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$30 million investment to expand Station Agro Biotech in the Cité de l’innovation agroalimentaire

18 January 2025

The Government of Quebec and Investissement Québec are granting financial assistance totaling more than $10.6 million to Station Agro-biotech, which brings together Distillerie NOROI and Microbrasserie Le bilboquet, for the expansion of its facilities in Saint-Hyacinthe. This project is valued at over $30 million.

The company thus obtained loans amounting to $4.44 million granted through the ESSOR program and financial support of $6.18 million provided by Investissement Québec. This support enabled it to acquire specialized equipment to foster its growth and consolidate its position as a major player in the alcoholic beverage industry.

The Member for Saint-Hyacinthe, Mrs. Chantal Soucy, made the announcement today on behalf of the Minister Delegate for the Economy, Minister Responsible for the Fight against Racism, and Minister Responsible for the Laval region, Mr. Christopher Skeete.

Thanks to the financial assistance received, the company is also launching a new product: canned coffee made with milk.

“Companies like Station Agro-biotech are important players in the economic development of their communities. We must support them so they can increase their competitiveness and productivity. This is how we create wealth, and we do it in all regions of Quebec.” – Christopher Skeete, Minister Delegate for the Economy, Minister Responsible for the Fight against Racism, and Minister Responsible for the Laval region

“By supporting Station Agro-biotech, our government demonstrates the importance it places on offering support tailored to the needs of businesses across Quebec. I congratulate the team on this expansion project, which will generate significant benefits for the economy of Saint-Hyacinthe and Montérégie.” – Chantal Soucy, Member for Saint-Hyacinthe

“The financial support we are granting to Station Agro-biotech is fully in line with the role Investissement Québec wishes to play in the sustainable economic development of our regions and all of Quebec. By founding Station Agro-biotech, the company is giving itself the means to considerably increase its production capacity and fill a gap in the Quebec and Canadian market, notably through the acquisition of technological and innovative equipment that meets the highest eco-responsible standards of the bottling industry.” – Bicha Ngo, President and CEO of Investissement Québec

“With the current economic uncertainty, the only way for a company to survive – particularly in the agri-food sector – is to stand out, and therefore to innovate. We have thus chosen to purchase equipment that will allow us to offer unique and innovative products.” – Jonathan Robin, President of Station Agro-biotech

Highlights:

  • Station Agro-biotech holds the assets used for the operations of the group’s other entities: Microbrasserie Le bilboquet, one of the first microbreweries in Quebec, and Distillerie NOROI.

  • The ESSOR program is managed by Investissement Québec as the government’s mandated agent. It is aimed at Quebec businesses seeking to accelerate the realization of an investment project; increase their productivity through technological transition or the acquisition of new technologies; reduce their environmental footprint, notably through the adoption of clean technologies; and increase their presence in global supply chains.

  • Investissement Québec’s Productivité innovation initiative aims to boost competitiveness and foster the growth of local businesses through productivity and innovation. The goal is for more businesses to take action by focusing on innovation in all its forms and on technologies and processes such as automation, digitization, robotization, and artificial intelligence applications.

  • Investissement Québec’s role is to stimulate innovation in businesses, entrepreneurship, and exports, as well as to grow local and foreign investment in all regions of Quebec. The Crown corporation offers businesses of all sizes personalized support, technological expertise, and flexible financial solutions at every stage of their growth.

Source Press Release: Government of Quebec
Source Photo: Station Agro-biotech