Tourism
Aluminium
Saguenay produces a third of all aluminium manufactured in Canada - The combination of expertise, technology and energy make the area a major player in this industry and why it is known as the Valley of Aluminium.
A giant in aluminum
With four aluminium smelters and yearly production of almost one million metric tons (32% of Canadian production) and an alumina production centre, the region is one of the world’s leading producers in both Canada and worldwide. In addition, Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean has a significant concentration of world-class OEMs and a cluster of innovative aluminum processing companies (more than 100 in total for both).
This success has earned the region the designation of Aluminium Valley®. The association of the same name (AVS) is the regional organization in charge of prospecting the world market regarding production, transformation and utilisation of precious grey metals.
AVS is a lever of choice for investors interested in exploring the numerous possibilities of this promising field. AVS is connected to a network of strategic and economic development partners in Québec, Canada, and around the world. In addition, they also have a business office in Dubai for the exchange of expertise.
For more information:
Labour force, research and SMEs
Over 30 000 jobs (direct, indirect and induced) are created by the aluminium industry in Saguenay‒Lac-Saint-Jean. Also, four research & development centres (1 private: RTA, 3 public: CRDAQ, CTA, CURAL), research chairs, and more than 300 experts from a variety of different domains put to use their talent and efforts on a daily basis to explore new uses and innovative processes.
The companies are grouped together in an industrial cluster that covers several sectors of processing: Primary production, semi-finished products, recycling, equipment manufacturers and specialized suppliers, recycling, finished products and / or added value.
The AP60 new technology from Rio Tinto is also present in Saguenay. This enables us to produce aluminum at an intensity of 600,000 amps. It’s the most advanced technology worldwide and since it’s processed mostly with hydroelectricity, the aluminum produced in Saguenay is the most environmentally friendly in the world.
Saguenay‒Lac-Saint-Jean has many advantages to offer investors:
- Qualified labour force
- Proximity to raw materials
- Affordable, reliable energy supply
- Front-line equipment manufacturers and other companies
- Advantageous tax benefits
For more information:
Claude Bouchard
Industrial development manager
418- 698-3157 ext. 6012
Claude.bouchard@saguenay.ca