A leader in the building electromechanical industry for 40 years, TBC Constructions announces the launch of a brand-new entity, TBC Fabrication, specializing in the manufacture of cutting-edge modular systems, whose state-of-the-art plant was inaugurated today in the Iberville industrial park in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. TBC Fabrication will rely on several innovative technologies to produce mechanical and electrical modular assemblies and various components ahead of construction.
In addition to the automation of industrial processes, the technological advances deployed in the new plant include:
- a robotized welding cell unique in North America;
- a plasma cutting zone;
- component bending;
- automated production of structures;
- the use of artificial intelligence for operations management, procurement and engineering.
At a time when Quebec has been hit by a housing crisis, and with a deficit in asset retention, we need to build faster, build better and build more cheaply. TBC Fabrication will tackle these three industry challenges.
« The ingenuity, audacity and determination of our teams are at the heart of TBC Fabrication. Innovating to turn obstacles into opportunities has enabled us to create a unique solution to today's construction challenges, while setting the standards for tomorrow's industry. ,” said TBC Fabrication President Mathieu Saint-Gelais.
The new plant project required an investment of $18 million. The Quebec government, for its part, recognized TBC Fabrication’s full potential and showed its confidence in the company by contributing $6.5 million through the ESSOR program, administered by Investissement Québec as the government’s agent.
« Thanks to a $6.5 million investment from our government, TBC Fabrication has acquired a state-of-the-art, high-performance plant to develop unique modular systems. These innovative solutions will not only boost productivity in the construction industry, they will also address the issue of labour scarcity, enabling us to build better and faster, throughout Quebec. Investing in local companies is good for housing, good for our economy and good for our regions! »
- Christine Fréchette, Minister of the Economy, Innovation and Energy
and Minister responsible for Regional Economic Development
Productivity: a 400% leap
Automating certain operations at the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu plant will reduce the impact of the shortage of skilled labour, which is slowing the pace of production in the construction sector.
In synergy with the industry, TBC Fabrication is introducing a revolutionary approach that takes advantage of working indoors, sheltered from the weather, to deliver components and technical modules combining mechanical [plumbing, heating, ventilation] and electrical systems directly to construction sites.
According to a study by the consulting engineering firm Progima, integrating the innovative technologies and processes developed by TBC Fabrication will significantly increase productivity, by up to 400%, a timely advance given the housing crisis affecting many regions of Quebec.
« The time savings will reduce costs and speed up construction starts, in both the industrial sector and high-density residential construction, two fast-growing markets ,” added Mr. Saint-Gelais, who is also pleased with the positive impact of modular construction in reducing the carbon footprint and GHG emissions.
An independent entity
In addition to inaugurating the new Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu plant, TBC management took advantage of the launch to unveil the brand image of the new entity, whose operations will be separate from those of the parent company, TBC Constructions.
« Fully aligned with the government’s goal of improving the performance of the construction sector, TBC Fabrication confirms our ambition to be a catalyst for change. Through our collaborative and responsible approach, TBC is meeting the industry’s optimization needs ,” said Sébastien Pelletier, President and CEO of TBC Constructions.
TBC Fabrication has been a partner of the École de technologie supérieure’s Industrial Research Chair on the Integration of Digital Technologies in Construction for 7 years.
The new plant will begin operating, and production of the first modules will start, in January 2025.
About TBC Fabrication
A company specializing in modular prefabrication, TBC Fabrication designs technical modules that integrate the electromechanical components for every type of building at its plant in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. The company uses advanced technologies such as welding robots and programmable controllers, and relies on artificial intelligence to continuously improve its processes and ensure optimal quality control of its designs.
Founded in Quebec City in 1984, TBC Constructions meets the challenges of modern industrial, commercial and institutional construction thanks to the recognized expertise of its 500 employees.
