Our vision
The Aluminum Valley is a nationally and internationally recognized attraction and innovation hub for the aluminum transformation industry and the manufacturing of specialized equipment.
Its reach goes beyond the region and provides tremendous economic impacts for the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region.
Ours values
Collaboration
Success
Professionnalism
Innovation
History
The inauguration of the Arvida smelter in 1927 marked the beginning of a story that would later become The Aluminum Valley. Initially focused on primary aluminium production, the Valley developed a network of equipment manufacturers, specialized suppliers and subcontractors. Later, through a variety of strategic moves, the region started to develop the tools needed to foster the development of aluminum transformation ventures and equipment manufacturers. Combining their efforts, The Aluminum Valley Society and various regional stakeholders fostered the emergence of an aluminum transformation niche of excellence.
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1984-92
Regional stakeholders brainstorm about ways to diversify the area’s industrial foundations, following Alcan’s announcement of job cuts in North America and investments outside the continent.
To mitigate this, regional partners turn to research, financing, and training.
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1993
Centre québécois de recherche et développement de l’aluminum (CQRDA) is born.
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1994
Several aluminum transformation companies start to emerge as other, already existing companies, leap forward. Regional equipment manufacturers gain global recognition and regional SMEs decide to band together under the Trans-Al Network banner.
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1999
On the occasion of the regional aluminum transformation forum, partners identify the actions required to achieve a major project: Positioning the region as a legitimate aluminum transformation hub.
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2000
The Quebec Government officially designates the Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean region “The Aluminium Valley”.
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2001
Official launch of The Aluminum Valley Society. The new organization is supported by diverse regional stakeholders. Moreover, the Quebec Government recognizes AVS’s role as a major intermediary in the aluminum transformation industry and provides financial assistance to cover the organization’s operating expenses.®
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2004-05
The NRC Aluminum Technology Centre is created and soon becomes a national reference for aluminum assembling and forming.
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2005
The Aluminum Valley Society and its partners organize their first Aluminum Valley in Business Trade Show. The event is thereafter repeated every three years.
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2015
In line with the work initiated during the Regional Economic Summit, held on June 18, 2015, The Aluminum Valley Society, representing the Aluminum Work Group, is tasked with stimulating aluminum transformation and specialized equipment manufacturing activities, and participating in the implementation, startup, and growth of regional aluminum-related ventures.
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2018
The Aluminum Valley Society continues its efforts to grow equipment manufacturing and aluminum transformation in Aluminum Valley.
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2021
The AVS is celebrating its 20th anniversary and is more present than ever with equipment manufacturers and aluminum transformation companies in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean.
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2022
New joint general management with the niche of excellence in aluminum transformation and addition of a new place of business in Saguenay. Inauguration of Espace Aluminum, the new place of business in Saguenay with the Créneau d’Excellence en transformation d’aluminum, the Réseau Transal, and AluQuébec
Our Team
Lilianne Savard,
Excellence Cluster Director | Aluminium Transformation
Christian Fillion,
General manager
Cyndie Boily,
Administrative assistant
Vincent Garbugli,
Project managerOur board of directors
Jean-François Desmeules,
President Dynamic concept
Claude Bouchard,
Vice-president Promotion Saguenay
Donat Pearson,
Secretary-Treasurer Syndicat national des employés de l'aluminium Arvida
Maxime Deschenes-Bouchard,
Administrator Corporation d’innovation et développent Alma – Lac-Saint-Jean-Est
Alexandre Morel,
Administrator LAR Machinerie
Emmanuel Bergeron,
Administrator Rio Tinto
Patrick Dubé,
Administrator Sotrem-Maltech
Marie-Claude Gagnon,
Administrator SIMARD BOIVIN LEMIEUX S.E.N.C.R.L.
Denis Garneau,
Administrator Alia conseil
Sara-Maude Montepellier,
Administrator Fjordtech
Stéphan Simard,
Administrator Centre des technologies de l’aluminium du Conseil national de recherche du Canada
Myriam Auclair-Gilbert,
Administrator A3 Surfaces
Louise Bélanger,
Observer Ministère de l'Économie, de la Science et de l'InnovationOur Mandates
Having the mission to foster the emergence and growth of aluminium transformation and specialized equipment manufacturing ventures, AVS has earmarked a number of priority actions.
