Our vision
Recognition for Aluminium Valley® as an attraction and innovation hub in the fields of aluminium transformation and specialized equipment manufacturing.
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 Aluminium 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 aluminium transformation ventures and equipment manufacturers. Combining their efforts, Aluminium Valley Society and various regional stakeholders fostered the emergence of an aluminium 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’aluminium (CQRDA) is born.
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1994
Several aluminium 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 aluminium transformation forum, partners identify the actions required to achieve a major project: Positioning the region as a legitimate aluminium transformation hub.
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2000
The Quebec Government officially designates the Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean region “Aluminium Valley”.
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2001
Official launch of Aluminium 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 aluminium transformation industry and provides financial assistance to cover the organization’s operating expenses.
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2004-05
The NRC Aluminium Technology Centre is created and soon becomes a national reference for aluminium assembling and forming.
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2005
Aluminium Valley Society and its partners organize their first Aluminium 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, Aluminium Valley Society, representing the Aluminium Work Group, is tasked with stimulating aluminium transformation and specialized equipment manufacturing activities, and participating in the implementation, startup, and growth of regional aluminium-related ventures.
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2018
Aluminium Valley Society continues its efforts to grow equipment manufacturing and aluminium transformation in Aluminium Valley.
Our Team
Christian Fillion,
General manager
Lilianne Savard,
Excellence Cluster Director | Aluminium Transformation
Cyndie Boily,
Administrative assistant
Vincent Garbugli,
Projects managerNotre conseil d’administration
Carole Chapdelaine,
President Prysmian Group - General cable- Usine Lapointe
Claude Bouchard,
Vice-president Promotion Saguenay
Donat Pearson,
Secretary-Treasurer Syndicat national des employés de l'aluminium Arvida
Martin Belzile,
Administrator Corporation d'innovation et développement Alma - Lac-Saint-Jean-Est
Emmanuel Bergeron,
Administrator Rio Tinto
Patrice Côté,
Administrator Dynamic concept
Patrick Dubé,
Administrator Sotrem-Maltech
Marie-Claude Gagnon,
Administrator SIMARD BOIVIN LEMIEUX S.E.N.C.R.L.
Denis Garneau,
Administrator Alia conseil
Geneviève Giasson,
Administrator Elkem
Sara-Maude Montepellier,
Administrator Fjordtech
Stéphan Simard,
Administrator Centre des technologies de l’aluminium du Conseil national de recherche du Canada
Louise Bélanger,
Observer Ministère de l'Économie, de la Science et de l'Innovation
Paulyne Cadieux,
Observer Réseau Trans-Al
Martin Charron,
Observer AluQuébec
Gilles Déry,
Observer Centre québécois de recherche et de développement de l'aluminiumOur 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.
