Backgrounder: details of contributions awarded to four companies in the Chaudière-Appalaches region

April 16, 2019 - Lévis, Quebec – Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The companies DK-Spec Inc., Fromagerie Bergeron Inc., Miroirs Laurier ltée. and ValConcept Inc.  will be able to continue operating by receiving repayable contributions totalling $1,980,000 from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.

Joël Lightbound, Member of Parliament for Louis-Hébert and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance announced that funding today. The funding awarded by the Government of Canada will enable the recipient companies to achieve the objectives that they have set for themselves. Carrying out their respective projects will generate total investments of over $7.5 million and create 23 jobs in the Chaudière-Appalaches region.

The funding was awarded under CED’s Quebec Economic Development Program.

DK-Spec Inc.

Repayable contribution of $500,000 out of a total investment of $1,315,000

In 33 years, DK-Spec has become a Canadian leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of industrial cutting tools and specialized equipment. Its products are intended for companies in manufacturing sectors, especially primary, secondary and tertiary processing in the forestry industry.

The project aims to improve the company’s productivity and expansion through the purchase and installation of digital production and automation equipment that will be used for manufacturing new products developed by DK-Spec. The company will also acquire other specialized equipment.

The assistance from CED will cover the purchase and installation of a five-axis machining centre.

The project will create five jobs.

Fromagerie Bergeron Inc.

Repayable contribution of $700,000 out a total investment of $4,470,000

In operation for 30 years, this Saint-Antoine-de-Tilly family business manufactures and markets 16 different products. Their product line includes fine, fresh, curd, smoked, low-fat, Gouda and processed cheeses.

The project aims to incorporate clean technologies into the production process, which will make it possible to recover milk and prevent the release of waste milk.

CED’s contribution will enable the SME to purchase and install a new production line, a washing system, basins, a skimmer and integrated management software (ERP).

Through this project, Fromagerie Bergeron will have 10 new employees.

Miroirs Laurier ltée

Repayable contributions of $530,000 out of total investments of $1,355,000

Laurier Glass specializes in manufacturing value-added glass products and in glass forming. Its expertise enables it to offer such things as high-end glazing with superior energy efficiency, heat treating for increasing resistance, opacifying tempered glass panels, and staining.

An initial project involved improving the company’s productivity and expanding it. To carry out that project, Laurier Glass purchased and installed production equipment.

CED’s contribution of $240,000 helped purchase and install strategic equipment such as a forming machine and a washer for the tempering furnace.

A second project aims to increase the company’s production capacity. To do so, Laurier Glass will upgrade its sealed glass unit production line, add a water treatment system to the assembly line, and replace various pieces of equipment.

CED’s contribution of $290,000 will be used to upgrade the sealed glass unit production line and purchase the water treatment system.

A third-generation family business with nearly 70 years of expertise in glass products, Laurier Glass has 150 full-time employees and will add three new employees through these projects.

ValConcept Inc.

Repayable contribution of $250,000 out of a total investment of $400,000

For 10 years now, ValConcept has been manufacturing screen mesh and screens for the window and door industry. The company has 40 employees working in two plants, in Val-Alain and Saint-Apollinaire.

The project involves improving productivity, automation and expanding the company by purchasing and installing production equipment. ValConcept will also purchase one of the factory buildings it is currently renting.

CED’s contribution will cover the costs of purchasing and installing automated production equipment and the associated costs for moulds.

Summary

Number of projects: 5

Number of jobs created: 23

CED’s contributions: $1,980,000

Total investments generated by these projects: $7,540,000