About

Recognized as a leader in Quebec, the Aluminum Valley Society (AVS) contributes to the emergence and growth of aluminum companies and specialized equipment manufacturers, aiming to create wealth in the Aluminum Valley^®.

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Mission

Recognized by the Government of Quebec as a leader that contributes to the emergence and growth of aluminum companies and specialized equipment manufacturers, with the goal of creating wealth in the Aluminum Valley^®.

Vision

The Aluminum Valley^® is recognized nationally and internationally as an attractive and innovative hub for aluminum processing and specialized equipment manufacturing. It extends its influence beyond the region, with direct and visible impacts on the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean area.

Values

COLLABORATION
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SUCCESS
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PROFESSIONALISM
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INNOVATION

History of the SVA

The story of what would become the Aluminum Valley^® began in 1927 with the inauguration of the primary aluminum production plant in Arvida. Initially focused on primary production, the Valley gradually developed a network of equipment manufacturers, specialized suppliers, and subcontractors. Through a range of initiatives, the region established tools to support the growth of companies oriented toward aluminum processing and the expansion of equipment manufacturers. The combined efforts of the Aluminum Valley Corporation and regional stakeholders have enabled the emergence of a center of excellence in aluminum processing.

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1984 to 1992

Regional stakeholders began exploring ways to diversify the region’s industrial base following Alcan’s announcement of reduced employment and investment outside North America.

Efforts by regional partners in the aluminum sector focused on research, financing, and training.

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1993

The Québec Center for Research and Development of Aluminum (CQRDA) was established.

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1994 to 1997

Several aluminum processing companies emerged, and existing businesses continued to grow. Equipment manufacturers in the region began positioning themselves internationally, and SMEs chose to unite under the Trans-Al Network.

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1999

During the Regional Forum on Aluminum Processing, partners identified actions to launch a major initiative: positioning the region as a recognized hub for aluminum processing.

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2000

The Québec government officially designated the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region as the Aluminium Valley®.

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2001

The Aluminium Valley Society is officially established.
The new organization is supported by various regional stakeholders. Additionally, the Québec government recognizes the organization as a key player in the development of the aluminum processing industry and provides financial assistance for its operations.

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2004

The NRC–Aluminum Technology Centre was established and quickly became recognized as a national reference in aluminum forming and assembly.
Aluminum processing was designated as the leading excellence cluster in the region under the ACCORD program, with the Aluminium Valley Society (AVS) serving as the program’s coordinating organization.

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2005

The Aluminium Valley Society (AVS) and its partners organized the first edition of the “Aluminium Valley Business Expo.” Since then, the event has been held every three years.

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2015

To continue the work initiated during the Regional Economic Summit on June 18, 2015, the Aluminium Valley Society (AVS), representing the Aluminium Working Group, was mandated to stimulate aluminum processing and specialized equipment manufacturing activities, and to support the establishment, launch, and growth of aluminum sector businesses in the region.

As part of the Québec Aluminum Development Strategy (SQDA), the AVS was mandated in 2015 by the Government of Québec to accelerate the development of aluminum processing projects in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, contributing to the goal of doubling aluminum processing in Québec by 2025.

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2018

In 2018, the Société de la Vallée de l’Aluminium multiplied its efforts to increase the number of equipment manufacturers and aluminum processing companies in the Vallée de l’aluminium^®.

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2021

The Aluminium Valley Society is celebrating its 20th anniversary and is more present than ever among equipment manufacturers and aluminum processing companies in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region.

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2022

New joint executive leadership with the Aluminium Processing Excellence Cluster and the opening of a new business location in Saguenay.
Inauguration of Espace Aluminium, the new business hub in Saguenay, in collaboration with the Aluminium Processing Excellence Cluster, the Transal Network, and AluQuébec.

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2024

The Aluminium Valley Society (AVS) celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Aluminium Processing Excellence Cluster.

Mandates

To fulfill its mission of contributing to the emergence and growth of aluminum processing companies and specialized equipment manufacturers, the Aluminium Valley Society (AVS) has established several strategic priorities.

Enhancing accessibility and the quality of support for entrepreneurs in the Aluminium Valley^®

Supporting entrepreneurs is one of the main mandates of the Aluminium Valley Society (AVS). Whether through financial assistance via the Rio Tinto Fund for the Aluminium Valley^® or through our role as advisor and facilitator, we support entrepreneurs in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region at every stage of their projects.

Strengthening connections between organizations and acting in complementarity

Collaboration among the various organizations linked to the aluminum industry is essential to the success of the sector and to effectively supporting entrepreneurs. The Aluminium Valley Society (AVS) therefore makes it a priority to foster connections between organizations through the development of an action plan and by actively participating in various industry-related committees.

Promoting the emergence of new production activities

As part of the Québec Aluminum Development Strategy, the Aluminium Valley Society (AVS) has been mandated to accelerate the development of aluminum processing projects in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region to enhance the value chain. This development involves identifying business opportunities, attracting foreign investors and partners, and advancing specific projects.

Coordination of the Aluminium Processing Excellence Cluster

Through its actions, the Aluminium Valley Society (AVS) fulfills the mission of the Aluminium Processing Excellence Cluster, which is to position the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region as one of the world’s leading hubs for aluminum processing. This is achieved by supporting the growth of existing companies in the region and actively contributing to the establishment of new businesses.

Supporting the commercialization of businesses

The Aluminium Valley Society (AVS) supports the commercialization efforts of companies, notably through the Export-Équipementiers project and by managing the Chantier-Équipementiers initiative of AluQuébec.

Export-Équipementiers
Launched in 2014, this project aims to support equipment manufacturers from the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region in developing markets in the Middle East through the creation of a consortium.

Chantier-Équipementiers and Specialized Suppliers
SVA contributes its expertise to the Chantier-Équipementiers and Specialized Suppliers initiative of AluQuébec, which seeks to identify and implement actions to increase business volume for equipment manufacturers and specialized suppliers in Québec.

Advisory Role

The SVA serves as the entry point for aluminum projects, providing support to entrepreneurs at every stage of their projects.

Identification of financial or business partners
Supply chain and value chain support
Market knowledge
Networking and connections
Project communications (press conferences, press releases, etc.)
Research and development
Business case development and analysis
Hosting missions

Securing support

Benefits of being a member of the Aluminium Valley Society

A specialized and synergistic industrial cluster

A cluster made up of around one hundred synergistic companies supported by a strong network of partners
Companies involved in secondary and tertiary aluminum processing, and world-class equipment manufacturers
Over 7,000 direct jobs and 30,000 indirect jobs

A Strategic Geographical Location

Raw materials accessible in multiple forms and alloys, including liquid aluminum
An efficient industrial transportation network across North America (highways, 3 commercial airports, a freight-optimized railway network connected to major North American networks, and 2 deep-water port facilities)
Low-cost renewable energy: hydroelectric power
Accessible natural gas network

The expertise of nearly 400 researchers in the field of aluminum

Specialized Training at the Professional, Technical, and University Levels

University Level:
Aluminum Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering
College Level:
Metallurgical Engineering Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, Industrial Electronics Technology, Mechanical Engineering Techniques, Chemical Engineering Techniques, Analytical Chemistry Techniques, Industrial Engineering Techniques
Vocational Training:
Welding and Assembly, Foundry Metallurgy, Machining Techniques, Machining on Machine Tools