Press Releases

Ottawa and Quebec Provide $30M for Duravit Canada to Launch in Matane

German business chooses Quebec

Matane, July 13, 2023 – The governments of Canada and Quebec are granting a total of $30 million to Duravit Canada to establish a fully automated plant in Matane to produce high end bathroom ceramics. This project by German group Duravit AG, which is aiming for net-zero emissions by 2045, is valued at over $90 million and is expected to create 240 permanent jobs.

All the dignitaries present at the announcement of Duravit's Matane site

The Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), the Honourable Pascale St Onge, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, the Honourable
François-Philippe Champagne, and the Minister for the Economy, Minister Responsible for the Fight Against Racism and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region, Christopher Skeete, made the announcement today.

The plant, which will enter into service in 2025, will be the first production site for Duravit AG in North America. The business aims to supply the North American market, while eliminating its greenhouse gas emissions. Thanks to hydroelectricity and the proximity of inputs, the Matane plant will become the first carbon-neutral sanitary ceramic products plant in the world.

To implement this project, the Government of Canada is providing the business with a repayable contribution of $19 million under CED’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.

For its part, the Government of Quebec is granting a loan of $11 million through the ESSOR program, managed by Investissement Québec as its representative.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada's investment in this project will not only bring a world-renowned business to Quebec, but also a business that has distinguished itself by its ability to innovate for over 200 years. By focusing on Quebec and its hydroelectricity as a source of clean, renewable energy, Duravit Canada is demonstrating that it is possible for growth and the fight against climate change to go hand in hand. By supporting Duravit Canada, our government is helping a business make the jump into the technologies of the future and make winning choices for our planet.”

The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

“Canada will be the first country in the world to produce carbon-neutral ceramics! Thanks to our homegrown talent, our renewable energy, and our proximity to the market, German business Duravit has chosen Matane for its very first plant in North America. This investment not only aligns with our
economic vision for a greener future but will also enable the creation of good jobs in the region, while also strengthening Canada’s position and reputation as a green supplier of choice.”

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“Regional development is very important for our government, and the arrival of a business such as Duravit in Quebec is a wonderful example of this. The major assistance announced today will not only create quality jobs, but also stimulate economic development in the peninsula. Economic success in Matane means economic success throughout the Gaspésie region, and our government is proud to be able to contribute to this!”

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Member of Parliament for
Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Minister of National Revenue

“Duravit is a global leader in its field. It is therefore excellent news that the business is choosing Quebec as the location of its first carbon-neutral plant in the world and its first production site in North America. This is major project that meets our objectives to substitute imports and to enhance productivity through process automation.”

Christopher Skeete, Minister for the Economy, Minister Responsible for the Fight Against Racism and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region

“The Bas-Saint-Laurent region is a natural entry point into the market of the Americas. With its deep water port, the city of Matane holds a strategic position, which gave it a competitive advantage in implementing this promising project for the future of the region, and all of Quebec.”

Maïté Blanchette Vézina, Minister of Natural Resources and Forests and Minister Responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent Region and the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine Region

“Our team is very happy to see this important project happen, establishing a key international player in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region. We have been working with Duravit for several years now to showcase Quebec and the beautiful Matane region. This is the start of a business relationship that we are confident will generate major economic spin-offs for all of Quebec.”

Hubert Bolduc, President, Investissement Québec International

“We are very proud to act as forerunners in designing a sustainable sanitary industry and to actively face the challenges posed by climate change. At Duravit, we are thereby establishing new standards to implement innovative solutions in a sector characterized by high energy consumption.”

Stephan Tahy, CEO, Duravit

“I am very proud and pleased that we are welcoming Duravit to our city. Today, Matane stands out as a strong city, an economic pillar, and a hub to attract businesses from around the world. I salute the exceptional work done by all our partners in this project and, of course, the Duravit team, with whom we have been collaborating so well since the start. Businesses are major allies in developing our city, and the arrival of a multinational such as Duravit can only be a source of delight, confirming Matane’s economic vitality now and in the future.”

Eddy Métivier, Mayor of Matane

Quick facts

Founded in 1817, Duravit AG specializes in the design and manufacture of bathroom products such as toilets, showers, baths, sinks, basins, furniture, and accessories.
The business employs 7200 people around the world and has 12 production sites across all continents, except for the Americas. Its products are distributed in over 130 countries.
DEC is the key federal partner in Quebec’s regional economic development. With its 12 regional business offices, CED accompanies businesses, supporting organizations and all regions across Quebec into tomorrow’s economy.
CED’s REGI program targets entrepreneurs leveraging innovation to grow their businesses and enhance their competitiveness, as well as regional economic stakeholders helping to create an entrepreneurial environment conducive to innovation and growth for all, across all regions.
With a view to enhancing competitiveness and productivity, creating jobs, and fostering sustainable development, the ESSOR program aims to support investment projects in Quebec.
Investissement Québec International has a mission to actively participate in Quebec’s economic development by stimulating foreign direct investment across all regions and by supporting homegrown businesses in their international activities, such as exporting and prospecting for international talent.