Feds invest over $772K for automation at three Quebec manufacturers

March 7, 2019 – The federal government has announced over three quarters of a million dollars in investments in three Quebec manufacturing companies to expand their operations with new automation equipment.

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) has issued a total of $772,979 in repayable contributions to Fabspec, Technolaser and Aciers Richelieu in the Sorel-Tracy region of the province.

The respective projects will generate $2.2 million in total spending and will result in the creation of 21 jobs.

Fabspec Inc., which specializes in the fabrication of large and complex mechanically welded parts, received a repayable contribution of $300,000 out of a total investment of $746,255 to increase the company’s productivity and production capacity. The contribution will be used to acquire and install new automated production equipment, including automatic welding machines, dynamic turning rollers and a plasma cutting table, and to implement new management software.

Fabspec has 92 employees and the project will result in the creation of 10 jobs.

Technolaser Inc. received a repayable contribution of $272,979 out of a total investment of $909,930 for the acquisition of automated production equipment, including a fibre-optic laser cutting machine, a deburring machine and a packaging machine. The company operates in the laser cutting sector, and also provides design, bending, tapping, mechanical welding, rolling and assembly services for various types of materials, including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, as well as wood, plastic and rubber. 

Technolaser has 14 employees and will create three jobs as a result of this project.

Aciers Richelieu Inc., a fabricator of complex mechanical parts and equipment for the heavy industry sector, received a repayable contribution of $200,000 out of a total investment of $550,000 to acquire and install new automated production equipment, including a plasma cutting table with a 5-axis head, and to upgrade the CNC band saw.

Aciers Richelieu employs 88 people and plans to create eight additional jobs with the investment.

“We have chosen to focus on the innovative capacity and commitment to progress of these businesses, which have made a name for themselves in a constantly evolving market,” says François-Philippe Champagne, minister of infrastructure and communities, who made the announcement on behalf of Navdeep Bains, minister of innovation, science and economic development. “Their drive, boldness and sense of innovation contribute to the economic vitality of the Montérégie region.”