Idea rolls to success

Founded by young university graduates Éric Simoneau and David Gingras, Motion Composites of Saint-Roch-de-l’Achigan manufactures and sells the Hélio, the world’s only collapsible wheelchair made entirely of high-performance composite materials.

A revolutionary product

While still studying at university, these two young entrepreneurs put together a business plan so outstanding that it earned them some 10 bursaries and honours, among them the coveted $30,000 Pierre-Péladeau Bursary. After four years of development, the Hélio now ranks among the items covered by the Régie de l'assurance-maladie du Québec, the provincial health insurance plan.

“Our wheelchair helps considerably improve the quality of life of its users,” noted Éric Simoneau. “Forty percent lighter than conventional wheelchairs, it is far easier to operate and a piece of cake to fold up and store in a vehicle,” he added.

The Motion Composites plant is born

When it came time to acquire manufacturing equipment and to put their first commercialization strategy into effect, the two entrepreneurs knocked on Canada Economic Development’s door. There, they received guidance on the Agency’s programs and the steps they needed to take to get the ultimate stage of opening their manufacturing plant. Thanks to CED’s technical and financial support, Motion Composites was able to pursue the development, manufacture and commercialization of this innovative new product.

The Agency’s Lanaudière Business Office has made it a priority to help foster the startup and development of enterprises in the most vulnerable RCMs on its territory so as to stimulate diversification of the local economic base. As well as supporting the efforts of these two young entrepreneurs, this partnership with Motion Composites has made it possible to create sustainable employment in the Saint-Roch-de-l’Achigan area.

“We were fortunate to have the support of experts skilled in regional economic development. While we know we have a good product, our success also stems from the assistance we were able to obtain from Canada Economic Development and others,” concluded David Gingras.

Rising prospects for the future

The fifteen employees specializing in the manufacture of composite parts are now seeing their order books fill up. Thus, only a few months after introducing its wheelchair to the market, Motion Composites has already had to up its annual sales forecasts to a projected $3 million over the next three years. Clearly, this company is rolling toward success.