News

Soprema has announced plans to invest $42.8 million, rather than the $20 million initially anticipated, to build its first North American plant to manufacture extruded polystyrene boards for the building industry in Sherbrooke.

“Buildings experience significant energy losses. Our challenge is to design buildings differently to optimize their energy performance,” explained Richard Voyer, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Soprema North America at a press conference.

The insulation boards to be produced at the plant starting in 2018 are intended for the northeast U.S. market. The thermal panels, which Soprema already manufactures in Spain, have applications in both the residential and commercial sectors, particularly in building foundations, roofing systems and various civil engineering structures.

The plant is expected to employ some 60 people in the initial phase. The presence of Université de Sherbrooke and the support of municipal authorities were determining factors in the selection of Sherbrooke as the new plant’s location.

The project received financial support from the Québec government, which provided a $5-million loan and a $1.5-million non-refundable contribution. Soprema also received a $2-million non-refundable contribution from the Canadian government.

About Soprema
Founded in Strasbourg, France in 1908, Soprema specializes in the production of innovative insulation, waterproofing, soundproofing and vegetated solutions for the building and civil engineering industries. Soprema’s North American head office and research centre are located in Québec, where it already operates three facilities and employs 350 people.