From Micro-Production to Industrial Manufacturing: The Journey of Quebec Manufacturing Innovators

The article highlights how recent US tariff tensions create strategic opportunities for Quebec's manufacturing sector. Four entrepreneurs shared experiences at the February 2025 Hardtech Innovators Meetup.

Techno-Industrialization Model

Katherine Homuth (SRTX) explains the competitive shift: "We must use such high levels of information and software in our manufacturing that labor costs become essentially irrelevant." This approach leverages Quebec's clean, affordable energy as a competitive advantage.

Starting Small

Nick Saltarelli (Mid-Day Squares) emphasizes pragmatism: "You don't need astronomical sums to create incredible manufacturing—just start making." Mid-Day Squares evolved from condo-based production to full industrial operations through incremental growth.

Vertical Integration

SRTX's 2019 acquisition of a closed knitting mill transformed the company into Canada's largest such facility, enabling control over specialized ballistic-grade materials.

Tariff Adaptation

Despite anticipating 41% tariffs affecting 85% of SRTX's US sales, the company adapted through local sourcing restructuring and Canadian market acceleration.

Quebec's manufacturing future depends on technological advancement rather than labor arbitrage.