6 July 2015

PRESS RELEASE – The company Verbom, a leader in sheet metal transformation, is moving into a new plant located in Sherbrooke’s regional industrial park.

The designing of molds and the production of highly specialized parts, notably through thermoforming processes, will be carried out in a currently unused 50 000 sq. ft. building located at 3820 Industriel Boulevard. Verbom has invested $3 million to acquire and equip this infrastructure that will enable the company to proceed with its expansion plans. Production is expected to start at the end of September. The plant will employ a staff of about 30, of whom 10 will be hired to fill new positions to be created over the coming year.

Sherbrooke Innopole has provided logistical and technical support to Verbom’s team. “We are very proud to welcome such a major company. Access to specialized labour was one of the determining factors in Verbom’s decision. This is great news for job seekers and for Sherbrooke’s economy,” pointed out Josée Fortin, Director General at Sherbrooke Innopole. Positions to be filled include designers, CNC operators, CNC operator-programmers, ongoing improvement officers, moldmakers, and toolmakers.

 Establishing a plant in Sherbrooke will increase the company’s turnover, in particular thanks to more suitable production facilities. Over the next 15 months, Verbom will invest $2 million to purchase equipment. The total sales associated with this plant should grow from $7 million to $10 million within the next two years.

“We are more than happy to set up shop in Sherbrooke. We will be closer to professional centres, the Cégep, and the university, which will facilitate the recruitment of skilled workers and provide easy access to highways. In addition, our employees and clients will have access to a broad range of food and accommodation options in this city,” explained Éric Chênevert, General Manager at Verbom.

This restructuring will lead to the closure of the Lawrenceville plant, which had been in operation since 2012. Its 15 to 20 employees were notified by management a few weeks ago. All employees will be transferred to the new Sherbrooke plant and will have the option of using a shuttle service to get there. “Our most valuable asset is our people,” stated Mr. Chênevert. “It is therefore essential that we make every effort to keep our employees.”

Growth in highly specialized production will take place in Sherbrooke, while the company’s headquarters as well as design and tool production will remain in Valcourt. “We have about 100 employees in Valcourt who have developed exceptional expertise in conventional tooling, and it is this expertise that enables Verbom to serve high-profile clients,” explained Mr. Chênevert.

Verbom works in the automotive industry, public transit, and recreational vehicle fields. Among its clients are BRP, Tesla, Prévost, and Bombardier Transport. “Discussions are currently underway with other prestigious car manufacturers,” eagerly noted Mr. Chênevert, who is hoping to add them to his client list.

Sources: Verbom and Sherbrooke Innopole

Photo credit: Verbom