Metal 7: finding the right vein!

In the 1970s, who would have dared to quit their job to start their own business? Probably not very many people; Arthur Leblanc was one of those who did. He was both a pioneer and a visionary in 1974 by creating Atelier d’usinage Sept-Îles. It became Metal 7 and, today, under the leadership of Christian Michaud and his team, the SME is internationally recognized for its skill in thermal coating. The processes developed there extend the life of parts or equipment subjected to intense use and extreme conditions, like in aluminum plants, paper mills, iron ore pelletizing plants, etc.

Stepping outside one’s comfort zone

The SME, which started with traditional equipment and a few welders, made its way as a subcontractor for the large industries in Sept-Îles. In the early 1980s, with the closing of the Schefferville mine, the pelletizing facilities in Sept-Îles and the shutdown of the Port-Cartier paper mill, the region was left with excess capacity in the metal fabrication sector. Since Mr. Leblanc had fortunately invested in acquiring coating technologies, he weathered the storm fairly smoothly by exporting his knowledge. It was then that he broke into the United States and Europe with one creation: screen rolls. Success was immediate!

7 is a lucky number, right?

However, in 1985, illness struck. The company was sold, but its initial raison d’être remained. Major changes were made to operations, including the addition of research and development activities with the aim of consolidating the SME ’s expertise. As such, it came up with a long-term development strategy together with the existing team and the support of marketing and technology consultants. It had to deal with a tough reality specific to the regions: the lack of specialized labour. To maintain their pole position, the senior managers at Metal 7 considered moving, but the metallurgy industrial cluster located in Sept-Îles, along with the partnerships developed over time, kept them there.

Doing more with less

In 2001, the company went to digital technology in order to increase productivity. Canada Economic Development stepped in to support the equipment purchase. Within four years, the SME succeeded in boosting its sales figures by 50%, despite the labour shortage. And recently, Metal 7 automated part of its operations. Acquiring a multi-axis digital boring mill, with financial assistance from the Government of Canada, made it possible to decrease machining time from 8 hours to 1.5 hours for its star product: roller screen rolls.

The knowledge and experience of its staff could therefore be put to good use in the company’s other areas—an advantage in the pursuit of growth. A wise choice that helped the SME retain its employees.

Today, the plant exports 70% of its production to nearly 50 plants located in 17 countries on the five continents. It is by valuing the work of its employees that the SME ensures their loyalty. And to be sure of having qualified staff, it recruits graduates right out of school to train them in a stimulating environment, on the cutting edge of technology. A strategy that pays off!