Groupe Touchette Purchases Innovative and Cutting-Edge Wheel Manufacturer Fastco Canada

In a strategic move to consolidate its position as Canada’s leading tire distributor, Groupe Touchette Inc. has acquired Fastco Canada, a frontrunner in alloy wheel design, manufacturing, and distribution. This transaction ushers in a new chapter of expansion for Groupe Touchette, promising the elevation of service offerings to its customers while offering Fastco Canada broader access to new markets.

This move is emblematic of the steady growth trajectory that Groupe Touchette has maintained for four decades, which has particularly accelerated over the past decade. The acquisition aligns seamlessly with Groupe Touchette’s growth strategy, integrating Fastco Canada’s innovative approach and technological prowess. Both companies share a strong set of common values, thriving in their respective markets.

Nicolas Touchette, co-owner and chief executive officer, Groupe Touchette Inc., welcomes this move. “We are very pleased and proud to welcome Fastco Canada, a rapidly growing company with which we share great ambitions,” he stated. This mutual collaboration enables an expansion in product offerings and bolsters both companies’ shared values of excellence that inspire their respective teams. While both entities will remain independent, they will operate with unified objectives to enhance customer experiences in the tire and wheel sectors.

Fastco Canada, known for its industry expertise and longstanding partnerships with large Canadian retailers, vehicle manufacturers, and tire manufacturers, brings a distinctive edge to the partnership. Frédéric Bouthillier, co-owner and chief operating officer, Groupe Touchette Inc., acknowledged this value addition, stating, “Fastco Canada has been at the forefront of forward-looking sectors like electric vehicles (EVs), and has created unique resources such as FastFinder that enable us to offer exclusive data and precise fitment solutions to our customers.”

Fastco Canada’s President, Glenn Chaplin, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, foreseeing it as a pathway to new opportunities and an expanded market position in the design, production, and distribution of alloy and steel wheels. He also emphasized the continuing role of the Chaplin family, namely his sons Bob and Lee, in leading Fastco Canada.

Both companies have assured that operations at Fastco Canada’s locations in Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC, and Airdrie, AB will continue as usual. The agreement allows Fastco Canada to retain its brands and management team, while both businesses and their respective teams remain independent, collaborating to leverage their strengths.

I will add, as your humble servant here, that Fast Wheels and I have been friendly for well over fifteen years. The team that works in Vaudreuil-Dorion is among the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable in the world when it comes to wheels and tires for any season and for any fitment. I hope that Touchette will adopt an “it ain’t broke so we’ll leave it well enough alone” approach to owing this rare Canadian gem of a business. Also, I may have bought ten or so sets of wheels from them over the last decade and a half and plan to buy more in the future. In fact, you probably should too.