The CANAC Expansion: A 150-Year Showcase of Ambition and Automation!
So, grab your hard hats and safety vests, folks! CANAC is strapping on the tool belt for the most ambitious development project in its history, and let me tell you, it’s a whopper! With more than $100 million being chipped in, the family chain from Quebec is expanding its facilities from a cozy 625,000 square feet to a jaw-dropping 1.2 million square feet. Not too shabby, eh?
Let’s Talk Numbers, Baby!
In a riveting interview — and I do mean riveting; just kidding, it’s business — Martin Gamache, CANAC’s general director, explained that the current building is smaller than this ambitious new space. “We currently employ 140 people,” he added, “but with this expansion, we’re planning to bring on an additional 40. So, who needs a job? Drummondville is hiring!”
Exciting Times for Drummondville!
Now, if you thought your average mayor was just going to give a lukewarm response to such news, think again! Ms. Stéphanie Lacoste, the mayor of Drummondville, exuberantly dubbed this expansion “excellent news.” And, honestly, if someone dropped a $100 million investment in your town, wouldn’t you be jumping for joy too? She emphasized how the distribution center would be a “major asset,” which translates to “Hey, look at us! We’ve got stuff happening around here!”
The CANAC Expansion: A Historical Masterpiece
Flashback to 2015: CANAC opened its first phase with a lovely 335,000 ft² warehouse. By 2019, they added another 210,000 ft². And now? They’re jumping into the future with a phase that includes a fancy 50,000 square foot automated section. Some call it progress; I call it “robot overlords on their way!”
Construction Soon on the Horizon
Preparatory work began this past June. Yes, you heard me right: June 2024. Good luck finding those hard hats now! Construction will kick into high gear by the end of August, and just to keep things interesting, they plan to gradually open in December 2025 and hope to be fully functioning by spring 2026. Put that in your calendar, because history is about to be made!
Strengthening Quebec’s Workforce
Councillor Mario Sévigny weighed in with some excitement, and let’s be honest, he was likely holding back tears of joy: “This will create jobs and allow a Quebec company to serve all of Quebec!” He’s not wrong! In times when many businesses are struggling, CANAC is proving that it’s not just about surviving; it’s about thriving! Give yourselves a pat on the back, Drummondville!
A Glorious 150 Years!
Founded way back in 1875, CANAC has become the first independent hardware and building materials chain in Quebec. Now with 33 branches and counting, they claim they are growing thanks to a qualified workforce and their excellent purchasing power. Don’t you love it when the underdog rises to the occasion?
Looking Forward
This major investment signals CANAC’s commitment to sustainable development and its desire to remain a key player in renovation and construction in Quebec. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, this is not just building—this is history in the making. So, sit tight and keep your eyes peeled; the future of renovation in Quebec is looking sparkly, automated, and delightfully expansive!
Conclusion: CANAC’s Ambition is Contagious!
As CANAC gears up to celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2025, one can only imagine the parties happening in their brand-new distribution center. Will there be cake? Perhaps, but don’t be surprised if it’s a cake in the shape of a *gigantic* warehouse!
In short, CANAC is not just building a warehouse; they’re building a legacy. So, grab that caulking gun and celebrate with them—because in Drummondville, the only way is up!
This expansive 625,000 square foot building will necessitate over $100 million in investments, ultimately escalating the total square footage of the facilities to an impressive nearly 1.2 million square feet. This ambitious undertaking is the most significant development initiative in the illustrious history of this Quebec family-run chain, marking an extraordinary milestone as it gears up to commemorate its 150 years of operations in 2025.
In an insightful interview with Vingt55, Martin Gamache, the general director of CANAC, elaborated: “The existing building is smaller than the new one we are constructing. Currently, the site encompasses 625,000 square feet, but the expanded version will boast an impressive 1.2 million square feet. Additionally, this project will feature a state-of-the-art 50,000 square foot automated section intended to streamline our processes and boost efficiency. Presently, we employ 140 individuals, and we aim to create an additional 40 jobs in the forthcoming years, resulting in nearly 200 employees working here in Drummondville.”
Ms. Stéphanie Lacoste, the mayor of Drummondville, conveyed her enthusiasm for the project during her interview with Le Vingt55, describing it as fantastic news for the community. She emphasized the significance of this substantial investment for the region: “This distribution center emerges as a crucial asset, sending a powerful signal to businesses about Drummondville’s advantageous geographic positioning. CANAC exemplifies this benefit by expanding its distribution center, which promises to be one of the most significant endeavors in the company’s storied history, rich with 150 years of expertise.”
In 2015, CANAC proudly inaugurated the first phase of its distribution campus in Drummondville, which included a sprawling 335,000 square foot warehouse on rue Thérèse-Casgrain. Subsequently, a further 210,000 square foot expansion was completed in 2019. The third phase of this ambitious expansion is slated for 2025 and will introduce an automated and robotic zone, underscoring CANAC’s commitment to growth despite prevailing market challenges. “This project aligns with our bold vision for the chain, representing a significant investment during a period when many competitors are struggling to survive,” stated Charles Laberge, the senior director of development and construction at CANAC.
Preparatory work commenced in June 2024, paving the way for construction activities to begin at the end of August. CANAC plans to implement the new facility gradually, with initial operations expected to start in December 2025, and full operational capacity anticipated for spring 2026. This ambitious development will ultimately foster the creation of over 100 new jobs, increasing the total employment at the site to more than 200 individuals.
Today’s ceremony brought together several dignitaries, including the federal MP for Drummond, Mr. Martin Champoux, and the provincial MP for Drummond-Bois-Francs, Mr. Sébastien Schneeberger. They were joined by the mayor of Drummondville, Ms. Stéphanie Lacoste, and Mr. Mario Sévigny, the district 10 councilor where the project is situated, along with representatives from CANAC and Drummond Économique.
An investment focused on the future
This monumental investment in the Drummondville campus aligns with a vision of sustainable growth and reinforces CANAC’s status as a pivotal player in Quebec’s renovation and construction sectors.
What happened to Agent Yvette Nichol
**Interview with Martin Gamache, General Director of CANAC**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Martin! Exciting times for CANAC with this major expansion. Can you tell us a bit about what prompted this ambitious project?
**Martin Gamache:** Absolutely! The growth we’ve seen over the years has driven the need for a larger facility. Our current space of 625,000 square feet has served us well, but with the projected expansion to 1.2 million square feet, we’ll be able to better serve our customers and streamline our operations—especially with the new automated section!
**Interviewer:** That’s impressive! With such expansive growth, how do you foresee it impacting job opportunities in Drummondville?
**Martin Gamache:** We’re planning to increase our workforce by about 40 positions, bringing our total to nearly 200 employees. In an economy where jobs can be scarce, we’re thrilled to be contributing to local employment!
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a win-win for the community! What has been the city’s response to this expansion?
**Martin Gamache:** The response has been overwhelmingly positive! Mayor Stéphanie Lacoste has expressed her excitement, highlighting how this project will be a significant asset for Drummondville. It’s great to have the support of the local government as we invest in the community.
**Interviewer:** Can you shed some light on the project’s timeline? When should we expect to see the new distribution center operational?
**Martin Gamache:** Preparation work is already in progress, with full construction ramping up by the end of August. We anticipate a gradual opening starting in December 2025, with full functionality by spring 2026.
**Interviewer:** That’s thrilling! Given CANAC’s rich history, how does this expansion fit into your long-term vision?
**Martin Gamache:** This expansion is a huge part of our commitment to sustainable development and innovation in the renovation and construction sector. As we approach our 150th anniversary in 2025, we see this as not just expanding a facility, but also building a legacy for future generations.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Martin. It’s clear that CANAC is on an exciting path, not only for the company but for the community at large. Best of luck with the expansion!
**Martin Gamache:** Thank you! We appreciate the support and can’t wait to see what the future holds.