From traditional velvets to high-tech fabrics
This story traces its beginnings to 1832, in France, when a weaver named Jean-Baptiste Martin, with the gumption of an entrepreneur, decides to specialize in the production of fine velvet. More than 175 years later, the times have changed as so has the firm JB Martin, shifting the trademark excellence for which it had become known worldwide to the manufacture of technical fabrics. Since moving its operations to Quebec and setting up shop in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu in 1934, JB Martin has been weaving its way into every corner of the world.
180-degree turn
In was in the 1980s, as globalization was making its way into the North American textiles market, that JB Martin shifted its course for a new direction. The Quebec factory gradually began moving away from its traditional activities to focus more on the manufacture of high-performance protective and composite-reinforced fabrics.
Since moving its operations to Quebec and setting up shop in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu in 1934, JB Martin has been weaving its way into every corner of the world. The formula has certainly paid off. JB Martin has already improved its productivity, created 58 jobs and increased its export sales, and the firm projects a 50% increase in its revenues within the next few years.
To carry out this reorientation, JB Martin decided to invest in modernizing its factory. It acquired leading-edge equipment, installed a computer system and began developing fabrics made with high-performance fibres. This diversification strategy allowed the company to gain a foothold in a broad range of new markets like civil engineering, sports, ground transportation, aeronautics and wind energy. In addition to its Canadian customers, the firm sells its products in the U.S., Japan, South Africa, and other countries, to fire departments, the armed forces, forestry companies, athletes, and the list goes on. With their solid commitment to service, JB Martin employees don’t just listen to their customers, they work with them to create new and better products.
Canada Economic Development is a proud partner of JB Martin’s specialization project, knowing that the company has always succeeded in capitalizing on the latest technologies to continue growing and strengthening its hold in the international marketplace. “Every day, our researchers raise the bar on our products by working to find new constructions, mixes and combinations,” explained Nicolas Juillard, the company’s president and CEO.
The formula has certainly paid off. JB Martin has already improved its productivity, created 58 jobs and increased its export sales, and the firm projects a 50% increase in its revenues within the next few years. Despite the magnitude of the changes it has undergone, JB Martin remains faithful to the principles of its founder, Jean-Baptiste. Innovation and excellence are still the calling cards the company carries with it everywhere it goes.
