Press Kit

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Press Release

Le Bourget, France - June 17, 2025

Robotics and Abrasives in European Aerospace: AV&R and Saint-Gobain Surface Solutions Forge a Strategic Alliance

AV&R, a Canadian-based leader in the design of robotic systems for surface finishing and inspection in the aerospace industry, and Saint-Gobain Surface Solutions, a global business specializing in performance abrasive technologies that shape, finish, and transform surfaces, today announced the signing of a strategic partnership. This alliance combines their complementary expertise to develop cutting-edge technological solutions for aerospace manufacturers.

A Union of Complementary Expertise

This partnership merges two world-class areas of expertise AV&R’s robotic automation of manufacturing processes, and the high-performance offer of Saint-Gobain Surface Solutions. Together, the companies aim to create next-generation robotic solutions that meet the increasing demand for automation in aerospace production – particularly in the manufacturing and repair of gas turbine components.

A Long-Term Collaboration with a European Footprint

As part of the agreement, Saint-Gobain Surface Solutions’ products will be integrated into AV&R’s robotic systems, which are already deployed in more than seven European countries. The partnership will also see the installation of an AV&R robotic system at the Saint-Gobain European Grinding Technology Centre in Norderstedt, Germany. This will serve as a hub for joint demonstrations, testing, and ongoing technological co-development.

Delivering Innovation, Sustainability, and Economic Value
Beyond technological advancement, the partnership is expected to unlock new commercial opportunities in the European aerospace market, creating new jobs in both Canada and Europe, and fostering long-term collaboration in research and development.

“We are extremely proud to announce this strategic agreement with such a prestigious group as Saint-Gobain. Together, we are combining our strengths to meet the technological challenges of modern aerospace and to actively contribute to strengthening ties between Canada and Europe—particularly in a context where Canada is seeking to diversify its industrial activities.

Thanks to the constant support of Investissement Québec International, AV&R is well-positioned to pursue its international growth and bring its European expansion strategy to life. The goal of this partnership is clear: to increase our presence in Europe by reaching more manufacturers with our advanced robotic solutions for abrasive finishing.

For both Saint-Gobain and AV&R, deploying these solutions helps maintain jobs in Europe—and on AV&R’s side, it will also lead to the creation of new jobs.”

– Jean-François Dupont, CEO of AV&R

“At Saint-Gobain Surface Solutions, we are proud to enter into this strategic alliance with AV&R – an innovation leader whose robotic systems set new standards in surface finishing automation. By combining our cutting-edge technologies with AV&Rs advanced abrasive finishing robotic solutions, we are shaping the future of aerospace manufacturing: more precise, more efficient, and more sustainable. This partnership reflects our shared ambition to accelerate automation, enhance performance, and deliver tangible value to our customers across Europe. It is also a powerful symbol of a fruitful international collaboration.”

– Arnaud Saint-Ourens, Vice President Saint-Gobain Surface Solutions EMEA

“There are truly great opportunities opening up for aerospace companies in the current context, and Quebec has the necessary assets to take full advantage of them. We have an excellent example here. By combining its expertise with the strengths of Saint-Gobain Surface Solutions, the Quebec-based company AV&R will be able to strengthen its presence in the European market and continue its international growth. This partnership will lead to the development of cutting-edge technological solutions that will accelerate automation in the aerospace sector. By fostering innovation and synergy among industry players, we are contributing to Quebec’s recognition as a leader in this strategic sector.”

— Christine Fréchette, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montreal Region

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.

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.

Press Reviews

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