Groupe Industries Fournier acquires majority share of Boivin Évolution, a unique and eco-friendly waste collection body manufacturer
Lévis, June 20, 2023 — Groupe Industries Fournier (Fournier), a globally active industrial manufacturer, is pleased to announce it has acquired a majority share of Boivin Évolution (BEV), the first company to offer 100% electric automated waste collection body. Thanks to Desjardins Entreprises’ support, this partnership will allow BEV to meet growing market demand for its products through Fournier’s manufacturing capacity.
Talks began in July 2020, when BEV founder and owner Claude Boivin wanted to focus on product development and marketing, without owning a manufacturing and assembly plant of his own. The partnership evolved between 2020 and 2022, culminating in Groupe Industries Fournier acquiring a majority share of the company in November 2022. The acquisition was a success thanks to the support of Desjardins Entreprises, whose involvement in Groupe Industries Fournier’s growth initiatives dates to October 2013.
“For my company BEV, this deal secures manufacturing capacity to meet growing demand for our unique flagship product, backed by Fournier’s expertise and know-how,” said BEV President Claude Boivin. As a result, BEV can now devote its full attention to product engineering and development, sales, customer tech support and after-sales service. The synergy between BEV and Fournier will also accelerate technological development and integration.
The side-loading body is the only product of its kind on the market—there’s nothing like it. It is part of the major shift toward electric transportation and the lower emissions that come with it. This product boasts several advantages, including reduced GHG emissions and better fuel economy on all types of chassis (diesel, CNG, electric and hydrogen). Customer interest is already strong in all areas, and over 25 bodies are currently in operation across North America. For Harold Roy, Groupe Industries Fournier president, “this acquisition was a strategic fit, bringing another high value-added product into our portfolio.”
Fournier, with support from Desjardins Entreprises, has been investing heavily in electric bodies’ strong sales potential since 2020, aiming to accelerate market roll-out. This is a uniquely made-in-Quebec offering in which FOURNIER and Desjardins strongly believe.
“With our long-standing business relationship now going back some ten years, we’re proud to support our partner’s growth by promoting not only the transition to electric but also local manufacturing,” said Mathieu Talbot, Vice-president, Business Services Group and Corporate Banking at Desjardins Entreprises. “We look forward to continuing to work closely together to develop this new line of business successfully.”
About Boivin Évolution
Boivin Évolution, based in Lévis on Quebec City’s South Shore, is the first company to offer 100% electric automated waste collection bodies. With over 40 years of manufacturing experience in the innovative waste collection industry, Claude Boivin, one of North America’s leading equipment manufacturers, is resuming operations under the name Boivin Évolution Inc.
About Fournier Industries Group
Groupe Industries Fournier is a specialized team with over 60 years’ experience in the water treatment, mining, aluminum smelting and special-purpose high-performance equipment markets.
Groupe Fournier is a manufacturer known for its quality, developing and marketing integrated solutions and high-performance, value-added products that meet its prestigious customers’ operational needs and projects under development.
With over 400 employees working in its various locations, the company is constantly growing and continues to invest to stay at the forefront of its markets.
