Gatineau firm receives $200K federal grant

Tashi Farmilo

In a significant boost to the local manufacturing sector, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) announced a $200,000 repayable contribution to Structures KSM, a Gatineau-based manufacturer specialising in roof trusses for residential construction. This investment, aimed at enhancing productivity and competitiveness, was announced by Sophie Chatel, Member of Parliament for Pontiac, on behalf of the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for CED.

The funds will enable Structures KSM to acquire and install specialised equipment, including an A4 automated saw and the necessary software. This advanced machinery is expected to significantly reduce the physical workload on employees, minimise injury risks, and boost the company’s overall productivity.

"By investing in the KSM Structures automated equipment acquisition project, we are remaining true to our commitments and helping businesses grow, innovate, and export their products. By creating quality jobs, our businesses are ensuring the prosperity of the Canadian economy," said Sophie Chatel during the announcement.

Chatel underscored the importance of such investments for the broader economic health of the region. "The manufacturing industry is a pillar of our economy, which is why our government is investing to ensure that our SMEs remain competitive and innovative," she said. "With CED’s support, Structures KSM will increase its roof truss production capacity with the purchase of automated equipment. The success and benefits of this project will contribute to the economic vitality of Gatineau and the greater Outaouais region."

Sébastien Lavoie, Vice President and Owner of Structures KSM, expressed his gratitude for the financial support and outlined the expected benefits of the new equipment. "KSM thanks DEC for this financial contribution. Our company is determined to constantly improve its effectiveness, efficiency, and the quality of its products. In addition to being beneficial for the environment by reducing wood losses, the acquisition of this new equipment will improve the health and safety of employees and increase the precision of our work to offer customers a higher quality product," he said.

The A4 automated saw represents a significant upgrade for Structures KSM, allowing for more precise cuts and greater efficiency. "The machine we’re talking about today, the Alpine ALS 4.0, is a very safe saw. All the cuts are done inside, it produces no dust, making it much more pleasant to work with compared to traditional saws. It also marks its cuts, so we know exactly how the material will be used," Lavoie explained.

Chatel also highlighted the broader impact of such initiatives on the local housing market. "The young people living in Outaouais are currently struggling to afford housing due to a shortage of available units," she said. "Investments like these are crucial because they support businesses that can directly contribute to increasing housing supply. By enhancing the production capabilities of local businesses like Structures KSM, we are addressing a critical need for more residential units and helping to ensure that our young people can find affordable housing in the region."

This project aligns with broader efforts to increase housing availability in regions like Outaouais, addressing a critical need for affordable housing for young people. By enhancing the production capabilities of local businesses like Structures KSM, the initiative supports the creation of more residential units, thereby contributing to the region's economic and social development.

Photo caption: Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) has provided a $200,000 repayable contribution to Gatineau-based Structures KSM to enhance productivity and address local housing shortages through the acquisition of advanced manufacturing equipment. 

Photo credit: Tashi Farmilo