Print
More News

Company With HQ In Wilmington Buys Transportation Firm

By Staff Reports, posted Sep 20, 2023

A Wilmington-based distribution firm is buying a transportation company, according to a news release.

PolyQuest Inc. officials announced Wednesday their company will acquire Baker Transportation Inc. (BTI) and should close on the transaction Oct. 1, the release stated. The financial details were not disclosed.

PolyQuest distributes thermoplastic resin. In addition to its Wilmington headquarters, PolyQuest has facilities in Darlington, South Carolina; Florence, South Carolina; Farmingdale, New York; and Austria. The firm's products are used in the bottle, sheet, strapping, film, fiber, coumpounding and injection molding markets.

Formed in 1987, the Lake City, South Carolina-based BTI is an asset-based regional carrier located next to the Interstate 95, Interstate 20 and Interstate 26 corridors with ready access to the ports of Wilmington; Charleston, South Carolina; and Savannah, Georgia, according to the release.

“Although PolyQuest will continue buying freight services from existing freight vendors, the Baker acquisition promotes extreme flexibility in tailoring freight and logistics solutions for both PolyQuest’s and Baker Transportation’s current business partners,” said John Marinelli, CEO of PolyQuest, in the release. 

BTI's Billy and Leila Baker, along with their sons Michael and Justin, will continue to oversee all the transactional aspects of this business "and remain fully committed to the existing Baker Transportation customer base today and into the future," Marinelli said. 

Once the transaction is completed, the new entity name will be Baker Transportation LLC, according to the release.

Michael Baker, vice president of operations at Baker Transportation, said in the release, “Over the past 20 years, PolyQuest has been a loyal customer of ours at Baker Transportation.  We are excited about what the future holds for our customers and employees and our continued growth in the transportation industry. Our primary focus over the last four decades has been to provide safe, dependable and quality service. These core competencies will remain unchanged.”

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Img 2448 52825110028

Strategic Financial Management: Leveraging Multiple Business Bank Accounts?

Romondo McEachern - Live Oak Bank
Untitleddesign13 162533932

The Real Timeline to Sell Your Business (Hint: It Takes Longer Than Everyone Thinks)

Tully Ryan - Murphy Business Sales
Mcwhorter 0005

How the Partners of Commercial Fishermen Started a Women's Movement in the Commercial Fishing Industry

Heather McWhorter - UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Trending News

Sound Off: Localizing Potential Medicaid Cuts

Mouhcine Guettabi - Jun 16, 2025

Laurie Whalin On Moving Up The NHRMC Ranks

Staff Reports - Jun 16, 2025

Islands In The Stream: Independent Medical Practices Remain

Cece Nunn - Jun 16, 2025

Trends To Watch: Health Industry

Vicky Janowski - Jun 16, 2025

Behind The Lens

Staff Reports - Jun 16, 2025

In The Current Issue

Live Oak Sets Small Loan Goal

"Live Oak Bank has taken several steps to build out our (Live Oak Express) team, and, to gain efficiency, has created rules and responsibili...


Startup Founder Brings Others Together

Fleming’s day job is growing his social media marketing company Socialry, which he started five years ago. He’s also a local chapter organiz...


Leland Seeks To Draw Tourists

A new strategic plan could help shape the future of tourism in Leland for years to come....

Book On Business

The 2024 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2024 Power Breakfast: The Next Season