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When you’re running a small-town building centre, every dollar counts. For Manitowaning Mill Home Building Centre on Manitoulin Island, Ontario, that reality hit hard when it came time to upgrade their delivery truck. New truck prices were simply out of reach. They needed something reliable to keep materials moving, but spending top dollar on brand-new equipment didn’t make sense for a business built on careful planning and tight margins.
Like many independent building centres, they wanted to expand deliveries and improve service, but every quote they received for new equipment pushed them well past their budget. Waiting for a better deal wasn’t an option either — not when customers were depending on timely deliveries during the busiest stretch of the season.
Most dealers, when faced with that kind of request, try to steer customers toward what’s already on their lot. The problem is, that doesn’t always match what the business actually needs. Smaller operations end up paying too much, getting the wrong unit, or waiting months for inventory that might never show up. It’s a frustrating cycle that keeps hard-working business owners stuck instead of growing.
With the Home Hardware Truck Program, we take a different approach. When Larry Karn at Manitowaning Mill Home Hardware reached out, we started searching high and low across our trusted network for a used truck that would check every box — reliable, low-mileage, and built for the work they do every day. After combing through listings and leaning on our supplier connections, we found exactly what they needed: a clean, low-mileage International Truck, paired with a Palfinger-Mounted Forklift to handle on-site unloading.
That combination was perfect for their operation — strong, versatile, and cost-effective. We coordinated everything, from sourcing to delivery, ensuring the entire package made its way to Manitoulin Island smoothly. No surprises. No wasted time. Just the right truck and equipment, ready to work.
Today, Manitowaning Mill Home Building Centre has the gear to serve their customers more efficiently than ever — without taking on unnecessary financial strain. Their International Truck and Palfinger Forklift deliver the same dependability and performance they’d expect from brand-new units, but at a fraction of the cost. It’s a real example of how a smart used purchase can help a small business stay competitive and thrive.
For small business owners, buying used isn’t settling — it’s strategic. A well-sourced, low-mileage truck can be the difference between overextending your budget and investing wisely in your growth. That’s what we love about what we do: helping good businesses get the right trucks, at the right price, with no compromises.
If new-truck pricing has been holding your business back, there’s another way. The Home Hardware Truck Progam will find the right truck for your needs — and your budget — so you can keep moving forward without missing a beat.
