Syscomax earns the confidence of Les Marronniers to orchestrate their expansion

The Syscomax team is pleased to have been chosen by Les Marronniers (The Morzaco Group), a pioneer in the retirement home industry, to oversee the construction of a 6th residential tower along Highway 440 West in Laval. The firm Ruccolo + Faubert Inc. has, for its part, been selected for the architectural work. This retirement home project, recognized as the largest in Canada, with 1,318 apartments located at the same address, will have its own set of challenges.

Work has been underway since November 2018, and the first tenants will be able to move in to the residence starting in the spring of 2020. The new 273-unit building will occupy an area of 298,000 sq. ft., built on 152,750 sq. ft., for a total of 450,750 sq. ft. The building will also include a large common room that will bring together a range of fun spaces for occupants, such as bowling alleys, arcades, pétanque, puck games and relaxation areas. A multipurpose room connecting the 5th and the 6th phases will be realized at a later date. In addition to the construction work, Syscomax is also completely renovating the existing restaurant by enlarging the dining room and adding equipment to the kitchen areas.

An elastomeric membrane has been chosen for the finishing of the roof, thus ensuring a longer life thanks to its strength and durability. The structure is concrete and the exterior cladding is made of aluminum and masonry.

The project poses several challenges, given the worksite’s close proximity to existing apartments. Blasting must therefore be done in such a way as to minimize the impact of the noise for the current 1,357 tenants. The surrounding vegetation and artificial pond must also be taken into account. Restricted access to the site forces the execution team to ensure tight coordination among stakeholders and to manage deliveries with great accuracy – conditions that the experienced Syscomax team is adept at handling.

Syscomax hosts beehives

To kick off the summer season, Syscomax wanted to be actively involved in the promotion and preservation of bees by partnering with Montreal-based company Alvéole. In the first week of June, the company installed two beehives on the land surrounding Syscomax’s headquarters. Currently, there are between 20,000 and 24,000 bees, and the colony has the potential to triple by fall!

Being the largest pollinator in Canada, bees are essential to the quality of life for all. Their contribution is not to be taken lightly, since almost a third of food consumption is due to the production of bees. Their survival and development are threatened, among other things, by the degradation of their natural habitat due to urban development. “Given the nature of our activities, it was only natural that we wanted to be directly involved in improving the situation,” says Mélissa Robitaille, Co-president of Syscomax.

The benefits are many and employees will also enjoy the fruit , since they will have access to honey crops and honey products. Workshops will also be offered to employees wishing to learn more about the world of beekeeping. The facilities are safe; the bees are an Italian species known for their mild temperament and which are not attracted by the sugar in food. Syscomax employees can therefore enjoy their lunches in peace.

Once again, Syscomax has built a long-term relationship, but this one is a little sweeter than the others!

Syscomax participates in the growth of Keca International Inc.

A major manufacturer of quality furniture located in Montreal, Keca International wanted to expand its business to better meet growth. Once again, they entrusted Syscomax for their construction needs. Having already built the main building, the general construction contractor was the designated partner to ensure the success of this second project. Work began on May 16.

Keca International specializes primarily in the manufacture of furnishings for the elderly at home, the hospitality industry, funeral homes and restaurants. The work is being done on a new lot whose floors require decontaminating, representing a major challenge in terms of work procedures, coordination and deadlines. Syscomax is also handling the reconfiguration of the delivery access area and is coordinating the addition of two new unloading platforms. Finally, a 6000-sq.-ft. mezzanine that will eventually be used for offices will be erected.

The expansion totals an area of ​​22,000 sq. ft. and is expected to be completed by October 2019. Key materials for the renovations include a steel structure, metal cladding and a brick finish.

“It goes without saying that we wanted to entrust this project to Syscomax, which has been an important partner in our growth for many years. The project is a great challenge, as the existing delivery platform must remain accessible throughout the process to avoid compromising our day-to-day operations. But this is a reality with which Syscomax is well accustomed.”
– Pierre Lemieux, President, Keca International Inc.

The constructive imagination of Syscomax, from our head to our sneakers!

For the seventh year in a row, Syscomax employees donned their sneakers to represent the company at the Run for Our Health event. The various races, which took place in Mirabel at the Premium Outlets shopping centre, were completed by more than 1 600 runners.

The event was organized to support three foundations that put the health of Laurentian residents at their heart: the Saint-Jérôme Regional Hospital Foundation, the Argenteuil Hospital Foundation and the André-Boudreau Foundation. All three will benefit from the money raised during this day for specific health-related investment projects.

Once again this year, the goal was met, and even surpassed: $106,000 will be donated to the CISSS des Laurentides Foundations, to help fund the purchase of a vascular surgery C-arm for the regional hospital of St-Jérôme, among other things. With the goal of improving the quality of local healthcare, it was only natural that Syscomax employeesould participate in the event to support the cause. It was another great charitable achievement for the company, and we look forward to building on our momentum.