Montréal, September 6, 2013 – The President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal, Michel Leblanc, emphasized the importance of making up the productivity gap in Quebec businesses. He made this statement at a press conference held this morning by Élaine Zakaïb, Minister for Industrial Policy and the Banque de développement du Québec, before members of the Regroupement des équipementiers en automatisation industrielle (REAI). The event took place at Axium’s offices in Anjou, where the company announced having entered into the most lucrative industrial automation contract ever obtained by a Quebec company with a foreign client.
“Our economic growth is based in large part on our ability to increase business productivity,” Michel Leblanc says. “Quebec’s performance in this area has historically been lower than in Canada and, to an even greater extent, the United States. The manufacturing sector must bank on automation and robotics strategies to bridge the gap that is hindering its competitiveness.”
“The announcement by Axium’s management is a reminder that manufacturers have access to leading, international-calibre expertise in automation right here in Quebec,” Michel Leblanc says. “This is great news, because modernizing industrial equipment is essential to support growth in the manufacturing sector in Quebec and the metropolitan area.”
“With the upcoming adoption of an industrial policy for Quebec, the Board of Trade asks the Minister to include in it measures that will promote an increase in business productivity,” Mr. Leblanc says. “Manufacturers need to know more about what Quebec has to offer in terms of automated solutions. They also need easier access to the financing necessary to acquire the equipment. An industrial policy that achieves these objectives will contribute to making the manufacturing sector in Quebec and the city more competitive, maintaining employment and building our collective wealth.”
About the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is made up of some 7,000 members. Its mission is to represent the interests of the business community of Greater Montréal and to provide individuals, merchants, and local businesses of all sizes with a variety of specialized services to help them achieve their full potential in terms of innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. The Board of Trade is Quebec's leading private economic development organization.
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Source:
Michelle LLambias Meunier
Advisor, Communications
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Tel.: 514 871-4000, ext. 4042
mllambias@ccmm.qc.ca
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