Airmaster Sales

The story of Airmaster Sales began in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on September 3, 1963, but not in the sign-making business you see today. It started as an HVAC company. The pivotal moment came in 1976 when Ken MacCharles acquired the business, later passing it to his sons, Quentin and Keith MacCharles. In the mid-1980s, Keith MacCharles saw an opportunity and diversified the company into manufacturing traffic signs and products, a significant shift that would define their future. Under the leadership of the MacCharles family, including Liz, Quentin, and Keith, Airmaster built a strong reputation based on family values. The company focused on producing high-quality, reflectorized traffic control signs, establishing a solid presence by serving rural communities across Manitoba and Saskatchewan. This specialization allowed them to become a key manufacturer in the region, known for reliability and deep production experience. A new chapter began on March 5, 2025, when Airmaster Sales was acquired by Barricades and Signs, a subsidiary of the Universal Group. This acquisition was a strategic move to combine Airmaster's local manufacturing capabilities with the broader reach of Barricades and Signs. The MacCharles family, including Liz, Quentin, and Keith, agreed to stay on through a transition period to ensure a smooth integration of the two companies. The deal positions the combined entity for expanded growth and a stronger service offering in the traffic management industry.