Listowel Ontario-based Ideal Supply, part of Groupe Deschenes Inc. of Montreal and NAPA Auto Parts’ largest independent auto parts distributor, has announced the acquisition of Wallaceburg Automotive.

The acquisition of Wallaceburg Automotive includes its NAPA Auto Parts locations in Wallaceburg, Chatham and Ridgetown; all located deep in southwestern Ontario, roughly between border town Sarnia and shores of Lake Erie.

This move further strengthens Ideal Supply’s presence across Ontario, bringing its total to 39 locations.

“Wallaceburg Automotive has been a cornerstone of its communities for 49 years, built on a legacy of exceptional service and strong local ties by previous owners Dave and Jean Elliott,” says a note from the Ideal Supply management team.

Dave Elliot, the now former owner of Wallaceburg Automotive says that the acquisition made sense for all involved.

“Ideal Supply’s clear commitment to our employees and customers made this an easy decision,” said Elliott. “They have the vision to take our stores to the next level, and our customers, employees, and community will truly benefit. Ideal Supply is a great company with a great team and a very bright future.”

About Ideal Supply
Founded by Franklin Zurbrigg and George McDonald, the company began in 1926 as the Ideal Manufacturing Company, a maker of bread-moulding machines. Over the ensuing 40 years and with the help of several business partners, the company grew and proved itself adept at changing with the times.

It assembled and distributed console radios, later branching into hardware, automotive parts, paint, appliances and even toys, all sold from its headquarters in the former Grand Central Hotel in downtown Listowel, Ontario, about two hours west of Toronto.

In 1958, John H. MacDonald, joined the business and 10 years later bought the company. Generations of the MacDonald family owned an operated it until its acquisition by Groupe Deschenes Inc. in 2016.

Ideal Supply now operates 39 branches throughout Ontario.

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