A.F. Theriault & Son Ltd.
Hold Fast: “No finishing line” in sight for Nova Scotia shipyard
Gilles Theriault is the first person to admit his company has come a long way since his grandfather founded it in 1938 when three-masted wooden vessels still ruled the seas.
The President of A.F. Theriault and Son Ltd., who is steering the future of the oldest and largest privately owned shipyard in Nova Scotia, says the growth of the company is not something he’s ever taken for granted.
“We are a successful family company with strong Acadian roots,” he explains, a note of pride lifting his voice as he confirms the company has built more than 1164 boats in the past 86 years. “We have a very dedicated, hard-working workforce who have moved through changes in ship building and repair with us. We are constantly diversifying and we’re not afraid of challenges. We maintain quality and put a priority on customer service.”
EVOLUTION
The evolution of A. F. Theriault, which is located in the Acadian community of Meteghan River and is a significant employer in the rural area, is a testament to the family’s willingness to adapt. With strong ties to traditional boat building buoying the company and its reputation, the business modernized in 1988 to begin building steel, aluminum and fiberglass vessels, including state-of-the-art workboats, pilot boats, patrol vessels, yachts, fireboats and ferries.
“That ability to adapt is part of what makes this company a turnkey operation,” Theriault explains.
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) also believes in the strength of the company, contributing funding, advice and connections to help A. F. Theriault and Son innovate and install modern technology and manufacturing processes. Theriault speaks with appreciation, in particular of the Agency’s assistance in the company’s expansion in 2018, which doubled its capacity with a marine railway, office upgrades and additional equipment to accommodate an increase in business. More recently, the company has embarked on several lean manufacturing programs with the Agency’s support to improve processes and streamline production.
“It’s important for a company like ours to have ACOA on our side working together with us to make our company grow,” Theriault says. “We have a very good product out there, and we work hard at being innovative in our industry.”
CHARTING A COURSE FOR SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY
The company president said innovation remains the key to ensuring A. F. Theriault and Son continues to thrive in the future, noting that the business is not immune to the economic turmoil that has swirled in recent years. But he feels the business is well-positioned to stay the course as long as it remains open to emerging opportunities.
“We have our ear to the ground at all times to see what makes sense,” Theriault explains. “In recent years, we have moved into building platforms to harness tidal energy for companies like Sustainable Marine and Nova Innovation. We’re proud of that work.”
With 86 years of experience behind the company, A.F. Theriault is continuing to embrace change and innovation to keep its company operating on an even keel.
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