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An investment of $215 million in the Capitale-Nationale region
Québec City, May 29, 2018 – Through its ESSOR program, the Government of Québec is granting an $81 million loan to La Maison Simons, while Investissement Québec, using its own funds, is making a $17 million equity investment in the company in the form of preferred shares, to support the establishment of a highly automated multiservice fulfilment centre in the Capitale-Nationale region. This new site, which will open its doors in early 2020 in the Espace d’Innovation Chauveau, will enable the company to step up its e-commerce activities.
Dominique Anglade, Deputy Premier, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy and Sébastien Proulx, Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports and Minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale region, made announcement today.
This project, valued at $215 million, will raise the number of jobs provided by La Maison Simons at the new fulfilment centre to almost 450 in the year following the start of its operations.
The project also aims to maintain the company’s current distribution centre in order to establish a multi-user e-commerce centre for Québec businesses wanting to go digital or further integrate digital technology and e-commerce into their business models. To this end, an agreement in principle has been reached between La Maison Simons and the Ministère de l’Économie, de la Science et de l’Innovation to establish a business partnership aimed at implementing a first multi-user e-commerce centre within two years.
Quotes:
To make Québec one of the most dynamic digital societies in the world, we must especially rely on the determination of visionary companies like La Maison Simons, which stand out for their know-how and their willingness to always stay current with new technologies. We are proud to support this company in the completion of this major project, which falls right into step with the direction of Québec’s Digital Strategy by helping to accelerate the digital transformation of a key sector of our economy: the retail sector.
– Dominique Anglade, Deputy Premier, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy
Digital technology is now part of our daily lives, and businesses must adapt to this new reality. La Maison Simons is one of the companies in the Capitale-Nationale region that has really understood this issue, and it is with great enthusiasm that our government is partnering with it to contribute to its success. The digital shift is well underway in our region, and we must continue to support innovative businesses.
– Sébastien Proulx, Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports and Minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale region
I truly believe that the change in the role of the current distribution centre in the next two years will create a full-fledged e-commerce centre right here in Québec City. By promoting such a project, our government is reiterating its willingness to foster the digital transformation of businesses in the region and throughout Québec.
– Patrick Huot, Member for Vanier-Les Rivières, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister responsible for Government Administration and Ongoing Program Review and Chair of the Conseil du trésor
La Maison Simons’ project is very innovative. The new fulfilment centre will be heavily automated and will integrate robotic and IT activities. It was only natural for Investissement Québec to join forces with La Maison Simons and its partners in order to ensure the success of a home-grown Québec company that has been around for many, many years.
– Pierre Gabriel Côté, President and CEO of Investissement Québec
In the current context of cohabitation between the traditional and digital economy, it has become absolutely necessary for us to meet the needs of our clients by taking into account the evolution of shopping habits. The investment announced today will allow us to offer our employees a working environment at the cutting edge of technology and give them all the tools to increase their productivity. With this new multiservice fulfilment centre, we will be able to continue to grow and ensure our longevity, while maintaining quality jobs in the Québec City region, the place where it all started almost 180 years ago.
– Peter Simons, President and CEO of La Maison Simons
Key points:
- Founded in 1840, La Maison Simons is an industry leader in the retail sector. Its headquarters located in Québec City houses all its operations related to the creation of clothing, lingerie and fashion accessories, the development of its digital platforms and its brand management.
- The ESSOR program is designed to support investment projects in Québec with a view to increasing competitiveness and productivity, creating jobs and promoting sustainable development.
- Québec’s Digital Strategy, announced in the fall of 2017, sets out a concerted government vision to make it possible for Québec to become a digital society.
