Two Saint-Eustache businesses innovate to grow and create high-quality jobs

Government of Canada support totalling $291,500 to help HRT Industries and Trafic Innovation deliver projects

SAINT-EUSTACHE, QC, Aug. 10, 2017 /CNW/ - [Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)] - By investing in innovation, we are preparing Quebecers for the jobs of today and tomorrow. This benefits the businesses and the communities in which the high-quality jobs are created. The financial assistance announced today by the Government of Canada will help two innovative manufacturing enterprises strengthen dozens of jobs and create around five new ones for the region's residents.

The announcement was made by Linda Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, acting on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED.

An investment of $175,000 will enable HRT Industries Inc. (website in French only) to acquire state-of-the-art equipment, namely four Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining centres. HRT Industries Inc., a subsidiary of FusiA Groupe, will thus be able to integrate itself into FusiA Groupe's 3D digital modelling manufacturing cell. The project will contribute to the development of Quebec's leading-edge expertise in 3D manufacturing, a process that is emerging globally and holds tremendous promise for the future, particularly in the aviation industry. The funding will enable HRT Industries to differentiate itself from its competitors and to continue its shift towards greater diversification by producing more complex niche products.

Trafic Innovation Inc. has been awarded $116,500 in financial assistance. The business will be able to launch a commercialization strategy in Latin America for its innovative products, including its flagship product, the DEFLEX delineator, made with a polymer blend capable of absorbing repeated impact forces and returning to its original shape and smart LED traffic signs. These exports are part of the fast-growing "smart city" niche. Trafic Innovation's products help improve the safety and flow of road networks, making them easier to navigate, which also affects the quantity of greenhouse gas emissions produced by vehicles.

The funding, in the form of repayable contributions, has been granted through CED's Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP), under the Government of Canada's broader Innovation and Skills Plan.

Quotes
"HRT Industries and Trafic Innovation were able to develop innovative processes and products for their clients by building on the expertise of their teams and being open to innovation. Combining technology with the work of experienced teams is helping Quebec businesses grow and conquer new markets."

Linda Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Rivière-des-Mille-Îles

"As part of the Innovation and Skills Plan, our government will be making multi-year investments to make Canada a global centre for innovation. This will stimulate innovation, creating even more well-paid jobs, and help grow the middle class."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"With CED's support, HRT Industries Inc. is continuing its "industrial revolution," which began in 2015 when it joined FusiA Groupe, the leader in France and Canada in metal additive manufacturing or 3D metal printing. These new investments will bring together HRT's skills and FusiA's innovation, providing our clients with a complete leading-edge service, from design advice for 3D metal printing to quantity production of certified complex printed parts for the aviation industry."

Cyrille Chanal, President, HRT Industries

"Over the past five years, Trafic Innovation has invested a significant amount of its resources into reinventing its product lineup so as to be at the cutting edge of the industry with a line of value-added products for export to the Canadian, Central American and U.S. markets. Currently, our network encompasses all the Canadian provinces and Central American countries; we will enter the U.S. market by the end of 2017. We receive support from CED, Export Development Canada (EDC) and CanExport for our Central American marketing activities."

Robert Laforce, President and CEO, Trafic Innovation Inc.

Quick facts

• CED is one of six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
• For more information on CED's key directions until 2021, consult Strategic plan 2021 or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

For further information: Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Tel.: [phone], Email: [email protected]