The global manufacturer of ceramic bathroom equipment Duravit has chosen Matane to open its first factory in America.
Operational in 2025, this plant, which will be built at a cost of $90 million, will create 240 jobs. It will be the first in the world in its industry to be carbon neutral.
“We are very proud to act as pioneers in the design of a sustainable sanitary industry and to actively take up the challenges posed by climate change,” said Duravit CEO Stephan Tahy during the announcement. in Matane this morning in the presence of several elected officials.
The multinational Duravit, which distributes its products in 130 countries, already has factories in Germany, Egypt, France, China, India and Tunisia. She chose to settle in Quebec because of the clean energy available. Matane was favored for its deep water port and the proximity of materials coming mainly from Labrador.
Usually, ceramic kilns are heated with natural gas. The use of hydroelectricity will reduce the production of CO2 9000 tons per year. Up to 600 ceramic pieces will be fired every day over a length of around 100 m thanks to an electric tunnel kiln, a world first. The production will be destined for the North American continent.
Duravit, which recorded sales of just over $1 billion over the past year, has obtained repayable financial assistance of $19M from Canada Economic Development (CED) and an $11M loan from ‘Investment Quebec.
“This investment not only aligns with our economic vision for a greener future, but it will also create good jobs for the region, while strengthening Canada’s position and reputation as a green supplier of choice,” underlined François-Phiippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry of Canada.
Do you have any information to share with us about this story?
Write to us at or call us directly at 1 800-63SCOOP.
