Edition 4 (April 2014)

Edition no 4
Gratien Tremblay
Promotion Saguenay’s industrial Newsletter
Guylain Doyle
A LEADER IN THE FIELD OF
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The 450 jobs directly created in Saguenay,
You will discover in this 4th edition, four SMEs,
with the implementation of Quebec’s largest
deep-rooted in our industrial parks. They stand
call centre, Nordia, is a resounding success for
out for their sustainability, perseverance, and
Promotion Saguenay.
creative approach. They demonstrate motivation
Promotion Saguenay’s effective development is
in conquering new markets; all the while keeping
the envy of other cities, and as an administrator
in sight those to whom they owe their success.
of this organization, I am honoured to contribute
THE CITY ECONOMY DEPENDS LARGELY ON
to the economic development of Saguenay.
THE STRENGTH AND GROWTH OF ITS SMEs.
This sense of pride is justifiable with the arrival of
Raoul Gallichan
Vice-president
Cité des achats de Jonquière
Promotion Saguenay
Board Member
Nordia in Jonquière. The business community can
also share in this satisfaction; the establishment
of this new company will bring significant
economic benefits.
I am pleased to see that Saguenay’s economy
is maintaining its strength despite ongoing
difficulties affecting global markets. This is due
PROMOTION SAGUENAY IS VERY CONSCIOUS OF
THIS FACT. THAT IS WHY WE MAKE EVERY POSSIBLE
EFFORT TO HELP OUR ENTREPRENEURS IN THE
DEVELOPMENT AND CONSOLIDATION OF THEIR
ACHIEVEMENTS. WE STRIVE TO ENCOURAGE NEW
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES SUCH AS NORDIA.
Enjoy!
in part to the entrepreneurial spirit of our SME
saguenay.ca
leaders who, with the help of their employees rely
every day on excellence and innovation.
Raoul Gallichan
Vice-president Cité des achats de Jonquière
Promotion Saguenay Board Member
industrie.
2 > Nordia sets up in Saguenay
4 > The business community celebrates
6 > Henri-Girard Industrial Park: opening of Cossette Street
7 > Our companies stand out: Usinage SM, Goupe MYK,
Cuisine | salle de bain André Potvin
10 > Over time... Services Industriels HPL
Place Centre-Ville Jonquière
Nordia sets up in Saguenay
its largest call centre in Québec
Gratien Tremblay
Nordia’s decision to set up a call centre in
Jonquière and create 450 lucrative jobs was a
long thought out decision.
John DiNardo, President of Nordia,
and Mayor Jean Tremblay,
President of Promotion Saguenay
John DiNardo, President of Nordia and Vice
President of Customer Operational Services for
Bell, summarizes the strategy that led to this
successful conclusion for Saguenay : “We took
into consideration the population of 170,000 in
Saguenay and surrounding area, as well as the
quality and stability of its available workforce.”
He also emphasized at the same time, this $ 7.6
million project, of which Promotion Saguenay
has injected up to $ 1 million, was made possible
through close collaboration with three different
levels of government: “Everyone put their
shoulder to the wheel, he said. The final
phase of negotiations lasted about three
months and proceeded smoothly. Mayor
Jean Tremblay has been particularly active
on this issue and is convinced of the
project’s success. In this regard, I would like
to comment on the excellent collaboration
of Promotion Saguenay. “
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RECRUITMENT OF PERSONNEL
Installation is underway. Mr. DiNardo insists that
the call centre will open its doors as planned in
June at Place Centre-Ville Jonquière. Recruitment
is also underway...
“Selected employees will follow a three to four
week training period. Applicants must have a
high school diploma. We are looking for friendly,
energetic and dynamic people! These are the
key qualities of our customer service agents.
Being bilingual is an asset, but not always a
requirement”, says John DiNardo.
Planned opening of the call
centre in June 2014
The call centre will be open
7 days a week
JONQUIÈRE, THE MOST IMPORTANT
Nordia was founded in 1999 with 2,300 employees nationwide. Its sole mission
is to meet the needs of Bell telecommunications customers. Services include
customer support (billing, service usage, technical support issues), sales, loyalty,
directory assistance and conference calls. Nordia also offers relay services to
enable communication for clients with hearing or speech difficulties.
Starting in 2014, Saguenay will be integrated into the Canadian network of
Nordia which currently includes seven call centres. As the newest member of
the group, Jonquière will become the largest call centre in Quebec and will be
operational 7 days a week. “It will be on the cutting edge of technology and
benefit from an exceptional work environment”, says DiNardo.
Nordia is recruiting more
than 450 employees
Salaries and benefits are amongst
the best in the industry
NORDIA’S NEW
CALL CENTRE
WILL BE THE
LARGEST IN
QUEBEC
SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC IMPACT
The creation of 450 jobs in Saguenay by Nordia will have an estimated annual
economic impact of $ 16 million, which greatly pleases Mayor Jean Tremblay
and President of Promotion Saguenay.
“I would like to recognize the excellent collaboration of Mr. Luc Vandal, General
Sales Manager of Bell Aliant, who has not held back since the beginning of the
process. His constant presence has been a major asset. Mr. Vandal has played a
key role from beginning to end of the negotiations”, says Mayor Tremblay.
To apply
3 WAYS TO JOIN THE
NORDIA TEAM:
Gratien Tremblay
• Visit: www.nordiajobs.ca
Luc Vandal, Bell Aliant General Sales Manager, John DiNardo, President of Nordia,
Martine Turcotte, Executive Vice-President Bell Canada, and Mayor Jean Tremblay,
President of Promotion Saguenay at the press conference announcing the project.
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• Write to: [email protected]
• Telephone: 1 855 667-3420
Nordia creates 450 jobs
Jonquière’s business
“The set-up of Nordia in Jonquière demonstrates that
difficult times are now behind us. I hear only optimism.
It will be easier to attract new businesses because of the
major impact these jobs will have on the various economic
sectors! New tenants have already been added and the
second floor is occupied. “
>> Martyne Tremblay, General Manager
Place Centre-Ville Jonquière
“Jonquière is becoming more and more dynamic.
It is another step in the right direction for
renewal and economic diversification. Nordia
will bring more life to the downtown. SaintDominique Street will certainly benefit.”
>> Maximilien Bouchard, Manager
Librairie Marie-Laura
Member of Corporation Partenaires
Centre-Ville Jonquière
“I have been in the restaurant business for 30 years;
the creation of 450 direct jobs in close proximity to my
business pleases me immensely. I employ twenty some
people. It is not always easy; we have had to overcome
many hurdles to be profitable. We will benefit from the
arrival of Nordia, it is simply amazing! “
>> Louise Bouchard, Co-owner
Restaurant Les 400 Coups
(Saint-Dominique Street)
“Nordia will create customer traffic, it is super positive!
We are preparing something special to celebrate the
opening of the call centre in June. It has been a long
time since we have heard anything so motivating for
business and the general economy of the borough ... “
>> Dominick Béland, Manager
Jean Coutu (Saint-Dominique Street)
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community rejoices!
“The arrival of Nordia at Place Centre-Ville Jonquière
is a stroke of genius! I congratulate the city
administration and Promotion Saguenay for this
resounding success. It is great news for Jonquière’s
economy and the entire Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean.
450 jobs are a blessing, especially for retail! “
>> Sylvain Bergeron, Manager
Métro Plus Marché P-E Prix
“I have recently arrived from Switzerland!
I have only been here for a few months and
as a new investor, I welcome this news with
great enthusiasm. These 450 jobs are expected
to have a beneficial impact on my business ... “
>> John Ott, Owner
“The arrival of Nordia will create a momentum that will
not only benefit restaurant businesses but all downtown
businesses. This is great news. I am convinced that the
ripple effect will not be limited to the employees but also
for service providers dealing with Nordia. I am very happy
to see economic activity in Jonquière! “
>> Jean-François Abraham, Owner
Coq Rôti Jonquière
“For an organization that works in the employment sector like
ours, this could not be better. Recruitment at Nordia will create a
huge domino effect; for those who are currently looking for work
as well as those already in the labour market, once selected this
will create openings in companies giving others their turn. “
>> Caroline Rheaume, Operations Assistant
Cible-Action
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Paul Cimon
Auberge des Deux Tours
Henri-Girard Industrial Park
The opening of Cossette Street,
finally a reality!
Des Actionnaires Street
Boul. St-Paul
NEW DEVELOPMENT
Cossette Street
Henri-Girard Industrial Park will be improved
with the extension of Cossette Street which will
connect to Des Actionnaires Street. This work
will begin in May and represents an investment of
$ 1.2 million from the City of Saguenay.
“The demand for new land is growing in our three
industrial parks. With regard to the borough of
Chicoutimi, we are obviously very pleased to see
the extension project of Cossette Street. This will
allow ten or more SMEs looking for industrial
land a place to settle on, as well as those already
located in these sectors who want to expand. This
will improve traffic during peak periods of the
day on the busy Saint-Paul Boulevard ”, says Éric
Gauthier, Director of Industrial Development for
Promotion Saguenay.
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Indeed, this land is located along the Chicoutimi
River where water flow is substantial. The place
also has water intake and meets all environmental
regulations as well as proximity to a HydroQuébec power station which is linked to the
Peribonka Central. This represents an undeniable
asset for an investor whose priority would be to
have access to an important source of energy.
NEWS FROM JONQUIÈRE AND
LA BAIE INDUSTRIAL PARKS
“We are now in the process of selling about ten
lots in the Jonquière Industrial Park, on Streets
De l’Usinage and De La Production. These two new
streets were completed last fall. Land sales are
going well and we are already planning a new phase
with a dozen additional lots in 2016; this phase
could be accelerated if the demand persists. “
“In the borough of La Baie, we also have news:
an industrial park association comprising of SME
owners is taking form, like those associations in
the Chicoutimi and Jonquière Industrial Parks”,
says Éric Gauthier
Pau C mon G a en T emb ay
Actionnaires Street
Des A
D
Str
AN ATTRACTIVE PLACE UNIQUE IN QUEBEC
This new development on Cossette Street delivers
another major objective in presenting the HenriGirard Industrial Park as one of the best places
in Quebec for the installation of a full-size plant.
The extension of the road will provide access to a
large area with several attractive factors for big
industry.
Sylvain Morin,
President
Usinage SM
Sylvain Morin: an original
path leading straight
to success
Usinage SM continues to grow since its
launch... in the garage behind the home of its
founder, Sylvain Morin! Who today is running
an innovative SME with 20 employees, located
in the Henri-Girard Industrial Park, and with an
annual payroll of around $600,000.
Guylain Doyle
Specializing in digital and conventional
machining and welding, as well as the recycling
of aluminum wheels for heavy duty trucks,
Usinage SM manufactures pieces of equipment
for regional and Canadian industry.
FOCUS ON COMMUNICATION
Sylvain Morin’s career can be described as
original. Indeed, this entrepreneur took his first
steps in the labor market as a store manager!
Eager to explore new horizons and to perfect his
knowledge in a field with which he had an affinity
for. Sylvain Morin enrolled in the machining
course offered at CFP Alma and in 2002, after
his graduation, he finally decided to start his
own business.
Sylvain Morin summarizes his approach and the
root of his success: “To succeed in business, one
must be constantly attentive to those around
us; establishing a strong communication link
with customers, employees and suppliers is a
must. Above all, persevere!”
This entrepreneur has invested $ 500,000 in
advanced equipment and plant expansion. The
inauguration of the new section was recently
held in collaboration with the Aluminum Valley
Society (AVS).
DRIVING SAFELY
Usinage SM is described as an ecological SME
giving priority and importance to research
and development (R&D). « SM roulez en toute
sécurité » * division specializes in the recycling
of aluminum wheels for heavy duty trucks.
“The recycling of aluminum wheels is an
important part of Usinage SM and a very
promising sector ”, says Sylvain Morin. He states
that the trucking companies who opt for this
ecological solution realize substantial savings
while actively contributing to environmental
protection.
“I offer added-value products, making sure to
improve the productivity of employees while
meeting legitimate expectations; dialogue is
excellent. Finally, I explore areas of activity
where my competitors fear to venture. This is
exactly what happened with the recycling of
aluminum wheels, I took the lead and I intend
to keep it!”
*
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« SM driving safely»
Groupe MYK :
Ingenuity and rapid execution!
After noting that this infrastructure was in
excellent condition, the businessman did not
hesitate a moment before buying.
The cost of purchase and upgrades required a
significant investment, says Dominic Tremblay:
“We already had a project to expand for
some time on Alexis-le-Trotteur Street, in the
Jonquière Industrial Park, but were limited
by land area. The purchase of the abandoned
factory was the solution to all my problems. “
DIVERSIFIED OFFER
Dominic Tremblay has quickly made his mark
in the industry. Today the company, which was
founded in 1981 in Jonquière, has between 100
and 150 employees. At peak, this number can
reach 300!
In addition to its main activity in the manufacturing
and installation of steel structures, the company
specializes in the manufacturing and installation
of fold-a-way garages and has completed other
mechanical industrial projects such as the
installation of overhead cranes.
FOOLPROOF LOGISTICS
“I have been involved in an area where the margin
of error must be non-existent. It takes ingenuity
and rapid execution without compromising
the finished product’s quality and security. We
should also keep in mind that often the sites are
located outside the region, this involves foolproof
logistics”, said Groupe MYK’s owner.
Groupe MYK’s recent acquisition allows on site
manufacturing and ideal conditions for the
various elements of steel structures ordered by
customers.
“Add the quality of the workforce available to
me and this is a further advantage to ensure the
sustainability of the company ”, says Dominic
Tremblay proudly.
Guylain Doyle / Groupe MYK
Dominic Tremblay,
Owner
Groupe MYK is located in the Jonquière
Industrial Park. Owner Dominic Tremblay has
just purchased the building near its already
existing plant.
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Cuisine | salle de bain
André Potvin Kitchen | Bathroom
Dany Tremblay,
Co-owner
“I made the right choice
by returning to the region!”
Dany Tremblay explains his decision to leave the
relatively comfortable position of a large Quebec
company a few years ago to join in the ranks
of the regional SME: “I am from Jonquière and
worked as a manager in the private sector for 20
years in Montreal. When the opportunity arose
to venture out on my own, I thought it would be
more rewarding and certainly more profitable to
focus my ability and energy in my own business! ”
With the full support of his wife and three
children, Dany Tremblay returned to Saguenay–
Lac-Saint-Jean. “I do not regret my choice,
my family hasn’t either ...”, he said. So in 2008
Mr. Tremblay followed founder André Potvin.
Since then he has been directing the company’s
20 employees together with his associate.
Guylain Doyle
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
Located in the La Baie Industrial Park since 1985,
this SME is thriving. They specialize in kitchen and
bathroom “all-in-one” projects. A demonstration
area welcomes clients along with the Boutique
Deco Surfaces; plumbing fixtures complete the
package. A team of professional decorators is
also available to clients.
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Cuisine | salle de bain André Potvin holds a general
contractor license, authorizing them to take over
the complete jobs in which the company specializes.
“This is a competitive advantage. Our clients can
achieve their projects hassle free. Everybody gains
precious time”, says Dany Tremblay.
DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY
“The life of an entrepreneur has its share
of difficulties and worries and is sometimes
questionable,” he says. However, he hastened to
add: “The benefits of being your own boss are
many and outweigh the concerns inherent to the
management of an SME. I am fortunate to work
with good people, totally committed to their task
and mission of the company: to simplify projects.
My team has demonstrated their creativity! ”
“The experience gained from over 25 years further
guarantees efficiency and quality. Imagination,
creative and undertake, this is what summarizes
our work at Cuisine | salle de bain André Potvin”,
proudly concludes Dany Tremblay.
The all-in-one project is “all-inclusive”, unique
in the area, ideal for those who want to build or
renovate their kitchen or bathroom hassle free.
This section has highlighted companies that have had an exceptional
track record in Saguenay. Their longevity and ability to adapt to a
world economy and constant changes are remarkable.
Services Industriels HPL
continues its expansion
With an annual revenue of $ 7 million and a dozen
employees, Services Industriels HPL continues on
the fast track of development. Founded in 1977,
the company is owned by Jean-Yves Dufour. The
next generation of this family business is ensured
by his two sons, Eric and Philip.
Recognized as the largest distributor of tooling
machining in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Services
Industriels HPL is also part of IDI (Independent
Distributor Inc.), the largest industrial distribution
network in Canada.
This SME has just moved into new premises in the
Henri-Girard Industrial Park, with an investment of
$ 1.2 million. “Our previous location became too small.
The involvement of Promotion Saguenay allowed
the relocation and we are very pleased with this
collaboration. Indeed, several projects are about to be
achieved, which implies the creation of eight jobs and
the introduction
of new product
lines”, said
Jean-Yves
Dufour.
Thanks to the expertise of its staff, Services
Industriels HPL has significantly increased the
mechanical performance of equipment, which is
known to work hard and wear out. “The training
of our employees is key to our success and of
great importance”, said Jean-Yves Dufour. He
quickly stresses the major contribution of the
mechanical industrial training department of
« Centre de formation professionnelle (CFP) »* in
Jonquière.
THE NEXT GENERATION - WELL COVERED
Retired from public life (ex-mayor of Saint-Davidde-Falardeau for several years) Jean-Yves Dufour
can count on the presence of his two sons,
Philippe and Eric.
“In Quebec, the transfer of a company within the
same family is complex and difficult; however
it is an exercise which we must comply with in
order to avoid unpleasant surprises, especially
in the fiscal capacity. I am fortunate to have
both my sons for a future transition. I advise
entrepreneurs, who intend to go down this road,
do not delay, and take the necessary steps; if
only to avoid foreign investors from taking over
lucrative family businesses. “
* Professional Training Center
Guylain Doyle
Philippe Dufour, Jean-Yves Dufour
and Éric Dufour
Services Industriels HPL operates in a highly
specialized sector, namely in the provision of tools
and equipment of various kinds. This niche includes
machining and upgrading parts impossible to find,
even on the international market!
THE TRAINING OF OUR EMPLOYEES
This company provides services and equipment to
700 customers across the regional territory.
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NATURAL GATEWAY
TO THE NORTH
BUILDING
THE FUTURE
ENGINE OF
REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
DEEP WATER PORT
MARITIME INTERMODAL INDUSTRIAL PARK
RAIL-SERVED
ACCESSIBLE YEAR-ROUND
SAGUENAY PORT AUTHORITY
6600, CHEMIN DU QUAI-MARCEL-DIONNE, SAGUENAY, BOROUGH OF LA BAIE (QUÉBEC) G7B 3N9
418.697.0250 | [email protected]
PORTSAGUENAY.CA
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*
EE
FR
Employment
EMPLOIS.SAGUENAY.CA
WHERE EMPLOYERS AND
JOB SEEKERS MEET
EMPLOYERS DISPLAY THEIR JOBS
A COMMUNITY INVOLVED
IN RECRUITMENT
The entire population can contribute to recruitment in
Saguenay. People can refer a friend or a professional for
a job posted on emplois.saguenay.ca. If their candidate
is hired, they may receive the bonus* announced by the
employer. Registration is free and the site is user friendly.
Guylain Doyle
JOB SEEKERS APPLY DIRECTLY
HOW DOES IT WORK?
APPLY ONLINE
IT’S EASY AND CONVENIENT
OVER 2000 VISITORS PER WEEK
7.5 APPLICANTS ON AVERAGE FOR
EVERY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POSTED
* The employer bonus is payable only if a referred candidate
is hired and meets all the conditions mentioned on the site.
Site available only in French.