Belton-based safety tech company adds FleetMind to expanding portfolio

Belton-based Safe Fleet wants to be the global leader in safety solutions for fleet vehicles.

Formed in September 2013, Safe Fleet has since brought seven companies under its umbrella in pursuit of that mission. The latest addition is Montreal-based FleetMind, which specializes in “smart trucks,” such as onboard computing systems for garbage trucks.

Safe Fleet, the parent company to 10 brands, announced the acquisition Monday. More than 1,000 people are employed across the different brands.

FleetMind’s software provides real-time information to drivers and dispatchers and helps to increase safety and driver accountability, according to Safe Fleet’s news release. The computer systems have been installed in thousands of trash-hauling vehicles.

Safe Fleet, which is privately owned, didn’t disclose the financial terms of the FleetMind purchase.

Company spokesman Cameron Blain said the acquisition won’t have an impact locally. But he said the deal will give Safe Fleet the opportunity to be the leader in the industry, a vision laid out by chief executive John Knox.

“We are excited to welcome FleetMind into the Safe Fleet family,” Knox said in a statement. “This acquisition supports our vision to build the leading global provider of safety solutions for fleet vehicles. The addition of FleetMind expands Safe Fleet’s growing position in fleet management software and hardware for specialty fleet vehicles.”

Knox also said the acquisition means the company can expand into the waste and recycling market.

FleetMind CEO Martin Demers said in a statement that he and chief technology officer Martin Lord will stay on as vice presidents within Safe Fleet.

This story was originally published June 6, 2016 at 4:14 PM with the headline "Belton-based safety tech company adds FleetMind to expanding portfolio."