The exceptional quality of Côte-Nord sea mud
Aesthetic and spa services are gaining in popularity among a growing number of consumers looking for relaxation and the benefits of all-natural products. Denise Saulnier, a young retired teacher with deep roots in the Côte-Nord region, came up with the idea to start the company Argile eau mer to harness the potential of mud deposits offering exceptional qualities. Pointe-aux-Outardes sea mud has been compared to the Mont-Saint-Michel mud deposits in Normandy, France, and the high-mineral muds of the Dead Sea in Israel.
Since 2002, Argile eau mer, a firm specializing in the extraction, refining and processing of sea mud, has been marketing a line of natural products of irrefutable quality under the name Boues de Manicouagan.
Development of a remarkable line of products
Denise Saulnier first turned to Canada Economic Development for support during the pre-startup stage of Argile eau mer. The company received a contribution to carry out the testing and experimentation needed to develop the manufacturing and transformation process for the end product. This essential step made it possible to market a first line of products for cosmetic and spa use which included sea mud, dehydrated clay and clay stones.
“Canada Economic Development’s support of Argile eau mer from the very get-go has made all the difference,” said Denise Saulnier. “Its financial assistance and business guidance allowed me to make the right choices in terms of everything from product development, manufacturing equipment and commercialization.”
In a single year, the company had more than doubled its sales. With such compelling evidence of its potential for growth, Argile eau mer was able to secure financial support from Canada Economic Development for the acquisition of equipment needed to set up a production line. This enabled the company to make the transition from small-scale manufacturing to larger-scale commercial production.
“Canada Economic Development’s support of Argile eau mer from the very get-go has made all the difference,”
said Denise Saulnier.“ Its financial assistance and business guidance allowed me to make the right choices in terms of everything from product development, manufacturing equipment and commercialization. Our enterprise now has a solid foundation and I am able to see the value of that each and every day.”
Today, Argile eau mer is one of the movers and shakers in the economic diversification of Manicouagan. The firm, which created six jobs in the municipality of Pointe-aux-Outardes, is already exporting its processed mud to China and Europe and has partnered with a French company to distribute its products throughout Asia, the Americas and Europe. Manicouagan mud may soon be putting Côte-Nord on the map in all corners of the world!
