Raufoss Canada grows its Boisbriand facility
Raufoss Technology Canada announces an $18 million investment at its Boisbriand facility to meet growing demand coming from North American electric vehicle makers. The manufacturer of forged aluminum car suspension components is adding a new machining and assembly cell featuring a dozen robots. A series of optimizations is also planned for other manufacturing cells already in operation.
This latest investment also comes with 35 new operator and electro-mechanic positions, enabling the company to accelerate its manufacturing process for the next generation of new electric vehicles.
“This investment marks Raufoss’ entry into North America’s electric vehicle manufacturing supply chain, a highly strategic step that will spur the growth of Raufoss Canada in Boisbriand for the years to come,” said Jean Meredith, co-Chief Executive Officer, Raufoss Canada. “As demonstrated over the past 22 years, our team of skilled professionals is ready to take on this new chapter.”
“Québec and Greater Montréal are home to key assets that have contributed to Raufoss Canada’s success for over 20 years. As we’ve seen with other projects, notably in Norway and Germany, a skilled talent pool and access to a global economy are essential. These assets are present in Boisbriand, which has contributed to our sustained growth in Québec over the past two decades,” said Alfred Hager, Chief Financial Officer, Raufoss Technology.
Aluminum suspension arms are considerably lighter than steel parts. For that reason, they are sought after by electric vehicle manufacturers looking to reduce the weight of their cars to optimize battery capacity.
Established in Boisbriand in 2002, Raufoss Canada has been collaborating with the Cégep Lionel-Groulx to develop talent skilled to meet the demands that stem from automation. This is the Austrian company’s fifth expansion project in its Boisbriand facility which supplies global automakers including GM, BMW, Stellantis, Mercedes and Ford.
“Raufoss Canada’s commitment to Greater Montréal demonstrates how our metropolitan region remains competitive for manufacturing companies on the world stage. Our expertise and skilled talent pool enable investors to leverage innovation and optimize operations. What’s more, thanks to companies like Raufoss, our Québec products travel abroad,” says Stéphane Paquet, President and CEO of Montréal International.
“We are proud to support Raufoss with its major investment in upgrading its Boisbriand facility. This manufacturing subsidiary has built its success on Québec know-how, allowing it to connect with customers worldwide in an extremely competitive industry. Our Investissement Québec international team, backed by our innovation experts, will continue to assist international companies and their subsidiaries with their business activities and digital transformation, right here in Québec,” said Hubert Bolduc, President of Investissement Québec International.
The Raufoss Technologies Group has five plants worldwide, serving the major automotive groups, including North American manufacturers Ford and General Motors.