Quebec thermoformer Plastique Art invests to expand

Construction at the Sainte-Claire plant. Photo Credit: Plastique Art

Plastique Art, a third-generation family thermoforming business headquartered in Sainte-Claire, Que., is making a 3-phase, $3-million investment to increase its production capacity and support its long-term growth.

First, the project calls for a 4,200-square-foot expansion, which will bring the plant’s total surface area to 30,000 square feet. Second, the investment will also allow for the acquisition of a new thermoforming machine and a 5-axis CNC machining centre, enabling the company to double its production capacity for large parts. Third, the firm wants to increase production capacity by approximately 70 per cent.

The project is supported by the Government of Quebec, Investissement Québec, and the Government of Canada, through Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED). CED has awarded Plastique Art a repayable financial contribution of $375,000 under its Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program.

“This project represents a crucial step for Plastique Art, laying the foundations to support an ambitious goal of doubling revenues again,” company president Pascal Baillargeon said. “We are convinced that these investments will enable us to maintain our leadership in thermoforming in Quebec.”

Plastique Art officials say the firm has doubled its revenues since 2021, to reach the highest production levels in its history, with growing demand for large parts in particular.

The new 5-axis CNC machining centre. Photo Credit: Plastique Art

The company says that integration of new equipment is part of a standardization and modernization strategy. “[We] wish to maintain a machine park that incorporates the latest molding and cutting technologies,” officials said. “Standardization of the machine park will make it easier to train new employees and optimize working methods. What’s more, the investments made will enable [us] to guarantee the highest quality standards in the industry.”

The purchase of new equipment will enable Plastique Art to smooth production, reduce delivery times, and double its production capacity for large parts up to 2 metres by 3 metres. The plant expansion, meanwhile, represents an opportunity to optimize production flow, improve efficiency, and save storage space. “I’d like to thank the entire team, who is actively involved in moving the machines, without interrupting the production, so that we can receive the new machines in autumn 2024,” Baillargeon said.

Plastique Art was founded in 1956 and is currently a third-generation family business. The company manufactures custom thermoformed parts for industries such as transportation, boating, agriculture, recreational vehicles, construction, and industrial equipment. It also offers production tooling and design support for thermoformed parts.