Norda Stelo acquires CWA Engineers

Norda Stelo and CWA’s teams (CNW Group/Norda Stelo)

QUÉBEC CITY — Quebec-based independent engineering consulting firm Norda Stelo Inc. has reached a milestone in its journey with the strategic acquisition of Vancouver-based engineering powerhouse, CWA Engineers Inc. (CWA). This move reflects a collaboration between Norda Stelo’s background and CWA’s leadership.

The leadership team from CWA will integrate into Norda Stelo, enhancing the collective capabilities of both firms.

Norda Stelo’s background in automation, port and rail infrastructure design, and liquid/gas material handling aligns with CWA’s knowledge in bulk material handling. This strategic alignment, supported by an ESG framework, positions the firm in engineering.

This acquisition will help in harnessing synergies that leverage Norda Stelo’s core strengths in ESG and asset management, harmonizing them with CWA’s legacy of engineering solutions catering to diverse terminal configurations and throughputs. Together, they will collaboratively shape an integrated “site-to-port” strategy for clients, fortifying their complete value chain, spanning from resource extraction to national and global distribution.

“Drawing from our complementary services, we are poised to become the global leader in smart “site-to-port” operations, tending to the ports and terminals sector, as well as in the mining, rail, construction aggregates, and wood product industries,” said Alex Brisson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norda Stelo. “With CWA, we have an opportunity to enhance our service offering to long-term client partnerships from both companies and to expand our reach with significant projects nationally and in foreign markets, focussing on the USA and beyond.”

Operating under the Norda Stelo brand after the 6-month transition period concludes, the acquisition will incorporate over 100 engineers, technologists, designers, and support staff into the company’s existing 750 employees. Leadership and locations will remain consistent, with CWA’s CEO, Raymond Chu, assuming the role of Vice President, Western Canada and USA, and operating from the former CWA offices in Vancouver, BC. This strategic move ensures continuity and sets the stage for continued growth and success.

CDPQ is also participating in the transaction to merge Norda Stelo and CWA with a loan of $12 million.

“CDPQ is proud to support the expansion of this Québec company and support its entry in the Western Canadian engineering market,” said Kim Thomassin, Executive Vice-President and Head of Québec at CDPQ. “This initial investment by CDPQ in Norda Stelo will help drive the company’s activities to its next stage of growth. In addition to more broadly promoting its industrial engineering expertise, this transaction will also open international doors for the company with new contracts in various regions.”

This transaction is part of CDPQ’s Ambition ME strategy, which involves supporting medium-sized companies with strong development potential and driving their next stage of growth.