From point A to point B: along the path from aluminium to Bixis!

Cycles Devinci makes cycling a lifestyle

Since it was founded in 1987, this Saguenay region company has been continually innovating to make its brand one of the best in its field.

Thanks to the vision and determination of its president, Félix Gauthier, who began investing in the huge potential of Devinci products in 1990, the company is steadily expanding and even carving out an enviable niche for itself in foreign markets.

Developing local resources

The Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region has many resources, particularly aluminum, which is highly sought after for innovation purposes.

When he decided to continue expanding his company at its Chicoutimi location, Félix Gauthier decided to build on his region’s strengths and take advantage of the abundant supply of the raw material aluminum—sometimes called grey gold—that he needed and which makes Devinci bicycles unique. According to Mr. Gauthier, quality products have fuelled the company’s growth (Le Quotidien, November 9, 2009).

At the start of the Grand défi Pierre Lavoie
2010, Devinci bikes are up and ready!

Because of its quality products, Cycles Devinci has a reputation that extends well beyond the region, Quebec and even Canada. In fact, the company is continuing its campaign to break into export markets by promoting its very popular product: the BIXI bicycle.

In 2009, Canada Economic Development allocated funding to the SMEs to help it acquire equipment and reorganize its plant to produce BIXI bicycles for Stationnement de Montréal and the Société de vélo en libre-service.

BIXIs were a big hit in 2009 with Montrealers, who rented the urban bicycles in droves. Relying on its expertise in product development, Cycles Devinci developed the prototype and now produces the bicycle’s pioneering frame from aluminum produced in the Saguenay region. BIXIs are the perfect combination of creativity, design, innovation and boldness.

With the introduction of BIXIs, Cycles Devinci is venturing into international markets. Eighty-six cities are interested in this bicycle-sharing concept. To date, in addition to Montreal, BIXIs will be available in the cities of London, Melbourne and Minneapolis in the summer of 2010 and many other cities around the world have expressed interest. Because of Cycles Devinci, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean aluminum will be a key component of the bicycles used on the world’s finest cycling treks.

Cyclists have also commented on the quality and especially the sturdiness of BIXI bicycles. In 2009, no bicycles were returned to Devinci because of defects. This statistic speaks for itself.

Regional pride

Cycles Devinci has not only been a source of regional pride for over 20 years because of the innovative products it manufactures from aluminum processed in the region, but it is also a major employer in the region and an active participant in efforts to diversify the region’s economy.

Since 2000, Canada Economic Development has supported Cycles Devinci during various phases of the company’s growth by allocating four repayable funding contributions. The various projects put forward by Devinci indicate the willingness of Mr. Gauthier and his partners to raise awareness of their region in foreign markets. The choices they have made and the financial assistance they have received from Canada Economic Development are also helping them to carry out necessary improvements to their plant in order to continue expanding at home and create a large number of jobs.

Moreover, the company’s most recent projects are consistent with a regional strategy to promote the use of aluminum through the development of innovative secondary and tertiary processing companies.

Having developed BIXI bicycles and having acquired a new assembly line, Cycles Devinci can increase its sales and create jobs during difficult economic times.

The next time you travel abroad, don’t be surprised to find the Devinci name if you decide to rent a self‑service bicycle. You can be sure of being able to cycle with peace of mind.