But that's what MATCO has accomplished, by taking over a former United Van Lines route in Saskatchewan. Better yet, it's in farm country, where Anderson's roots are based.

"We purchased an existing member of United Van Lines -- Advanced Moving Systems. They've been in operation in Saskatchewan since 1910. It's a well-established operation that we're buying," says Anderson.

"We're taking on 30 staff and another 35 trucks, trailers and equipment. That's going to increase MATCO's volume 20 per cent."

With the purchase, there's now 150 employees with MATCO in Canada.

MATCO is taking over Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Regina and Moose Jaw. The acquisition went through June 1. The moving company already serves the communities of Inuvik, Norman Wells, Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Smith, Fort McMurray, Whitehorse, Edmonton and Calgary.

MATCO (Mid-Arctic Transportation Company) started in 1966 in Norman Wells, where it served the oil exploration industry for years.

Its founders are brothers Ray and Lloyd Anderson and their brother-in-law, Lee Wark.

"I look at it strictly from a market development point of view. Saskatchewan has a strong and stable economy. It recently has a fair amount of mineral development and its had continued oil and gas activity. And the farming economy has diversified and prices have strengthened," says Anderson.

"Most recently, they've made international recognition for their development in the agricultural bio-tech industry. What it does for MATCO, it helps stabilize our branch network. The Northern economy is more volatile. The Prairies have grown and strengthened -- it's stable, so it helps stabilize MATCO."

"We're a little excited about moving back home. We looked at it as critically as any business opportunity. One of problems we have in the North is road closures and seasonal, cyclical business activities."