25 September 2017

PRESS RELEASE – It was in the presence of Luc Fortin, Minister of Culture and Communications and Minister responsible for the Estrie region, on behalf of the Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy, Dominique Anglade; Shefford MP Pierre Breton, on behalf of the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), the Honourable Navdeep Bains; and Bernard Sévigny, Mayor of the City of Sherbrooke, that Pierre-Étienne Bindschedler, President of SOPREMA, and Richard Voyer, its Vice-President and CEO, unveiled the products that will be made in the new SOPREMA plant in Sherbrooke’s Regional Industrial Park, and symbolically marked the start of the building’s construction.

Josée Fortin, Director General of Sherbrooke Innopole; Pierre-Étienne Bindschedler, President of SOPREMA; Richard Voyer, Vice-President and CEO of SOPREMA; Luc Fortin, Minister of Culture and Communications and Minister responsible for the Estrie region, on behalf of the Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy, Dominique Anglade; Bernard Sévigny, Mayor of Sherbrooke; and Shefford MP Pierre Breton, on behalf of the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), the Honourable Navdeep Bains

The new 178 000 sq. ft. building will be SOPREMA’s first plant in North America to produce extruded polystyrene thermal insulation. Extruded polystyrene (XPS), more commonly known as “rigid styrofoam,” is a closed-cell foam insulation made in rigid flat panels. It is primarily used as thermal insulation for foundation systems, parking lots, and reverse roofing, such as rooftop terraces and green roofs. The SOPREMA group has experience with extruded polystyrene, already operating four industrial sites specialized in this technology in Europe.

Over the past few years, SOPREMA Canada has sought to improve its product lines and extend its expertise to areas other than waterproofing, particularly by producing high-performance energy-saving, low-environmental impact insulation. With its polyisocyanurate manufacturing plant in Drummondville; the recent acquisition of Benolec, a cellulosic product manufacturer; and the construction of an extruded polystyrene plant in Sherbrooke, SOPREMA has demonstrated its determination to offer a wide array of insulation products suitable for any type of application.

“SOPREMA has experienced remarkable growth thanks to all of its efforts to become the benchmark in insulation. We like to do things differently and it pays off!” explained Richard Voyer, Vice-President and CEO of SOPREMA North America.

Thanks to this new plant, to be built on Robert-Boyd Street in 2018, some 50 jobs will be created over the next three years.

Sherbrooke Mayor, Bernard Sévigny, is delighted with the arrival of SOPREMA to the Regional Industrial Park, and noted that this installation would not have been possible without the creation of new industrial lots at the axis of Portland and Robert-Boyd streets. “With the various initiatives introduced by the City of Sherbrooke and Sherbrooke Innopole in recent years, we have succeeded in combining all of the ingredients into an offer that not only met SOPREMA’s criteria and needs, but was also unique enough that the company chose to set up here,” he noted. He also highlighted the reach of such an announcement: “When a company of SOPREMA’s calibre chooses to come to Sherbrooke, when it could go anywhere in the world, it sends a very powerful and positive message.”

In this regard, Sherbrooke Innopole’s Director General, Josée Fortin added: “SOPREMA is a leader in its field, from the perspectives of both the quality of its products and the innovation of its team, as evidenced by the products to be manufactured. Its presence enhances the positioning of Sherbrooke’s industrial sector in terms of excellence and appeal.”

With investments of $335 million over two years and growth of 4% for a fourth consecutive year, Sherbrooke’s industrial and high-value-added services sector is among the most dynamic in Canada. “SOPREMA’s project, which will generate more than $50 million in direct economic spinoffs, will be a major asset in the pursuit of our economic growth,” concluded Josée Fortin.

About SOPREMA

SOPREMA is an international manufacturer specializing in the production of products for waterproofing, green roofing, insulation, and soundproofing in construction and civil engineering. Founded in 1908 in Strasbourg, France, SOPREMA now has facilities in more than 90 countries. Every year, hundreds of construction professionals choose SOPREMA for the quality of its products and its personalized attention.

» See all photos

Sources photo credits: Sherbrooke Innopole and SOPREMA

———————————-

RELATED ARTICLES

» Soprema Honoured at the 2017 Mercuriades

» Multinational SOPREMA expands to Sherbrooke