Specializing in high-end kitchen cabinets, the Quebec manufacturer Groupe Miralis announces the upcoming opening of two new robotic and automated factories with the aim of doubling its production, while partially minimizing the impacts of the labor shortage. work. Investment value: $45 million.
“This project allows Miralis to officially enter Industry 4.0 and reach a fairly unique level in North America,” said in a telephone interview Monday, the CEO of Groupe Miralis, Daniel Drapeau, a few hours before the company make the official announcement of this investment, a project made possible in particular thanks to the participation of the Government of Quebec and Investissement Quebec, whose financial assistance totals 23.5 million. In all, Miralis counts on the support of seven financial partners.
” [Avec l’automatisation], we want to inspire other manufacturers because we believe that’s what needs to be done to keep the manufacturing sector in Quebec, adds Mr. Drapeau. Manufacturers will have no choice but to invest to stay alive. »
This will allow us to double our production capacity. In the renovation, lately, there have been many requests. It was difficult for us to respond to that request.
Daniel Drapeau, CEO of Miralis Group
Thus, the company, located in Saint-Anaclet-de-Lessard, near Rimouski, which specializes in the custom manufacturing of high-end kitchen cabinets, hanging furniture and islands, will open a new factory just next to the one already in operation where 250 people currently work.
This project will allow Mr. Drapeau to “keep his people in the region”. Another facility is also under construction in Quebec, not far from the Les Galeries de la Capitale shopping center.
“This plant will probably be the most advanced in our field in North America,” says Daniel Drapeau, referring to the new Saint-Anaclet facility. Miralis will develop a brand new collection there, where lighting will notably be integrated into drawers and cupboards.
“By opening the cupboards, the drawers, the pantry, the light will automatically turn on like in a refrigerator, explains Mr. Drapeau, who adds in the process that currently, the lighting is done on site by the fitter. We are going to do it in the factory with a fairly exceptional quality. The product has been designed so that the light illuminates the interior of the boxes and will not dazzle the eyes of the user. »
The Quebec facility will allow the company to embark on the manufacture of countertops for the first time by transforming sintered stone.
The two plants, currently under construction, will be operational in 2023 and will create around fifty new jobs.
“Automation and robotization in the manufacturing industry are key elements for increasing the competitiveness of our businesses and ensuring their growth,” said Guy LeBlanc, President and CEO of Investissement Québec, in a press release. With its culture of innovation, Miralis very well embodies the future of the Quebec manufacturing sector. Investissement Québec is pleased to support it in this major project, which will enable it to increase its productivity. »
Miralis Group
- Founded 45 years ago
- Headquarters: Saint-Anaclet-de-Lessard (Bas-Saint-Laurent)
- Number of employees: 250
- Number of factories: 1 (two more to come in 2023)