Quebec, Canada - The Minister of State for Canada Economic Development has awarded $390,000 in repayable funding to J.L. Leclerc & Fils Inc. through the Business and Regional Growth program for the acquisition of a 3D laser cutter to help the company pursue its expansion.
According to company sources, the company purchased a BLM LT-8 tube cutter in January and the equipment was installed on April 1. It is now producing laser cut tubes for a variety of Canadian manufacturers.
Founded in 1988, J.L. Leclerc & Fils Inc. concentrates its activities in the Quebec energy and transport sectors. This family-run operation, which uses a just-in-time manufacturing system, offers innovative solutions for everything from the design to the manufacture of industrial metal parts. The company's customers include Novabus, Prevost Car, Bombardier, and General Electric. To successfully implement its growth strategy, the management of the company has made the decision to equip the plant with specialized machinery to better meet the requirements of certain customers seeking to subcontract a portion of their manufacturing operations.
"Canada Economic Development believes it is important to support J.L. Leclerc & Fils Inc. in these equipment investments, particularly in that the company specializes in the processing of metal products, a priority area for the Chaudiere-Appalaches economy, and that this initiative will result in the creation of 16 quality jobs in Saint-Antoine-de-Tilly over the next two years," stated Mr. Gourde.
The Business and Regional Growth program helps businesses improve their performance, become more competitive, and engage more heavily in innovation in order to promote their sustainable growth. J.L. Leclerc & Fils Inc. is an example of an enterprise that has developed a highly-innovative project that will benefit the region as a whole. The firm will become the only Quebec company in its market to have this kind of equipment. By expanding the services it offers, J.L. Leclerc & Fils Inc. is thereby hoping to secure its growth and, ultimately, bolster its sales.