MAPEI Canada celebrating expansion
By Adam Freill
Concrete Construction Construction MaterialsConstruction products manufacturer increases production and warehouse capacities at its plant in Laval, Que.
MAPEI Canada executives and employees hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the company’s expanded plant in Laval, Que. (Photo courtesy of MAPEI Canada)
MAPEI is looking to meet the growing need for construction materials in Canada with an expansion in production and warehouse space at its flagship facility in Laval, Que. The products manufacturer hosted an inauguration event to mark the official opening of new powders production and its extended warehouse.
“Now that the powders and admixtures lines are operational, MAPEI Laval is among the biggest and most technologically advanced plants in MAPEI’s North American network,” stated MAPEI Canada general manager Marco Roma. “The new facility allows us meet Northeastern Canada’s growing need for construction materials, admixtures for concrete, plus cement grinding aids.”
The company says that, among the benefits the expansion brings is a a ripple effect that will allow for more balanced production across Canada.
“By enhancing our ability to shift production accordingly for more localization between our plants in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia, we can reduce our carbon footprint with quicker deliveries and shorter distances for transport of supplies to construction sites, impacting all regions of the country,” said Roma.
Maximizing the use of locally sourced materials is part of the MAPEI pillar for improving sustainability in construction.
“Our presence in Canada grew out of an opportunity related to the 1976 Montreal Olympics,” said Veronica and Marco Squinzi, CEOs of MAPEI Group. “We were called upon to supply products for the installation of the Olympic athletic tracks. Our impact in the country was so positive that in 1978 we decided to invest and open, right here in Laval, as our first plant outside Italy.”
Over the past five years, the company has focused on diversifying markets, adding product lines that were not previously in its Canadian portfolio. This includes additives and industrial flooring, both of which have histories with the company in Europe.
“MAPEI North America is on the move,” said Luigi Di Geso, president and CEO of MAPEI North America. “This addition will accommodate a growth that began right here in a modest facility that would be unrecognizable by today’s standards, and yet was cutting-edge just a few short years ago.”
The new powder line will produce 30,000 tons per year per shift. The new admixtures line will produce 7,000 tons per year per shift. The expanded warehousing space can now accommodate more efficient distribution of all this product and includes an additional 50,750 square feet (4,715 m²) to complement the previous 128,000-sq.-ft. (11,892-m²) polymers plant. The company’s R&D Center for Excellence in Concrete Construction, and Canadian head office are also located at the site.
“With 11 product lines covering all aspects of construction, MAPEI Inc. is poised to achieve even greater heights than before in helping build Canada more sustainably for the years to come,” Di Geso added.
2023 marks the 45th anniversary of MAPEI in Canada, as MAPEI Inc. In addition to the Laval location, the company has production facilities in Brampton, Ont., Maskinongé, Que., and Delta, B.C., as well as a distribution centre in Calgary.
