Guy O'Bomsawin

December 8, 2010
 

An Industry Pro at Bouncing Back

In one of the industrial sectors of Drummondville, Quebec, a seemingly endless stream of parts parades through bending, painting and assembly lines. Welcome to SPG International.

1960 – Machines are operating at full steam. The post-war boom years turn the city into a veritable kingdom of textile manufacturing. More businesses spring up around the edges of the city.

During this era, when cities are popping up like mushrooms, the drive to achieve more than ever before reaches new heights. All at once, tens of thousands of Quebecers participate in this new economic boom.

In these hectic times, Guy Guérette starts up his car door sill plates manufacturing company under an English name, Sill Plate Guéret, as was the custom in the early 60s.

Red Metal Tool Boxes

 

This wall tower, SPG’s latest Canadian designed and built product, is an all-in-one unit – both a mobile drawer cabinet and storage box with a work surface as well as a large storage area on top.

Soon after, red metal tool boxes flood the market, replacing the wooden boxes that were used previously.

These portable boxes, which eventually took over North America in both the wholesale and retail industries, bear the SPG hallmark.

Now celebrating its half-century anniversary with 45 years at the same location, the company, better known today as SPG International, is still providing a cascade of new products in all shapes and sizes.

All Types of Products, from Big to Small

Today, the little red metal box is only a small part of the product line manufactured by SPG’s 60 employees, some of whom have been working for the company for 40+ years.

However, there was once a chance that SPG International, with its 135,000 sq. ft. facility, might never have reached this point, let alone been able to offer its new 75-inch models.

Indeed, in 2000, globalization and the economic reversal wreaked havoc on the company, and competition from emerging countries almost eclipsed the manufacturer.

With 21 drawers, this ultra-resistant 54 x 73 inch storage unit is the first in SPG International’s new, Canadian-built 2011 product line.

 

A Surprising Hybrid

With markets not only in Canada and the US, but also in Europe and even in Australia and New Zealand, SPG International found itself in an uncomfortable.

The rising cost of raw materials, and, most of all, China’s extreme economic drive, with a workforce willing to be paid 25¢/hr. Rather than $25/hr., forced the company to become a hybrid of sorts.

As a result, this Drummondville-based manufacturer formed a partnership with Darren Fraser, an Australian supplier, to distribute products made in China.

A Strategic Merger

Built by SPG in the Spring of 2011, this extremely robust storage unit with recessed handles and an overlapping lid is specially designed to be moved by a forklift.

Its 40-year anniversary was marked by an important flood of imports from an immense, 1 million sq. ft. plant owned by this Industry leader in Zhongshan, in China’s Guangdong province.

This event, as well as Guy Guérette’s intention to retire, drove SPG International to make the strategic decision to merge with the Chinese-Australian company in 2007.

However, despite pressure to focus on distributing products made by Geelong, a young group that took over the company, decided to roll up their sleeves and reverse this trend.
 

Made in SPG’s Canadian factory, this V-series 24-inch deep tool storage unit is very popular because its size provides lots of storage.

An Incredible 180° turn around

This is when an incredible, even impossible, reversal took place. SPG International produced its V-Series, under the guidance of its Engineering Director, who also is responsible for the unbeatable SHD series.

If Asia has won its part of the market by making things their own way, why not adopt the same approach?

Results were clear. SPG International successfully regained the upper hand.

A jewel in the crown of Quebec’s economy, this Drummondvillebased company continues to make its own benchmark products as well as products for reputable private brands. Still going strong, SPG is as innovative as ever.

 

 

 

 

A Team’s Success

 

At SPG International, where expertise and excellence have been key values for 50 years, along with solidarity and camaraderie, and where strategic decisions are made within a convivial atmosphere, success is the result of the efforts of each and every one.

On the Right Track

As well as manufacturing high-end products for many private brands, SPG International offers a wide choice under its own name – International – including its latest series of tool storage units, featured in a wide range of different colours.

As Director of Engineering, François Deshaies and his creative team’s innovative designs have been largely responsible for turning the company around, and the success that it enjoys today. Always coming up with competitive products, they are once again bringing out something new for 2011.

An excellent product...

Anyone familiar with le Centre du Québec’s creativity in the hi-tech sector will not be surprised by SPG’s performance, emblematic of what is manufactured here in many other areas as well.

However, SPG’s technical prowess, based on the use of raw materials sourced mostly in Canada, and the expertise of its staff, is not the only reason for its success.

It isn’t enough that SPG makes outstanding products. We must also convince potential buyers to choose these products first and foremost – with a choice based on the quality of our products and the invaluable business relationships they help develop.

Appointed as President and CEO in 2006, Éric Lemieux, who joined SPG in 1999, took it upon himself to build a team that would help him turn the company around. He is like a coach to his employees, some of whom have been with the company for over 40 years.

...unsurpassed service

SPG International is not only a genuinely Quebec trademark but also offers unparalleled, made-to-measure services that cater to a variety of purposes.

On the one hand, SPG provides unique products, manufactured on demand, whether a one-of or in bulk, offering a wide range of customized colours and configurations.

On the other hand, we deliver our products without delay, and, when a situation calls for it, our team will even deal directly with you, to find onsite solutions appropriate to your needs.

Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, Nicolas Thériault coordinates the activities of both the Drummondville team as well as his representatives to ensure that his clientele is totally satisfied

The Best that Quebec has to Offer

It’s a simple idea. The closer we are to our customers and partners, the easier it is to immediately answer their needs and find the right solution in any situation.

We emphasize this closeness. Long-standing partnerships are extremely important to us, and we prove it by being readily and easily accessible from anywhere in North America.

SPG International, whose dream team is what any company (or sports figure) could ever wish for, represents the best that Quebec has to offer in terms of passion and excellence.

www.spginternational.com