Business View Magazine - July 2024

For the past 25 years Midwest has worked alongside, learned essential requirements from, and been guided by gravel airfield operators, airport authorities, airlines operating on gravel runways, civil engineering firms, and the organizations who are stewards pf the aviation infrastructure including Northern Air Transport Association Canada (NATA) and Transport Canada. Robert Vitale,CEO and founder,passionately describes the company’s niche. “Air traffic is the Trans-Canada highway of the North,” he explains. “These runways are more important than the highway system because everyone relies on their limited services.” The challenges faced by the northern aviation sector are multifaceted, from maintaining runway safety to adapting to changing climate conditions. “The airlines operating on the runways deal with various safety and maintenance issues,”Vitale notes. He highlights the increasing complexities brought about by shorter winters and longer summers. “Winters used to ensure frozen, solid runways. Now, with longer summers and more thawing periods, payload issues arise. Aircraft can’t carry as much freight in or out on softer runways.” Midwest Industrial takes these evolving challenges head-on, aiming to enhance the quality of life for Canadian communities. “Our mission is to bring the greatest possible positive impact to these unpaved runways,” Vitale asserts. This dedication encompasses the operational aspects and ensuring reliable medevac operations, which are critically influenced by runway conditions. ENHANCING RUNWAY STABILITY IN HARSH CONDITIONS Understanding the unique challenges northern Canadian airstrips face, Midwest Industrial offers a suite of specialized services designed to improve the longevity and performance of unpaved runways. Vitale emphasizes the critical nature of their work. “We have products and systems specifically for improving the engineered properties and performance of unpaved runway surfaces,”he explains. The significant issue in the North is the exposure to high winds, which blow away the gravel and fines 137 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 07 MIDWEST INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY INC.