After several years of work and preparation, the Halles d’innovation et de formation supérieures de Rivière-du-Loup (HIFA) officially came to life on Thursday, June 27. The inauguration of this new Louperivoise facility, described as unique in Quebec and Canada, was carried out with great pomp and in a festive spirit.
A crowd of several hundred people from political, economic and industrial circles gathered for this special occasion. Federal Minister Soraya Martinez Ferrada was present, as was Quebec Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon.
The Halles d’innovation et de formation supérieure is the very first designated innovation centre to be in operation in the province. Its mission is to accelerate the digital transformation of Quebec companies by supporting them at each stage leading to the implementation of robotic and automated equipment.
“This is a place where the most promising projects can be seen and where talents will develop and flourish, right here in Rivière-du-Loup,” rejoiced the general director of Les Halles, Rémi Massé.
The HIFA project has been discussed for many years in the region. However, it was in February 2022 that the official announcement of the construction of the building took place. More than two years later, the large building located at 120 rue des Technologies is in operation thanks to investments totaling $27.5 million.
The Canadian government, through a program administered by Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (DEC), contributed $9.4 million. As for the government of Quebec, it believed in this project by granting financial aid of approximately $13.4 million.
INFRASTRUCTURES OF THE FUTURE
The HIFA project was set up in a multi-purpose building of more than 50,000 square feet, which is divided into three halls dedicated to the demonstration and experimentation of robotic cells, as well as collaborative applied research in the sectors of next-generation manufacturing and packaging intelligence.
There are also work spaces on site, a sophisticated laboratory as well as conference and training rooms equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.
Currently, around fifteen manufacturing companies, large and small, occupy more than 75% of the available space.
More details to come…
