Mercier Industries: Forging a Family Success Story in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean
For 76 years, Mercier Industries has specialized in the manufacturing of spare parts equipment and industrial tools. With deep roots in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, this family business received a first investment from the Fonds régionaux, which will ensure its growth and therefore benefit the entire Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region.
In collaboration with Annie Taillon 
Sara Mercier, President and General Manager of Mercier Industries and a proud member of the family's third generation, donned her steel-capped boots and joined her siblings, Vincent and Gabrielle, as they followed the path paved by their father and grandfather. She likes to say that her team is made up of "versatility specialists," meaning that they have equipped themselves with the tools to efficiently meet the wide variety of their client's manufacturing needs. "Competitors either specialize in machining parts or in mechanized welding. Thanks to high technology and automation, Mercier Industries deepened its expertise in both specialties," explains Sara Mercier.
In 1992, the company made a shift to digitally-operated machining then, in 2012, integrated robotic welding to further improve productivity without neglecting the humans who run the machinery.
"Despite the technological and industrial nature of Mercier Industries, the human aspect always remains a priority and this is one of the reasons why we've been a perfect match," adds Annie Taillon, Director of Investments at the Fonds régionaux de solidarité FTQ—Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean.
In order to maintain its leadership position in this field, Mercier Industries is required to break the mould over and over again. Indeed, for Sara Mercier, innovation is essential if they are to remain competitive.
"Takeover entrepreneurship is about ensuring the continuity of what has been built and investing to maintain steady growth. The FRS is a reassuring ally for what is to come."
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*Audio interview in French only, but English subtitles available.
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Visit Mercier Industries' facilities in photo
Equipping Her Family Business
The impact of this investment is not confined to the walls of Mercier Industries. Indeed, its impact ripples across the entire Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region and contributes to boosting its economy.
"Mercier Industries is recognized in its market and is a local player that supplies several regional customers," says Annie Taillon.
This investment will give Mercier Industries the opportunity to diversify its offer in the mining and forestry sectors, two major industries both regionally and provincially.
"We will be able to process this growing demand here, locally, which favours a shorter distribution chain and the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region's economy," adds Sara Mercier.
Moreover, this injection of capital contributes to the economy of an entire region. The FRSs are therefore ideal for local and regional players, because they know their environment and focus on industries which have integrated Quebec's economic fabric.
The Fonds' double impact is when a company like Mercier Industries is granted funds to remain competitive and to solidify its leadership, while also generating a positive impact for its region.
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