Press Kit

Welcome to AV&R’s online press kit, your go-to resource for detailed information, visuals, and media assets to support your stories. Here, you’ll find everything you need to learn more about our 30 years of innovation in industrial robotics and automation. Explore our history, key milestones, and global impact, as well as access high-quality images and videos to enhance your coverage.

Press Release

Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville - October 28, 2024

AV&R celebrates 30 years of innovation and passion for industrial robotics

AV&R’s journey began in 1994 in Montreal. What started as a small team of passionate individuals determined to explore the endless possibilities of robotics and artificial vision has, 30 years later, become a global leader. Specializing in industrial automation for the aerospace and medical sectors, AV&R is now a symbol of Québec’s ingenuity, with systems installed in 20 countries.

Born from Passion and Visionary Ambition

It all began in 1994, when the founders of AV&R, Jean-François Dupont and Charles Magnan, took the helm of a group of engineers specializing in robotics and computer vision within Walsh Automation in Montreal. At a time when technological innovation was booming, companies were still struggling to grasp the full potential of robotics. However, this group, driven by a shared passion for technology, dedicated themselves to complex automation projects, spanning various industries such as aluminum, nuclear, and aerospace across North America. Their goal was clear: to make robots intelligent and capable of performing complex tasks with unparalleled precision.
After several years of success within larger companies, in 2005, the two founders completed the acquisition of the group, and AV&R was officially created.

The Major Turning Point: From a Québec SME to a Multinational

The story of AV&R was just beginning, and a period of transformation ensued. Focused on research and development, AV&R undertook a strategic reorientation with the goal of becoming a leader in industrial automation. Choosing the United States for its expansion, AV&R developed its expertise in robotics within the niche market of gas turbine blade manufacturing processes. What started as a modest Québec project became a global venture. Over the years, the SME installed more than 2,000 systems in about twenty countries, transformed into an export champion with 96% of its revenue coming from international markets (over the last five years), and proudly boasts this statistic: over 90% of airplanes worldwide carry parts finished by AV&R machines.

The boldness and resilience of its leaders allowed AV&R to weather crises, including the 2008 recession, while continuing to innovate. The key to this success: an unwavering commitment to research and development, to which the company dedicates nearly 10% of its annual revenue. This has enabled AV&R to enter new sectors, such as medical implants, proving that the same technology that polishes an engine part can also precisely shape an orthopedic implant.

A Vision: Humanizing Robotics

Despite its rapid growth, AV&R has never lost sight of its original dream: making technology accessible and human. Its robotic solutions are not just machines; they are designed to be used by operators without programming expertise. “We have always wanted robotics to serve people, to simplify their work, and not be seen as a barrier,” explains Jean-François Dupont, co-founder and CEO of AV&R.

With intuitive software developed for its robotic systems, AV&R allows its clients to optimize their operations without complexity. This human-centered model has also shaped its corporate culture. For many years, AV&R has implemented flexible and supportive working conditions. Remote work, flexible hours, mental health support, and a telemedicine program are just some of the initiatives the company has adopted over the years, contributing to one of the lowest employee turnover rates in the industry (3.3% in 2024).

Celebrating 30 Years of Success: An Evening to Look to the Future

On November 21st, AV&R will celebrate its 30th anniversary at its headquarters in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville. This evening will be an opportunity for the media to get an exclusive look at the company’s robotic systems through live demonstrations of its machines. Engineers and executives will share behind-the-scenes insights into their technology and the company’s future ambitions, followed by a cocktail dinner and a festive evening. In front of its current and former employees, long-time suppliers and partners, and clients, AV&R will celebrate this milestone anniversary for the successful Québec SME it has become.

You're invited!

AV&R invites you to its 30th-anniversary celebration on November 21st at its offices in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville.

We also offer the opportunity to arrange exclusive interviews with key members of the team.

Additionally, private tours of the facilities can be organized upon request at a date of your choice.

When: Thursday, November 21, 2024

Program:
5:30 p.m. – Welcome cocktail
6:00 p.m. – 30th Anniversary Ceremony
6:45 p.m. – Cocktail Dinner and Party

AV&R's ID

Age

It’s already been 30 years! AV&R’s journey began in November 1994 in Montreal with the group that laid the foundation for the company.

Size

A SME with over 70 employees and counting! As AV&R continues to expand, the company is actively seeking talents to join its team and drive its growth forward.

Location

It started in Old Montreal but our offices moved to Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville in 2015. The headquarters and machine assembly line are located in the famous ‘South Shore Pyramid.’ Some of the employees are based in Europe, and AV&R has developped a network of agents and distributors around the world.

Core Business

AV&R is a tech company specializing in robotics and artificial vision. It provides robotic finishing and inspection machines for the aerospace and medical sectors, and has developed expertise on rotating turbine engine parts and medical implants that can be applied to general manufacturing.

R&D

Innovation has been part of AV&R’s DNA since the beginning. The company invests nearly 10% of its annual budget in R&D initiatives.

Worldwide

With its expertise in abrasive finishing and artificial vision, AV&R has established itself as a global leader, boasting over 2,000 machines installed in 20 different countries across North America, Asia, and Europe.

Culture

AV&R’s employees are at the heart of the company. Over the years, a strong and dynamic corporate culture has been built with social interactions, well-being, and kindness at its center.

A Word from The CEO

As we celebrate AV&R's 30th anniversary, I’m filled with pride for everything we’ve accomplished. What began as a small Québec-based SME has grown into an international leader in our niche market, with a global presence and cutting-edge technology that is making a significant impact in the world of manufacturing. I'm incredibly proud to be at the helm of a company from Québec that has made its mark worldwide, developing advanced solutions that are shaping the future of industries like aerospace and healthcare. One of the greatest achievements, however, has been the strong corporate culture we’ve built over the years—centered around our people. The well-being and growth of our employees are at the heart of everything we do, and it’s this focus that has driven our continued success. Looking ahead, I’m excited about the future of AV&R. We are eager to continue pushing boundaries with new technologies, expanding into new markets, and collaborating with major players in the robotics and manufacturing industries. The best is yet to come, and I look forward to what the next chapter holds for us all.

Jean-François Dupont

CEO and co-founder

AV&R's Technology

AV&R sells robotic solutions that enable the automation of various processes, which can be grouped into two categories: finishing and surface inspection. AV&R has developed a range of products (systems) in different sizes, allowing for work on parts of varying dimensions (from a few centimeters to over a meter long). These products are referred to as turnkey solutions because AV&R provides fully automated systems and also handles the programming of the robot paths through in-house developed software.

These software programs, named BrainWave and OwlVision, not only allow for the programming of automated systems for each produced part, but also provide manufacturers with the autonomy to easily program and operate AV&R systems. Unique in the market, this software is a key differentiator for AV&R in the field of industrial robotics.

Robotics Expertise

Over the years, AV&R's team has developped an extensive expertise in robotics and automation to be able to create high-tech and reliable robotic machines., collaborating with major robotics player worlwide.

Process Expertise

AV&R specializes in automating complex manufacturing processes that are essential for highly demanding and regulated industries, such as aerospace and medical sectors. This expertise in the production of intricate components truly sets AV&R apart from the competition.

Software Expertise

AV&R has created software that allows to program and operate easily and without coding knowledge of the machines. AV1R's sofware is the differentiator that contributes to AV&R's success.

Innovation Expertise

Looking ahead and developing future systems that will empower its clients drives AV&R's innovation. Over the years, the company has forged strong partnerships with international manufacturers, universities, and research centers, fostering collaboration that enhances its ability to create cutting-edge solutions.

Media Gallery

Video Gallery

Watch a selection of our videos. For more, visit our YouTube channel.

Playlist

3 Videos

Robotic Profiling Technology

What AV&R Does

AV&R's BF-X 200-c Machine

Key Numbers

30 years

of experience

Trusted by

200 clients

including 15 OEMs

+2,000 machines

installed worldwide

Presence in

20 countries

90% of planes

have a part finished by an AV&R machine

Our History

1994

A robotics and machine vision engineering group emerged at Walsh Automation in Montreal, led by Jean-François Dupont and Charles Magnan. The team immediately delved into complex automation projects spanning industries like aluminum, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, and more across North America.

2005

In 2005, with the support of Averna Technologies, Jean-François and Charles completed the acquisition of the group. The AV&R brand was established, marking the beginning of a transformation period characterized by a product-centric approach. Specifically, AV&R aimed to develop ultra-high-performance and innovative systems that could be sold not just once but hundreds of times. The benefits of such a strategy were to focus efforts on research and development and to stand out in the industrial automation market. The implementation of this strategic plan was also driven by the ambition to become a global leader in the field and to be recognized as an expert.

2006

Focused on research and development, this strategic shift propelled AV&R to become a leader in industrial automation. By choosing the United States for its expansion, AV&R's expertise in robotics found a niche in the manufacturing processes of gas turbine blades. This led to global recognition and marked the beginning of AV&R's international success.

2008

In 2008, the global financial crisis halted 85% of revenues from the U.S. market. Quickly, AV&R changed direction and leveraged its aerospace expertise to explore new global markets. Its innovative robotic finishing technology (automated profiling), combined with the advantages of our automated surface inspection solution, served as our calling card to open doors with other manufacturers around the world. As a result, AV&R was able to sell its systems in many countries, first in the EMEA region (Israel, the United Kingdom, France, etc.), and then in the Asia-Pacific region (Singapore, China, South Korea, India, etc.) starting in 2015. Today, its cutting-edge systems operate in 20 countries across three continents.

2020

Since 2020, AV&R has implemented new strategies to consolidate its international operations and ensure its sustainability. The goal is to diversify the various markets, specifically the industries that purchase our solutions. AV&R has chosen to focus on the orthopedic implant market, where the manufacturing processes are similar to those of gas turbine parts and where the client profile is identical.

Through coordinated R&D development and market development tactics, AV&R has successfully established itself in this new medical market. The objective now is to continue efforts in the coming years to increase the market share in the medical field and further consolidate the company’s diversification goals.

AV&R's Culture

Our mission is to humanize robotics, and that starts with humanizing the way we work together.

HUMAN

AV&R’s strength comes primarily from the people who work every day to drive the company forward. Being a humane employer in all circumstances has been one of AV&R’s core values since the beginning. The company is proud to offer positive working conditions and environment, while welcoming diverse talent into our SME.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

AV&R stands out with its innovative working conditions, which are uncommon for a SME. Since 2017, way before it was common, the company has offered remote work and a hybrid model, along with flexible hours that promote a healthy work-life balance. An internal “Employer of Choice” committee actively proposes and implements new benefits and work conditions to stay attuned to the evolving needs of employees, ensuring they feel supported and valued.

EMPLOYEES WELL-BEING

Employee well-being is at the core of AV&R’s corporate culture. The company actively organizes and promotes initiatives to keep its team members physically active, supports their mental health, and fosters strong relationships among colleagues. These efforts create a supportive and engaging workplace where employees can thrive both personally and professionally.

For any media inquiries, whether it’s a request for an interview, a visit to our facilities, or additional documents and illustrations, please contact the Communications Director, Marlène Daugarou.

MEDIA Contact

Email Address

marlene.daugarou@avr-global.com

Call Us

+1 514 788 1420 | +33 6 74 97 56 55