Simard Suspensions pursues growth with help from Quebec and Canadian governments

From: Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

News release

Regional economic vitality

Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec, July 16, 2026 – The Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), the Honourable Mélanie Joly; the Minister for Regional Economic Development, Eric Girard; the Minister of Employment and Minister Responsible for the Capitale-Nationale Region, Jean‑François Simard; the Member for Charlevoix–Côte-de-Beaupré and Minister Responsible for Sports, Recreation and the Outdoors, Kariane Bourassa; and Investissement Québec announce financial support for Simard Suspensions to boost its growth and stimulate its capacity to produce suspension and steering systems for heavy trucks. Ms. Bourassa took the opportunity to visit the business’s new plant, located in the Saint-Urbain industrial park.

In addition to the plant’s construction, this project valued at approximately $9 million, involves the acquisition of new equipment to optimize production at this manufacturing SME. Through a total of $3.7 million in funding from the Government of Quebec and Investissement Québec, as well as $500,000 in financial assistance from the Government of Canada, Simard Suspensions will be able to make efficiency gains and consolidate its role in the regional economy.

By supporting a business with deep roots in its community, the governments of Quebec and Canada are reaffirming their commitment to boost the competitiveness of Quebec SMEs and sustainable economic development in the regions. In today’s climate, it is more necessary than ever to invest to stimulate productivity and the appeal of businesses in strategic areas such as the manufacturing sector. This is a direct way to strengthen the region’s entrepreneurial fabric, create quality jobs and build a prosperous future for the regions, including the Capitale-Nationale.

Quotes

“The manufacturing industry is a key economic engine for Quebec and Canada. That is why we are supporting Simard Suspensions, proudly established in the Charlevoix region for decades. With our government’s support, this SME will be able to improve its productivity and production capacity, while also strengthening our supply chain, by stimulating the local economy and creating good jobs for the region.”

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

“The activities of manufacturing SMEs such as Simard Suspensions are fundamental to economic vitality in our regions. This investment will enable the business to perform with even greater efficiency and better serve its clientele. Through forward-looking projects such as this one, we are helping our businesses to make productivity gains and protecting our local economy.”

Eric Girard, Minister for Regional Economic Development

“Simard Suspensions is one of the manufacturing SMEs creating wealth in the Capitale‑Nationale region. With its innovative suspension and steering systems, it has developed expertise that is recognized here at home and abroad. We are happy to support it today in this new step in its journey.”

Jean-François Simard, Minister of Employment and Minister Responsible for the Capitale-Nationale Region

“For several decades now, Simard Suspensions has stood out as a veritable leader in its field. I am proud it is located in Baie-Saint-Paul and is now extending its operations into Saint-Urbain, creating quality jobs in the Charlevoix–Côte-de-Beaupré riding. Congratulations to the entire team on this growth project, the impacts of which will help vitalize our territory!”

Kariane Bourassa, Member for Charlevoix–Côte-de-Beaupré and Minister Responsible for Sports, Recreation and the Outdoors

“Investissement Québec’s grand V initiative precisely aims to resolve capacity issues such as those encountered by Simard Suspensions and to enable our manufacturers to increase their throughput. With this project, the business is able to accelerate its design and manufacturing operations, as well as make productivity gains by acquiring new automated equipment and strengthening its R&D activities, thereby propelling its growth forward.”

Bicha Ngo, President and CEO, Investissement Québec

“With Simard Suspensions’ headquarters located in Baie-Saint-Paul and its new plant in Saint‑Urbain, this highlights the vitality and dynamic nature of our local businesses. This project will help to create and consolidate quality jobs, foster innovation and attract new expertise to our region. It also demonstrates that Charlevoix is a territory where businesses can grow and develop their operating potential.”

Michaël Pilote, Prefect, MRC de Charlevoix, and Mayor of Baie-Saint-Paul

“Building our new plant represents a critical step in our business’s history. Since 1935, Simard Suspensions has been focusing on innovation, the quality of its products and customer satisfaction to build a solid, forward-looking organization. The funding announced today is an important lever to invest in cutting-edge technology, significantly increase our manufacturing capacity and provide our team with a more suitably adapted work environment. For us, this is a concrete commitment towards our employees, the Charlevoix region and economic development in Quebec.”

David Tremblay, President, Simard Suspensions

Quick facts

  • Simard Suspensions designs, manufactures and installs innovative, quality suspension and steering systems for heavy trucks.
  • The repayable contribution of $500,000 from the Government of Canada is being provided under CED’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program.
  • CED is a key federal partner in Quebec’s regional economic development. With its 12 business offices, it accompanies businesses, supporting organizations and all regions across Quebec into tomorrow’s economy.
  • The Government of Quebec funding includes:
    • a $2.5 million loan under the ESSOR program (productivity component), administered by Investissement Québec as the government’s representative;
    • a $1.2 million loan provided through Investissement Québec’s grand V initiative.
  • The ESSOR program is intended for Quebec businesses that want to accelerate the completion of an investment project, increase their productivity through the acquisition of new technologies, or reduce their environmental footprint.
  • The grand V initiative is designed to stimulate investment in businesses and accelerate their shift towards innovation and sustainable productivity to drive their growth.

Stay connected

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED):

Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie on social media:

Investissement Québec on social media:

Sources

Gabrielle Landry
Deputy Director, Media Relations
Office of the Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Email: gabrielle.landry@ised-isde.gc.ca

Flore Bouchon
Strategic Communications Advisor and Press Secretary to the Minister Responsible for Sports, Recreation and the Outdoors
Tel.: 514-264-1202
Email: flore.bouchon@education.gouv.qc.ca

Léonie Chipot
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister for Regional Economic Development
Cell: 581-989-6729
Email: leonie.chipot@economie.gouv.qc.ca

Emmanuella Proulx
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Employment and Minister Responsible for the Capitale-Nationale Region
Tel.: 367-990-1882
Email: emmanuella.proulx@mess.gouv.qc.ca

Information

Media Relations
Canada Economic Development for Quebec regions
Email: media@dec-ced.gc.ca

Media Relations
Communications Branch
Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie
Email: relationsmedias@economie.gouv.qc.ca

Page details

2026-07-16