J.L. Leclerc & Fils and Portes and Fenêtres Abritek receive federal funding
by CM Staff
Thanks to this CED assistance, the two businesses led or co‑led by women will be able to improve their productivity and production capacity.
SAINT-GEORGES — Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for CED, announced financial support for J.L. Leclerc & Fils and Portes & Fenêtres Abritek. Thanks to this CED assistance, the two businesses led or co‑led by women will be able to improve their productivity and production capacity.
Founded in 1988, J.L. Leclerc & Fils specializes in the design, manufacture, and assembly of mechanically welded products mainly for the energy and transportation industries. The business is a strategic supplier for several major prime contractors in sectors of activity focused on reducing GHGs, such as electric transportation and hydroelectricity. Since 2008, the vice‑presidency of this family‑run SME has been assumed by Julie Leclerc. Thanks to the $1M repayable contribution from CED, the business will be able to acquire and commission a digital machining centre and robotic production equipment, including three welding cells, a laser cutter, and a folding press.
In business since 1947, Portes & Fenêtres Abritek manufactures doors, windows, and patio doors. Since 2014, this third-generation family-run business has been led by a management team consisting of three women, Josée Bilodeau, Bianca Dupuis, and Catherine Dupuis, and one man, Jonathan Dupuis. Other key duties have also been entrusted to family members, among other things to ensure sales continue to grow. The business wishes to continue automating its processes by acquiring new digital equipment that performs better. The $500,000 repayable contribution from CED will focus on the purchase and installation of a mullion end milling machine and an automatic cutting centre with an integrated machining function for the manufacturing line for tilt-and-turn windows and patio doors.
“CED’s contribution will enable the business to accelerate its technological transformation project to boost its growth in the coming years and remain a partner of choice for major prime contractors,” said Julie Leclerc, Vice‑President, J.L. Leclerc & Fils inc.
