Investors buy RTA resource Quebeko
By Gerri Hunt -- Furniture Today, October 3, 2005
Terrebonne, Quebec — A group of Montreal investors has purchased ready-to-assemble furniture manufacturer Les Ameublements Quebeko here.
The investors have named Martin Bissonnette president, although Quebeko owner and founder Gilbert Rousseau will remain associated with the group to ensure a smooth transition. Other executives will remain in place, said Maurice Gingras, sales and marketing director.
"After 32 years of building Quebeko, I am satisfied with the work we accomplished and strongly believe that the new management will reach its goals," said Rousseau. "In addition, I am happy that the entire staff will remain in their current positions and that they will take an active role in the company's new orientations."
Gingras said the privately owned company's annual sales are under C$25 million. Founded in Montreal in 1973, Quebeko's sales are limited to North America, including Mexico. At one time, the company also exported to South America.
"We initially manufactured case goods and unfinished furniture," said Gingras. "A few years later, we refocused and went into ready-to-assemble furniture and have been designing it since 1975."
Four years ago, Quebeko moved into a new 100,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Terrebonne, just outside of Montreal.
"The new owners are looking forward to growing sales in the States and Canada," said Gingras.
"We are proud of the acquisition of Quebeko, a home- grown company. We intend to continue the efforts set forth by Rousseau and his team to ensure the growth of the company and develop new objectives along the way," said Bissonnette. "While capitalizing on innovation, the knowledge of our employees, the strong relationship with our suppliers and the confidence of our customers, we intend to rise to the challenges."
