Moulures Transform: elbow grease and good ideas

Prologue: in a basement

“Whenever we introduce an innovation, what matters to us is the quality of the finished product and the satisfaction of the client,” said Alain Girard, seen here with his brother, Rémi (right).

The story of Moulures Transform (Transform Mouldings) began a long time ago, when a young Alain Girard was working in a workshop manufacturing counters while also making cabinets on the side, in his parents’ basement. Feeling ready and confident in his abilities, he told his father he was interested in acquiring the company he worked for and his father advanced the funds. An entrepreneur was born! “It was my first company,” Mr. Girard reminisced. “We specialized in the manufacture of non-standard counters, that is counters that cannot be mass produced. The company was called Comptoir Sag-Lac, a firm I headed for 25 years.”

Part I: patience and ingenuity

Always on the lookout for new trends, the businessman saw a promising future in the cabinet door business. Since there was virtually only one manufacturer of the product in all of North America, he figured he could carve out a place for himself. He decided to establish, with his brother Rémi, Moulures Transform. “We developed our project realistically and reasonably, put together our financial partners, and voilà! Actually, Canada Economic Development was one of our first allies, which gave us a good leg up.” Hence the creation, in Alma, of Moulures Transform, an enterprise specialized in cabinet panel components. The company primarily manufactures mouldings used to cover cabinets, made out of large sheets of medium-density fiberboard (MDF), a manufactured material made from wood fibres and glue. The sheets are cut, then chiselled in a moulding machine with custom knives designed by Sabec, a Saguenay company. A polyester paper is then bonded to the moulding, covering it perfectly with no bare spots or impurities. This delicate operation is done with a multi-adjustable machine based on European technology and funded in large part by Canada Economic Development..

Part II: just chugging along

Since its inception in April 2007, Moulures Transform has grown slowly but surely. What makes a difference for this successful young company? “A balanced combination of passion and experience!” said Mr. Girard. The key to this quiet success lies in the minutia¿the little details, the hairline adjustments¿and the dedication to doing better. By addressing problems as they arise, the two brothers have gained better control of the materials they use and are less dependent on large suppliers. This has enabled them to increase production capacity, keep a better inventory and deliver better quality products in less time. 

Ever practical, Alain Girard painstakingly modifies and tweaks his machines until they do exactly what he wants them to do. He is observant and resourceful; technical problems are no match for his ingenuity.

By pooling their respective strengths and skills, the two brothers make an effective team: Alain Girard handles the administration side and product development while Rémi Girard is more in charge of workshop operations and staff oversight. “When I come up with a new product, a new method I’ve tested and want to introduce, Rémi is our quality custodian. He makes sure that every step in the process is properly executed,” noted Alain Girard.

Epilogue: continuity and innovation

Moulures Transform is maintaining its steady growth momentum. The two entrepreneurs enjoy to run a tight ship and ensure that everything that needs to be done is done well. They have a lot of development projects and whenever they introduce an innovation, what matters to them is the quality of the finished product and the satisfaction of the client. Alain Girard concluded. “Ultimately, the secret of our success is good old elbow grease and good ideas!”

For more on Moulures Transform (in French; English Web site under construction), visit http://www.moulurestransform.ca/page.php?id=1