From idea to prototype in 55 weeks or the explosive birth of the Détritube!

Clermont and Jean Fortin like things to go fast!

Their enterprise, Vehicles Inpak, was founded in 2010, the culmination of years of experience in the field of refuse management vehicles. But above all it was the product of Fortin father-and-son ingenuity.

First they made a sketch of an idea. Then they met with a seasoned businessman, André Nadeau. From there, things fell into place at breakneck speed: incorporation of the company, signature of the shareholder agreement, plans design, patent and trademark application and, ultimately, translation of the sketch into two working prototypes … all within 55 weeks. Not to mention that Inpak Vehicles Inc. was regional award-winner in the Technological and Technical Innovations category, at the 13th edition of the Concours québécois en entrepreneuriat (CQE). Talk about getting off to a good start!

The product: the Détritube

The Détritube is a solid waste, compost, and recycling collection body with innovative features: cylinder-shaped, made in aluminium and semi-automated. The aluminium, cylindrical shape body weighs a mere 4,600 kg compared to the competition’s 7,600 kg bodies. The lighter vehicle weight translates into increased payload capacity and reduced energy expenditure. Two compaction rams mounted on ball bearings reduce motion friction in the body, thereby minimizing hydraulic demand and energy consumption.

Directly in line with the Agency’s Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS)

Inpak Vehicles sought the support of Canada Economic Development on two occasions. A first contribution was granted to complete development of the innovative refuse collection body concept, and a second to commercialize the Détritube on Canadian and U.S. markets.

The entrepreneurs expect this process to result in the creation of some 10 jobs and $12.5 million in sales—with exports accounting for more than $3.5 million— by 2013.

This new dumpster fits into the current of sustainable development and greenhouse gas reduction:  it not only hauls a larger volume of waste material with the same equipment, but also consumes less fuel. This project is also consistent with Canada Economic Development’s Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS) in that it involves the development and commercialization of a new environmental technology that uses less energy.

The company is located in the Centre-du-Québec region, which is mainly home to traditional industries. The completion of this project will promote the growth of an innovative enterprise, while dovetailing with two regional priorities for Canada Economic Development, namely, the transportation equipment sector and the recovery and value processing of residual material (as an original vehicle manufacturer).

Patents pending

In the North American market, the company will have to compete against several Canadian and American competitors. However, its unique refuse collection body has many competitive advantages.

A patentability study conducted on various parts of the new product concluded that the Détritube met the three main criteria for an invention to be patentable, namely, novelty, inventiveness and utility. Canada and United States patent applications have been filed and a patent pending number, received.

Environmental awareness having made recycling and selective collection a part of our everyday lives, a new vehicle like the Détritube which provides a greener collection process, is one more step in the good direction.