Evolution and Innovation: Behind the Stelpro-Innovair Solutions Alliance with Pierre Huard and Louis Beaulieu
July 19, 2024
By Elle Bremmer
Earlier this year, Stelpro and Innovair announced a strategic partnership to stregnthen their position in the North American market and support growth for both companies.
The excitement surrounding the companies’ latest strategic alliance is evident in the lively conversation between Louis Beaulieu and Pierre Huard, CEOs of Innovair Solutions and Groupe Stelpro , respectively . In this recap of their discussion, we dive into the motivations, goals and long-term visions for this collaboration.
First, why this alliance? Mr. Huard and Mr. Beaulieu emphasize the need to remain proactive in a changing market. Electrification, the energy transition and decarbonization pose challenges, but also offer opportunities. By joining forces, both organizations will be better equipped to take advantage of these opportunities and meet the challenges of a competitive market. “We had to be proactive to seize opportunities and adapt to market changes,” says Mr. Beaulieu.
The two CEOs responded as a team and the synergies of the partnership became evident through their joint leadership.
“So I would like to say first of all that the motivations for the alliance were really complementarity,” he adds.
He continues, “We will leverage our synergies to offer our customers a broader range of products in our markets, both in Canada and in the United States, in fact, across North America. This will benefit the market as a whole.”
Both CEOs are proud of their Quebec and Canadian roots, and these similar cultures and backgrounds give them common ground as they begin to enter new markets.
“Our values are firmly rooted in the two groups of Quebec companies, represented by the Beaulieu family, including Louis, one of the sons and senior executive, as well as the Chabot family. These two families, deeply Quebecois and Canadian, embody an authentic pride in belonging to Canada,” said Mr. Beaulieu.
The goal of this alliance goes beyond simply expanding product lines. It is about becoming leaders in the HVAC market, offering innovative and efficient technological solutions. This common vision is supported by shared values: a commitment to excellence and innovation.
In terms of the benefits for current and potential customers, Mr. Huard and Mr. Beaulieu highlight the complementarity of their product offerings. Although the brands and products remain distinct, this alliance will allow the development of new solutions and a greater variety of choices for customers. In addition, it offers reassuring stability and continuity in an often turbulent market.
Both CEOs are adamant that the two brands will remain distinct and competitive.
“We have no intention of merging product lines, we have no intention of eliminating brands,” said Mr. Huard.
He continues, “On the contrary, our goal is for both brands to thrive and remain dynamic. We maintain partnerships with distributors for each of the brands. It is essential for us to maintain healthy competition between these two brands.”
As for the impact on the industry, it is twofold. On the one hand, it strengthens the position of both companies in the North American market, offering a wide range of products and a strong manufacturing presence in their plants in the United States, Canada and Mexico. On the other hand, it contributes to the transition to cleaner and more efficient heating solutions, crucial in the current context of the fight against climate change.
Mr. Huard explains: “We have in mind the alliance with the Beaulieu family through Innovair Solutions, which excels in heat pumps and mini-splits. Within the Stelpro group, our electronics division manages the entire manufacturing process in Quebec, in the Shawinigan region. This allows us to bring innovative products to the market, as Louis pointed out, and to offer electronic control that optimizes all of our products. Thus, unlike the giants focusing solely on the sale of heat pumps, we offer a diversified range of products and we aim to do so efficiently.”
Mr. Beaulieu, in response: “It is undeniable that the Alliance guarantees a manufacturing presence in Canada. The commitment of both partner families is crucial in this regard. For us, maintaining our manufacturing presence in Canada is of paramount importance. Personally, I consider it a huge advantage for the Canadian market to have local manufacturers producing items specifically designed for the needs of the Canadian and American markets.”
In terms of leadership and implementation, Mr. Huard and Mr. Beaulieu emphasize the importance of preserving the respective cultures and strengths of the two organizations. They also emphasize the importance of maintaining a certain independence while working together to achieve common goals. This collaborative approach aims to leverage best practices and resources from both sides to maximize the benefits of the alliance.
Finally, regarding specific markets to be developed, the focus is on the American market and on technological innovation. With growing opportunities in the areas of connectivity and heat pumps, the alliance between Stelpro and Innovair Solutions is well positioned to play a leading role in the transformation of the HVAC industry.
Mr. Huard adds: “Through electrical distribution and HVAC, exciting opportunities are emerging. Although we are starting in a relatively small market, we are focusing considerable energy on strengthening our presence in the American market. On the product front, our aspirations are clearly focused on connectivity, with the integration of technology into our offerings.”
He continues, explaining his commitment: “In addition, we remain firmly committed to heat pumps, a sector where interest is clear, supported by government grant programs encouraging their installation across Canada. And if our board members were here, they would stress the importance of not losing our roots and maintaining our excellence in the products that have forged our journey so far: heating solutions, smart devices, and of course, floor heating. We intend to remain very active in this area as well.”
In conclusion, the alliance between Stelpro and Innovair Solutions represents much more than a simple business partnership. It is a strategic union that embodies the commitment of both Canadian organizations to innovation, sustainability and customer satisfaction. With a common vision and shared values, they are ready to shape the future of the heating and air conditioning industry, one step at a time.
