Putting innovation first

Founded in 1984, Delastek is a world-class Mauricie firm specializing in the development of electrical, electronic and electro-mechanical systems and the manufacture of composite and plastic parts for the aerospace and transportation sectors. The enterprise’s client list includes such major corporations as Bombardier Aerospace, Bell Helicopter, Pratt & Whitney, CAE, Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), Labrie Environmental Group and Prévost Car.

Based in Shawinigan, Delastek is living proof that it is indeed possible to operate in the aerospace industry from regions outside of the major urban centres.

The company’s directors, Claude Lessard and Lucie McCutcheon, believe in the importance of top-notch research and continuous innovation in designing products. It is therefore no great surprise to learn that this dynamic SME invests 10% of its revenues in research and development.

Strength in unity

Delastek is firmly rooted in a culture of innovation. The firm spent three years working to develop an innovative new technology with a group of partners from the aerospace sector. Headed up by the Consortium de recherche et d’innovation en aérospatiale au Québec ( CRIAQ), this group included, along with Delastek, the National Research Council of Canada’s Aerospace Manufacturing Technology Centre ( NRC-AMT), Bell Helicopter Textron (Canada and United States), Pratt & Whitney, Concordia and McGill universities, and the Canadian and U.S. armed forces.

Delastek succeeded in capitalizing on the expert knowledge of the members of this group to develop new technology that will help the company enhance its position as an integrator within the aerospace and transport sectors.

When the time came to start implementing and commercializing this new technology, the firm turned to Canada Economic Development for support. With the funding provided by the Agency, Delastek was able to acquire the technological equipment needed and develop the manufacturing techniques required to satisfy the exacting demands of the aerospace sector.

“This contribution from Canada Economic Development made it possible for us to develop and market our research outputs,” explained Delastek President Claude Lessard. “Thanks to this new advanced technology, our enterprise now has exclusive know-how that reinforces our efficiency. We expect to be able to create 35 new jobs within the next three years,” he concluded.