Atelier Gérard Beaulieu

AGB (Atelier Gérard Beaulieu) is a family-run manufacturing company that diversified its production over the years to specialize in production, welding, hydraulic mechanics, machining and so on. It started out in 1912, when the grand-father of the actual shareholders, Moise Beaulieu, moved to Saint-Quentin and opened the first public forge. In 1957, Moise’s son Gérard took over the company to make it a welding shop. After that, it was Gérard sons’, Robert, Marc and Michel, turn to take over in 1984.

Here is an historical summary, from the modest beginning to today, of most important events.

• 1912- At 19 years old, Moise Beaulieu moved to Saint-Quentin from Saint-Angèle de Méricie, Québec. He opened a blacksmith and cartwright shop.
• 1943- At the age of 16, Gérard, Moise’s son, joined his father. At that time, the company only had two employees.
• 1957- Moise Beaulieu retired and Gérard was the only who took over.
• 1958- Construction of a new machine shop to make up for the demand of the local sawmills.
• 1969- Robert, Gérard’s oldest son, started working in the company as a welder.
• 1977- Marc, Gérard’s youngest son, started working in the company as a machinist welder. At the same time, the company expanded and had a new mission: a machine shop and welding expertise.
• 1979- Extension of the machine shop.
• 1983- Michel, Gérard’s son, joined the team as a mechanic-welder.
• 1984- Incorporation of AGB Products Inc. and transfer of Gérard Beaulieu’s shares to his sons Robert, Marc and Michel. Extension, construction of a new producing department, and Denis Caron, Robert, Marc and Michel’s brother-in-law, joined the team as an industrial heater and heavy equipment mechanic.
• 1986- Modernization of the equipments. Purchase of a CAD system, new expansion. Specialization in transmission and diesel engine refurbishing.
• 93-94- Construction of the office (20’x 20’), the storage area (8’x 90’) and extension of the machine shop (760 sq. ft).
• 1995- Opening of AGB Foresterie Inc, a new company. in the forestry sector.
• 1995- Restigouche’s Company of the Year Award given by the Restigouche Industrial Commission. The company had 15 to 17 employees and reached the million dollars in sales.
• 96-99- Modernization of the equipment: cutting table, lapping machine, lathe, milling, etc.
• 97-98- Recourse to an Industrial Adjustment Service Committee.
• 2000- Transfer of Robert Beaulieu’s stocks to Marc and Michel Beaulieu and Denis Caron.
• 2002- Recourse to a SHOP KAISEN group (To maximize the production, to minimize the waste).
• 2002- AGB Products’ CWB Certification (Canadian Welding Bureau) CSAW47.1-92&CSAW59-1989
• 2003- Recourse to a LEAN and LAY OUT KAISEN group for the new factory.
• 2004- Extension of the machine shop, purchase of Roy Auto Électrique’s stock. ISO 9001-2000 certification. Introduction of a quality management system, purchase of a press brake, a shearing machine, a CNC and a roller. Beginning of the production of fuel tank.
• 2005- Beginning of the production of waste containers.
• 2006- Construction of a paint shop.

Nowadays, the company has a building with a total area of almost 22,500 sq. ft. AGB Products is now a welding shop specialized in the production of steel products such as industrial tanks for oil products and waste containers.

From left to right: Moïse, Gérard and Robert Beaulieu