$1.6M in support for APF Villeneuve to pursue automation

Towards an ever more productive metal manufacturing sector

Crabtree, Quebec, January 19, 2024 — The Government of Canada, the Government of Quebec and Investissement Québec are granting a total of $1.6 million in financial contributions to APF Villeneuve, a business specializing in the machining of high‑precision components, to support the acquisition of two pieces of numerical control equipment that will enable it to increase its productivity. This automation project is valued at $2 million.

The Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, the Minister for the Economy, Minister Responsible for the Fight Against Racism and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region, Christopher Skeete, and the Member for Joliette, François St‑Louis, made the announcement today.

The Government of Canada, through CED, is granting a repayable contribution of $400,000 to the business for this project. For its part, the Government of Quebec is providing, through the ESSOR program, a loan of $600,000, and Investissement Québec is granting an equivalent loan from its capital funds.

Quotes

“It is a priority of the Government of Canada to ensure communities prosper by guiding the country’s businesses and regions into tomorrow’s economy. That is why CED is proud to support APF Villeneuve, a leader in high-precision machining, in its efforts to implement its Industry 4.0 factory process. Its operations contribute greatly to the Lanaudière region’s economic vitality, and the success of its automation project will undoubtedly be felt right across the region.”

The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

“The digital transformation is a must to ensure our businesses are productive. APF Villeneuve has understood this well and continues to invest in technological innovation in a strategic sector of the Lanaudière economy.”

Christopher Skeete, Minister for the Economy, Minister Responsible for the Fight Against Racism and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region

“Recognized for its expertise in metal manufacturing, APF Villeneuve is a key player in the Alliance Métal Québec hub of excellence in the Lanaudière region. We are proud to help boost its productivity by supporting its automation project, which is promising for our region.”

François St‑Louis, Member for Joliette

“It is with enthusiasm that we support Mr. Villeneuve and his entire team in this modernization project. By acquiring equipment, the family business is giving itself the means to increase its productivity, add new products to its line and, above all, remain competitive in a very tight market.”

Guy LeBlanc, President and CEO, Investissement Québec

Quick facts

• Founded in 1989, APF Villeneuve specializes in the production of high-quality machined components.
• Created in 2007 through the ACCORD initiative, the Alliance Métal Québec hub of excellence has a mission to foster synergy among businesses in the industrial metal manufacturing sector. It aims to address common issues and strengthen the know‑how of its members to stimulate economic development in the Lanaudière region.
• CED is the key federal partner in Quebec’s regional economic development. With its twelve regional business offices, it accompanies businesses, supporting organizations and all regions across Quebec into tomorrow’s economy.
• The ESSOR program, managed by Investissement Québec as the Government of Quebec’s representative, supports investment projects in Quebec with a view to enhancing competitiveness and productivity, creating jobs, and fostering sustainable development.
• Investissement Québec has a mission to actively participate in Quebec’s economic development by stimulating business innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment and export growth across all regions.

Stay connected

• Follow CED on social media and consult its news.
• Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie on social media:
  • twitter.com/economie_quebec
  • facebook.com/EconomieQc
  • linkedin.com/company/économie-québec
  • youtube.com/c/ÉconomieQuébec
  • instagram.com/economieqc
• Investissement Québec on social media:
  • linkedin.com/company/investissement-quebec
  • facebook.com/InvestissementQuebec
  • twitter.com/InvestQuebec

Sources

Marie-Justine Torres
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Cell: 613-327-5918
Email: marie-justine.torresames@ised-isde.gc.ca

Rosalie Tremblay-Cloutier
Policy Advisor
Office of the Minister for the Economy, Minister Responsible for the Right Against Racism and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region
Cell: 438-777-3777

Vincent Bolduc
Political Attaché
Riding Office of the Member for Joliette
Tel: 450-752-6929

Catherine Salvail
Advisor – Media and Government Affairs
Tel: 514-876-9600

Information

Media Relations
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Email: media@dec-ced.gc.ca

Jean-Pierre D’Auteuil
Head of Media Relations
Communications Branch
Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie
Cell: 418-559-0710
Email: relationsmedias@economie.gouv.qc.ca

Isabelle Fontaine
Senior Director – Media and Government Affairs Investissement Québec
Tel: 514-876-9359