Press Releases

Paris, June 21, 2011 -Clément Gignac, Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade, announced at the International Paris Air Show today that Coriolis Composites-a French company specializing in robot cells and software for fibre placement in the aerospace, automotive and wind turbine industries-will be setting up a subsidiary in Québec. Coriolis Composites Canada will carry out R&D in Québec as well as see to the installation and maintenance of its robots, of which Bombardier is a major buyer. Coriolis expects to invest $5 million for this project and create 15 jobs over 4 years.

Clément Gignac was delighted with Coriolis Composites' decision to locate in Québec: "Quality infrastructures, highly skilled labour and competitive operating costs are a few of the factors that make Québec a prime location for companies wanting to expand in this sector. Investissement Québec asked Coriolis to consider Québec as a possible site, presented the advantages of setting up here, and ultimately helped secure this investment project."

Founded in 2000, Coriolis has sales of ª9 million and employs 50 people in France. The fibre placement technology it has developed relies on standard polyarticuled robots widely used in the automotive industry, as well as innovative fibre placement systems. As opposed to stationary machine-tool systems, robots are readily available off-the-shelf equipment that is  competitively priced, and based on proven technology. Today Coriolis Composites is positioned as an expert and the sole supplier of automated fibre placement technology. It has several world patents to its credit. The aerospace industry is its primary market. 

Clément Gignac stressed the importance of Québec's presence at the International Paris Air Show, a gathering of the industry decision-makers from around the world. "On the international stage, the Montréal area is considered one of the major global aerospace centres. With sales of more than $12.4 billion in 2009, which represents 60% of Canadian production, Québec constitutes the core of Canadian aerospace activity."

About Investissement Québec

Investissement Québec's mission is to foster the growth of investment in Québec, thereby contributing to economic development and job creation in every region. It offers businesses a full range of financial solutions, including loans, loan guarantees and equity investments, to support them at all stages of their development. It is also responsible for tax incentive administration and foreign investment prospecting.

- 30 -