March 2013 - Faire des affaires à Saguenay

Special Edition
Promotion Saguenay’s industrial Newsletter
Guylain Doyle
A LEADER IN THE FIELD OF
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
saguenay.ca
Jean Tremblay, Mayor
President - Board of
Directors, Promotion
Saguenay
When I took over the helm of the merged city
of Saguenay in 2002, I realized that this new
municipal entity was the 6th largest in Quebec.
There were several economic development
organizations, each with their own orientation
and at times differing objectives. This was
obviously a source of conflict, even more serious;
this amalgamation with its inherited past was
causing delays detrimental to the achievement of
several priority issues.
My vision was clear: to address this negative
and damaging effect and provide Saguenay the
tools for economic development; at the height
of its new importance with a mission to serve
existing businesses throughout the new territory
and for those wishing to locate here. It is with
this perspective that Promotion Saguenay was
born with the mandate to unite economic and
industrial forces. In my mind, this collection of
ideas and energies became the best instrument
through which the amalgamated city would take
its rightful place on the map of regional economy
in Quebec and Canada!
NOW
Today, 10 years later, I am proud to say, thanks
to a seasoned and knowledgeable board, as well
as a respectful, professional and ethical staff;
Promotion Saguenay has delivered.
Promotion Saguenay’s record is impressive, their
accomplishments have endorsed our city as
A LEADER IN THE FIELD OF ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AND CORPORATE PLANNING WITH
ADVANCED CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY AS
WELL AS WORKING IN TRADITIONAL NICHES.
The management and development of our
industrial parks has been done harmoniously.
In terms of achievements, I note with pride, the
installation of the port of call for cruise ships in
the borough of La Baie, the management of the
Saguenay-Bagotville airport and the Aeronautic
Park. Finally, I cannot overlook the ambitious
project of 2 hydroelectric power dams and the
treatment of biogas
industrie.
CONTINUED ON PAGE >
2 > Promotion Saguenay: 10 years of achievements
6 > Saguenay more dynamic than ever
7 > Our companies stand out
10 > Saguenay, a gateway to the North
11 > BlackRock Metals opt for Grande-Anse
12 > Saguenay… a city that transforms with a touch!
2
> cONTINUATION OF THE FRONT-PAGE ARTICLE
Frédéric Tremblay
Promotion Saguenay is the Economic Development Corporation of
Saguenay. Its mandate is to work actively and to ensure development
in the fields of INDUSTRY, COMMERCE and TOURISM. Within its
INDUSTRY DIVISION, Promotion Saguenay supports companies
already established in the area and offers a wide range of services for
investors wishing to establish in Saguenay.
EXCEPTIONAL RANGE
Other major projects are in the works, including those
related to the development of Northern Quebec. To this
end, a committee has been active for several months
to register Saguenay in the economic development
programs situated north of the 49th parallel. We should
also mention the continued effort on the rail system
in the borough of LaBaie. These projects and others
equally carry major economic benefits and the creation
and consolidation of jobs.
Projects and Achievements
in the Industrial Division
For ten years now, Promotion Saguenay has initiated and carried out
many projects. Saguenay’s economy is growing at a coveted pace and of
great benefit to its citizens: development of HYDROELECTRIC POWER
DAMS Chute-Garneau and Pont Arnaud, use of BIOGAS, expansion of
IDUSTRIAL PARKS and DEVELOPMENT IN AERONAUTICS... To these
achievements, we must add the proposed development of connecting
the PORT OF GRANDE-ANSE to the North American rail network.
In conclusion, I must emphasize the extraordinary
impact of Promotion Saguenay on the international
scene, a fact that is the envy of many cities in Quebec
as well as their mayors! Thanks to their expertise and
strength in foreign ventures, Promotion Saguenay
stands out and has allowed the completion of
major projects; such as qualifying in the eventual
establishment of a solar panel plant in Saguenay and
the ever-growing interest in our area from foreign
companies.
Although different in nature all these developments have in common
a substantial increase in revenue for the City as well as ensuring
business growth in Saguenay.
Guylain Doyle
Jean Tremblay, Mayor
Chairman of the Board
Promotion Saguenay
Photo : Guylain Doyle
I invite you to read our first economic newsletter
prepared by the team at Promotion Saguenay. I want
to share with you my pride in this great organization.
The list of achievements presented here reflects our
confidence in the ability to put our city permanently on
the economic map of the 21st century!
2
Industry team members:
Carol Boily, Jean-Marc Dufour, Claude Bouchard and Eric Gauthier
Guylain Doyle
10
years of Achievements
Ghislain Harvey, CEO of Promotion Saguenay
Jean Tremblay, Chairman of the Board
Hydroelectric
Power
The Hydroelectric Power Dams Chute-Garneau and
Pont-Arnaud alone ensure a benefit to the City of
Saguenay with revenue of $ 278 million over the next
40 years. The Industry team of Promotion Saguenay
spearheaded this project from the stage of negotiations,
to its acquisition and transformation. The addition of
turbines was completed and operational in March 2011.
After many years of negotiations by the President of
Promotion Saguenay, on May 15, 2006, the Quebec
government handed over to the City the two dams
for the symbolic amount of $ 1.
The project required an investment of $ 40 million.
The production capacity of the two dams represents
approximately the consumption of 1600 residences.
3
Biogas
Since December 2009, Promotion Saguenay has been operating
a biogas capture site on the former Laterrière landfill site. These
biogases are in fact the result of decomposing buried waste. These
trapped greenhouse gases are harmful to the atmosphere. They are
pumped and subsequently burned in a flare stack at a temperature of
more than 825 degrees Celsius. The project is part of the long-term
sustainable development of the City.
The accomplishment of this project involved the installation
of 66 vertical wells, all connected to a central pipe.
A sum of $ 1.3 million was required for the execution
of this work.
Promotion Saguenay signed an agreement with the Ministry
of Environment and burnt gas is quantified and paid by the
Ministry.
In 2011, the equivalent of 33,572 tons of CO2
were captured and eliminated.
Promotion Saguenay is partnered with the private
enterprise “Gazon Savard” to carry out this initiative.
The Industrial Parks
In 2007, Promotion Saguenay was given the mandate for the management and development of all industrial parks in Saguenay. Each
year, new streets are developed and Promotion Saguenay has acquired several parcels of land which were made available to companies
and thereby facilitating their growth. These lots of land are almost instantly leased, a sign of exceptional strength of our SMEs.
They produce more than 5,000 jobs.
The real estate value of these three parks
totals more than $ 124 million.
Close to 300 companies are situated
in these parks.
4
Gratien Tremblay
Three industrial parks generate almost
$ 4.5 million in property taxes to the City.
Saguenay-Bagotville Airport
IN TIME FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
Saguenay-Bagotville has upgraded its infrastructure to meet
the challenges of the 21st century. Recognized nationally for its
quality and diversity, the regional airport now has a completely
renovated access road in keeping with its strategic economic
position; refurbished at a cost of $ 4 million, with a new rotary
and thoroughfare connecting to Highway 170.
This investment was warranted due to the significant increase in
traffic, the installation of an aeronautic industrial park and the
safety of motorists. Although these factors were important, they
were not the only ones to influence the municipality’s decision to
invest such a large sum of money.
The new access road, with its modern design and two rotaries are
among the other characteristics that are not always visible to the
naked eye!
Saguenay took advantage of this vast highway project to provide
the aeronautic industrial park with an underground infrastructure.
Canadian or foreign companies as well as regional companies
looking to set up in this strategic sector will have access to a full
range of services with cutting edge technology in water, sewer,
energy and communications.
A PROMISING NEW NICHE
In the meantime, Saguenay intends to take advantage of a larger
presence of the 3rd Wing Canadian Forces Base- Bagotville. The
upcoming establishment of an Army Rapid Response Team will
bring with it major economic results.
Opportunities are available not only in the maintenance of the
unit’s light all-terrain fleet, but also in research and development,
for example, the use of lightweight materials (such as aluminum)
in the renewal or development of certain equipment.
Promotion Saguenay intends to fully explore this promising new
niche. In addition to attracting the attention of investors and
regional SME’s, it would also favor privileged access to civil and
military installations.
REGIONAL CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
Currently under construction, the aeronautic industrial park will
cover an area of 30 hectares and will become a regional centre of
excellence, regarding projects related to research, development
and manufacturing of material for aviation. Various land and
ground equipment for military and civilian use is now among the
objectives of the aeronautic industrial park.
The tarmac has been expanded, and presently covers
an area of 28,650 square meters, almost three times
its original size ($ 5 million).
A new incubator hangar is home to the Cobalt Aircraft Company.
Expansion of the parking lot to 513 places and equipped
with a more expansive and efficient surveillance system.
($ 2.5 million).
Saguenay–Bagotville Airport has an annual volume of more
than 115 000 passengers and seven operating airlines.
Measures are currently underway for the establishment
of customs.
Two landing strips of 6000 and 10,000 feet can accommodate
all types of aircraft, including most wide-body aircraft.
5
Saguenay more
dynamic than ever
n - 4 jan
rdi.ca - Le Quotidie
LeQuotidienSurMonO
vier 2013 - Page #6
Page 1 of 1
CIBC BANK RANKED
SAGUENAY 10TH AHEAD OF
MONTREAL AND QUEBEC
CANADIAN RECOGNITION FOR SAGUENAY
2013 came in with a bang for the City of Saguenay.
The CIBC ranked Saguenay 10th out of 25 Canadian
cities for its economic performance.
At tenth place, Saguenay is ranked at the top of
the list of Quebec cities, with Montreal and Quebec
respectively finishing 11th and 12th.
According to Mayor Jean Tremblay, the benefits
arising from the merger and the work achieved by
Promotion Saguenay explain why they are at the top
of the list.
Work is ongoing; several areas need to be addressed to
allow Saguenay to maintain its position and to attain
higher honours. According to Mr. Tremblay, Saguenay
will rank in an even more desirable economic position
in the future.
Read the study of the CIBC BANK on SAGUENAY.CA
.. 201
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Le Quotidien, Friday, January 4, 2013
(French only)
6
Voltam
:
Innovation, expertise
and competence
Voltam’s order log covers the industry worldwide, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, the United States
and places as exotic as Africa and Qatar.
The company has just recently moved into a
new factory located in Jonquière’s industrial
park and is experiencing rapid expansion. At
its creation, employees numbered six and are
now more than 60! Specializing in electrical
equipment for large-scale industry, Voltam also
manufactures peripheral switches, protection
systems, controls and automated systems,
prefabricated and sent around the world.
THE TOYOTA WAY
Voltam’s Managing Director, Gaétan Tremblay,
is an electrical engineer and is constantly
commended by his employees. The average
employee age is around 30 and the majority
have graduated courses in electricity (or related
disciplines) in the different regional vocational
training centers, colleges or university.
Guylain Doyle
“You can look, but you will not see a time clock in
the factory”, Gaétan Tremblay says with a smile,
“Voltam adheres to the Toyota Way, employees
do their work according to their foreman (manager) within required customer deadlines. They
arrive when it suits them, and go home once
their daily work is completed.
This approach works very well judging by the
atmosphere in the factory. Employees are focused
on their task and smiling, the pace is maintained
without stress slowing down production.
7
HISTORY
Voltam came into existence at the end of 2003.
STAS and Prowatt, companies whose reputations
have long since gone beyond the borders of
the region, assured its beginnings. Voltam is
always on the lookout for new clean energy
technologies. The development of wind power
on the Quebec scene has not gone unnoticed.
Voltam has become an all-important fixture
in the manufacturing of customized electrical
equipment. With extremely complex orders, it
manufactures turnkey specialized equipment.
“This principle best describes our “core
business”” says Gaétan Tremblay. Voltam no longer
needs to make a name for itself: Lar Machinery,
Comact, ABB, Alstom, Niobec, Boralex, Kruger,
Arcelor Mittal, IOC, Vale, Honeywell, are only a
few of the companies and conglomerates that
are counted among our clientele.
THE EMPLOYER OF CHOICE FOR YOUTH
Due to the diversity of what they offer and
their customers, Voltam did not experience the
negative effects caused by the recent financial
crises. Although caution is always advised, we
remain hopeful in terms of market development.
“Voltam has built a strong customer base due to its
expertise and innovation, says Gaétan Tremblay. It
owes its desirable position in the market place to a
young, dynamic, dedicated and imaginative team.
STAS taking on the global market
After six years, STAS decided to diversify its
customer base by hiring a person experienced in
international marketing. In 1992, it concluded an
initial agreement with an Australian multinational.
Since then, it has been in constant development,
if not to say phenomenal development and
today it exports 90% of its production. STAS is
currently experiencing a major expansion. It has
invested $5 million in the Chicoutimi industrial
park. The equipment manufacturer specializing
in the manufacturing of machinery for aluminum
smelters around the world has decided to expand
its building, adding 35,000 square feet. This new
manufacturing facility will be three times larger.
GLOBAL MARKET
According to CEO Louis Bouchard, son of the
founder, Pierre Bouchard, this investment is
particularly warranted due to the fact that STAS
has been experiencing significant growth for
many years.
The company’s customers are spread around the
world. Although many customers are from the
United States and Western Europe, the markets
in the Middle East, Russia, China and India are in
major expansion. Louis Bouchard mentioned that
on an annual basis, no less than twenty employees
travel the world to oversee the assembling of
equipment parts manufactured here.
8
STAS’s mission is to design, manufacture
and commercialize internationally, industrial
production equipment and metal treatment
equipment with more added value for clients.
The subcontracting of Saguenay’s SMEs is playing
an important role in job creation; becoming a
leader in developing expertise as an equipment
supplier associated with aluminum production. At
STAS research and development (R&D) is a priority.
JOBS AND SUBCONTRACTING
With a long order list, the future looks bright,
according to Louis Bouchard. On an annual basis,
the company pays no less than $ 10 million in
wages. Regional subcontracting contracts for the
same period amount to $ 20 million.
Pierre Bouchard, engineer and founder of STAS,
is still active as the company President. As part
of the senior staff, succession is assured with his
son a computer science engineer and younger
brother Patrice, a mechanical engineer.
Guylain Doyle
The founding of STAS (society of technology and
aluminum Saguenay) goes back to 1989. This
is the first regional SME to have successfully
launched into the development and acquisition of
global customers. This brought to an end a long
tradition that regional SMEs have but one major
customer for their product and service. This
distinguishing trait is now on our doorstep!
PCP-Canada :
From California to La Baie!
Michel Lavoie made an important regional first
when he founded Canada PCP (Precision Cast
Plate). He became the owner of an American
company specialized in the manufacturing
of industrial precision aluminum plates, this
mechanical engineering technician did not
hesitate to move the company to the borough of
La Baie, in order to be closer to its main supplier.
This business decision permitted the region to
benefit from major economic results, in both
jobs and expertise in a very promising field, the
2nd and 3rd transformation of aluminum.
A WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY
The adventure began in 2006, shortly before
Alcan became the property of Rio Tinto and
the decision to get rid of a plant in Vernon,
California. Michel Lavoie was approached by
the conglomerate along with other potential
local buyers with an interest in acquiring the
California SME, and he decided to sign on. With
Coupesag, he was already present in this sector
and felt up to Alcan’s challenge... as they had
confidence in him.
Guylain Doyle
Nearly seven years after getting involved in
the project, Michel Lavoie finds himself at the
head of a SME operating in a leading sector and
employing 75 workers. The latter, even when
they are specialized in various disciplines of
metallurgy, receive, upon arrival, training for
the different products manufactured by PCPCanada. This is essential due to the unique
characteristics of the different parts produced
by the plant as a result of specific orders.
9
95% of PCP-Canada customers are in the
United States and the remainder from Ontario.
Although a brilliant success, it requires considerable amount of energy from managers and the
entire team of skilled workers.
PCP-Canada produces precision castings plates
(Alca5) and casting blocks (Max5). In the first
case, the plates are large with a low stress level,
in the second; the aluminum casting blocks
react well, particularly in anodising.
Finally, PCP Canada produces the Bus-Plate
designed for the manufacturing of electrical
conductors, which are also of a large dimension.
Michel Lavoie said his SME is the only one in the
country to specialize in the manufacturing of
the products listed above. His main competition
is primarily from the United States, as well as
Germany.
HIGHWAY 175
PCP-Canada is very active in research and
development (R&D) with a department of ten
designers and drafters. “We cannot be left
behind by competition,” says Michel Lavoie, who
added: “We are developing our own machines in
order to improve the quality of production: we
are innovative, always bearing in mind the need
to protect our status as a value added plant.”
Michel Lavoie looks toward the future with
cautious optimism. With the current state of the
global aluminum market, somewhat worrisome,
he is delighted with the overhaul of Highway
175 through the Laurentian Wildlife Reserve/
Réserve fauniques des Laurentides. A reaction
warranted by the fact that all products leaving
the La Baie plant reach their destination by road.
Saguenay, a gateway
to the North
SAGUENAY…
ON THE TRAIN OF PROSPERITY TO THE NORTH!
A committee of specialists from various fields are hard at
work to maximize the economic fallout generated by the
development of this vast area with its 1.2 million square
kilometers representing 72% surface area of Quebec.
In June 2012, Roger Béland, with an extensive worldwide
experience in exploration companies, including the
experience he acquired as an employee of “Investissement
Québec”, joined the group of Promotion Saguenay experts.
The first step, as defined by the Quebec government, is the
planning and installation of infrastructure giving access to
workers and equipment to the territory. In this regard, Roger
Béland mentions as an example, Highway 167. “The extension
of this highway infrastructure illustrates very well the short
term objective, and how it helped the Renard Project in the
Otish Mountains, led by Stornoway Diamond.”
GRANDE-ANSE
Roger Béland has a realistic outlook on the best
way for regional communities to benefit from the
Northern economic fallout. In his mind, however,
there is no doubt that Saguenay is a natural gateway, if not to say ideal. “The announcement in November 2011 by BlackRock
Metals of its intention to ship the
production of its iron ore deposit
located south of Chibougamau to
the Grande-Anse Port illustrates
our strategic position,” he said.
10
The railroad should be in service at Grande-Anse by the
end of 2013, Roger Béland adds; dedicating the ability of
this intermodal deep water port. This element is a second
additional asset, since the latter is connected to the North
American railroad network. Saguenay will be able to offer
companies operating in the north a year round port facility
completely accessible by land and sea.
OFFERING DIVERSITY
For Roger Béland, there is no doubt that companies
established in Saguenay and working in the fields of
construction, civil engineering and technical services, such
as engineering and architecture, will now hold a leading
strategic position.
“We must also keep in mind, he said, that the various forms
of development of the Northern Territory will create a strong
demand for maintenance parts and the technical manufacturing
services of any nature will be greatly sought after.”
AN EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY OF LIFE
Roger Béland’s optimism does not only come from the
competence of our SMEs and their reputation, the quality
of life offered by Saguenay represents according to him, an
asset that few cities in Quebec have: “Saguenay can offer an
exceptional quality of life to the families of those working in
the North.”
“The development of the North represents a historic
opportunity and a challenge that Saguenay is ready, and able
to meet with verve and skill,” said Roger Béland.
Composante
Bassin de sédimentation
Fosse
Stériles minie
Parc à résidus fins
Halde à résidus grossiers
Concasseur Concasseur
giratoire
secondaire
Pile de minerai
Lac Denis
Garage minier
Concentrateur
Fe-Va
#1 #2
BlackRock Metals
opts for Grande-Anse
Chemin d’accès
3 octobre 2012
“The choice is motivated mainly by the proximity of a sea
terminal in Saguenay and the growth potential of port
facilities,” says President and CEO of BlackRock Metals, Jean
Rainville.
BlackRock Metals, a Canadian mining company opts for
Grande-Anse to deliver to its customers the iron concentrate
from a vanadium deposit in Chibougamau, which will operate
up to the end of 2015.
According to Jean Rainville, the company has opted for
Saguenay due to the construction of a railway system and the
possibility for ships to dock in Grande-Anse, in a year round
deep water port with the unique advantage of being located
only 54 nautical miles from the St. Lawrence River.
A JUSTIFIABLE INVESTMENT
Operations related to the exploration and installation of the
various elements leading to the exploitation/extraction of
the Chibougamau deposit represents an investment of $ 720
million for the company.
IRON CONCENTRATE
BlackRock Metals initiative is a first step in the establishment
of infrastructure that will help the economy of Quebec and
for the region the creation of profits from the extraction of
natural resources in northern Quebec, particularly mineral
resources. BlackRock Metals believes that once in operation,
the Chiboubamau iron ore and vanadium deposits are
expected to produce 3 million tons of concentrate per year.
11
BlackRock Metals estimates operation of the mine site over a
12 year period with proven reserves and the potential for more
than 20 years with identified resources. For Grande-Anse,
this is an opportunity to enter into the first phase connected
directly to Northern Quebec.
For Saguenay, an investment of $ 37 million in the construction
of the rail system with a length of 12.5 kilometers is justified. The
realisation of this project is a joint initiative of the Saguenay
Port Authority and Promotion Saguenay in collaboration with
the governments of Canada, Quebec and the City of Saguenay.
Grande-Anse will be the only public intermodal site in the
region.
Once operational, this strategic tool will not only connect
the terminal to the North American rail network, through
the services of Roberval-Saguenay, it will also directly result
in minimizing the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) by
maximizing the use of transport modes. Commissioning of the
railway is planned for December 2013.
Chemin de