March 5, 2001; Mississauga, Ontario: Strongco Inc. (‘Strongco’) announced today that it is working toward the finalization of a definitive agreement with Volvo Construction Equipment North America, Inc. (‘Volvo’) to be Volvo’s exclusive representative for its full line of construction equipment in the provinces of Alberta and Manitoba. Assuming the successful completion of this agreement, the arrangement is anticipated to be effective by May 17, 2001.  Strongco already represents Volvo in Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces.

Mr. Larry Pirnak, Strongco’s Chairman, commented: "We look forward to expanding our relationship with Volvo in this way and to providing this leading product line to customers throughout Alberta and Manitoba.  We believe that Volvo, which for many years has been Strongco’s largest volume manufacturer, has the products and the vision to enable it to maintain and enhance its leadership position within the construction equipment industry.  We are confident that our expanded relationship with Volvo will greatly benefit Strongco."

Strongco also announced that it will cease to represent Hitachi Construction Machinery Canada, Ltd. no later than May 31, 2001.

Strongco will be hosting a conference call at 2:30 today to discuss its results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2000. Interested parties may participate by dialing 1-888-740-4844.  The conference call can be reviewed until March 19 by dialing 1-800-558-5253 and entering reservation number 17667159.  The call will also be web-cast at www.irlive.com.

Strongco is one the largest full line equipment distribution companies in Canada, with more than 1,100 employees and 68 branches across the country.  Its corporate website can be found at www.Strongco.com.