Discover the captivating story of Soucy company, from its humble beginnings in 1967 to its status as a leader in the industry of track systems and parts and accessories for off-road vehicles.
The son of a farmer, Gilles Soucy leveraged his passion for mechanics and snowmobiling when he founded his company in 1967.
Gilles Soucy, son of a farmer and heavy machinery operator, had to stop working due to a hand injury.
To occupy his free time, he combined his passion for snowmobiling and mechanics by creating a safe clutch pulley.
This marked the beginning of his first snowmobile parts distribution company, which quickly expanded across Quebec, Ontario, and the Maritime provinces.
To better serve his clientele across Quebec, Mr. Soucy converted a school bus, painted it blue, and branded it with the name of his company: Gilles Soucy Inc.
Distribution intensified, and the company expanded further with the construction of its first warehouse on Saint-Roch Street in Drummondville, Quebec, Canada.
This marks the beginning of manufacturing rubber parts and tracks under the company name Quimpex Limited.
However, the trade name is Kimpex. To balance the seasonal sales of snowmobile parts, the company diversifies its activities by manufacturing products for the marine industry.
The production of rubber tracks ramps up and becomes the focal point of Gilles Soucy Inc. operations. The company enters the defence market.
Gilles Soucy Inc. becomes the exclusive distributor of Suzuki outboard motors for Eastern Canada, thereby ensuring year-round employment for its employees.
Gilles Soucy Inc. expands its product range by acquiring Les Accessoires TransCycle Ltée, a distributor of motorcycle accessories.
Gilles Soucy Inc. acquires Plastiques Prospect, which will become Soucy Plastiques. The company specializes in the manufacturing of UHMW-PE parts, such as support wheels and idler wheels for the snowmobile industry.
The companies Gilles Soucy Inc., Kimpex USA, and Les Accessoires TransCycle are sold to a group of American investors, forming a single entity named Kimpex.
Soucy purchases 50% of Techno, a company specializing in the preparation of rubber compounds and colour concentrates based on polyethylene.
Mr. Gilles Soucy buys back the financially struggling Kimpex and revitalizes it.
The same year, he acquires Baron Caoutchouc in Saint-Jérôme, now known as Soucy Baron. The company specializes in the manufacturing of moulded rubber parts.
It's a period of acquisitions. Soucy buys all shares of Techno in Sherbrooke, now known as Soucy Techno.
Soucy secures a $29 million contract for the design and manufacturing of track systems for STK's articulated vehicle.
Soucy acquires Rivalair in Drummondville, now known as Soucy Rivalair.
The company specializes in manufacturing metal components, including machining, stamping, bending, and assembly.
Soucy opens an office in China and develops the powersports market.
Soucy enters the agricultural market with the launch of the Soucy agricultural track systems line, a decision that will enable it to offer the most extensive range of track systems on the market just a few years later.
Soucy acquires Belgen Foundry in Drummondville, now known as Soucy Belgen Drummondville.
Major investments at Soucy Rivalair enable the acquisition of 5-axis machining centres and state-of-the-art CMM equipment. These investments allow Soucy Rivalair to enhance and diversify its offerings and position the company as a leader in its field.
Soucy's product range is enhanced with the launch of the S-TECH series, integrating the expertise in foundry and machining acquired over the past years. These products stand out technologically in the market.
Still at the helm of the company he founded, Gilles Soucy celebrates his 75th birthday.
Soucy celebrates its 50th anniversary. During this memorable year, the company acquires Laforo Foundry in Sainte-Claire, now named Soucy Belgen Sainte-Claire.
The company excels in the production of small, high-volume parts in grey and ductile cast iron. Its capabilities complement those of Soucy Belgen Foundry in Drummondville.
Photo: La Voix du Sud
Chantal Soucy, Gilles Soucy's daughter, is appointed Joint President of Soucy Enterprises, sharing the leadership of the company with her father.
A fire devastates both warehouses of Soucy Belgen Sainte-Claire, causing material losses of over $10 million. Despite this tragedy, Soucy protects jobs and strives to resume production quickly.
Photo: Ms Chantal Soucy, Joint President of Soucy Enterprises, and the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible of the Economic Devepment Agency
Following the 2022 fire, the Soucy Belgen Sainte-Claire Warehouse is rebuilt with a focus on environmental sustainability.
Gilles Soucy celebrates his 85th birthday. Even after 57 years, he continues to steer his company with the same passion and energy.
