. "The retail sector has been consolidating over the last 10 years. There is a trend to fewer, larger gas stations. In order to maintain our competitive advantage and keep our skilled workforce. We looked at diversifying into other segments of the fuel handling industry. This move also fit well with my background as a mining engineer. I was familiar with the mining sector across Northern Ontario," says Ablett.

Wagg's grew its staff to 25 employees and has invested significant amounts in equipment and training in order to offer services...