Originally named "Karlo Modern Ship Supply" by it's founder, Karlo Haddad, in 1974, the ship supply division of the Karlo Group grew to enjoy a broad and varied client base. Initially concentrating on Mediterranean ship owners, which were familiar with the attention to quality and service that was to become the Karlo trademark, the growing work force was utilized to expand into other European markets, such as Norway, Greece, Finland and the UK. By 1979, Karlo Modern Ship Supply was a major force in the St. Lawrence river area chandelling business.

David Cocklin, who joined the company in the fall of 1974, completed the development of the client base into Asia and the United States. By 1978 Captain Tomo Miocevic joined the team, and in 1982, anticipating the increased role expected of ship suppliers by their customers, the company was renamed "Karlo Corporation Supply & Services". This name was a direct reference to the ongoing transition from general produce and maintenance product supplier, to a full service operation which provided spare parts, transit facilities, back office support and volume purchasing agreements. Allspares M.C. Ltd. became part of the organization, providing spares, life boat certification work and minor repair services.

During the next few years, David and Tomo increased their position in the ownership of the company, finally buying complete control in 1991. Boba Nikolic, who had joined the company management in 1984, also acquired a position in the company. Eventually, as the growth and diversification of the company continued, both Tom Krzyzanowski and Pierre Lavallée became shareholders as well.

The proliferation of ship management companies and enhanced communications capabilities, brought the supply industry into the global market place. Competition was not only the other company next door, but also the supplier on the other end of the vessels voyage. With a capacity to "shop" through fax communication, owners and managers streamlined their purchases in the most advantageous markets. The capacity to supply only a single port area was insufficient under such circumstances and the decision was made to expand the area covered by Karlo.

In 1989, Karlo Corporation purchased Saguenay Ship Supply Ltd. which serves the ports of Port Alfred, Grand Anse, Chicoutimi and the St. Lawrence River north shore. This relatively small acquisition provided the experience and expertise required to forge ahead. In 1994, a major Quebec City supplier named Lighthouse Trading Inc. was purchased and incorporated into the group portfolio. At the same time, a building was purchased in Saint John, NB, to house a new expansion of Karlo Corporation.

In 1996, the successful development of our ISO 9002 Quality Management program was undertaken. Over a 7 month period, Karlo Corporation became the first and only Canadian ship supply company to achieve such certification. With the ISO 9002 program in place, with the branches well established and the associated companies fully integrated, another major decision regarding expansion was made. The opening of our Vancouver facility in 1997 enabled Karlo Corporation to become the only Canadian supplier serving both coasts.

More than that, it allowed us to hurdle the regional supply boundaries and offer our customers a nation wide, prime vendor possibility, complete with volume discounts, uniform pricing strategies and service continuity.

In 1998 we opened another major branch in Halifax NS, geared to enhance our east coast capabilities in commercial shipping, to support our efforts into the offshore and fishing industries and act as a central facility to administer the growing volume of Military supply and logistics being developed. To round out the national scope of our operation and fulfill our commitment to complete coverage for commercial, offshore, fishing and military services, another branch was opened in St. John's, Newfoundland. Utilizing local personnel and suppliers, a comfortable and cooperative facility was developed.

The Karlo Group of Companies continues to expand and diversify, ever seeking to provide superior service and quality at competitive prices. By maintaining a broad range of products and services over a wide area of supply, we hope to provide our customers with an identifiable advantage in their dealings with us. Whether through diversification of the scope of our business activities or through additional expansion, we remain firm in our commitment to quality and service.