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Imprimerie Ste-Julie and MIIP Receive Innovation Funding

The Government of Canada has awarded nearly $850,000 in financial assistance to two printing-industry businesses in the region of Montérégie, Quebec, to help improve productivity and commercialize new products. The funding, announced by Michel Picard, Member of Parliament for Montarville, will help create around 12 new jobs for the region.

The funding – in the form of repayable contributions – has been granted through Canada Economic Development’s Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP), within the larger framework of the Government of Canada’s Innovation and Skills Plan. “Imprimerie Ste-Julie and MIIP, both of which are involved in the printing and labelling industries, have developed expertise by building on innovation,” said Picard. “In making sure that their teams have access to the latest technologies to do their work, these two businesses can continue to grow and conquer new markets.”

Imprimerie Ste-Julie, a family business founded 42 years ago, received $750,000 in funding for the acquisition of a flexographic press to increase its production capacity and productivity. This investment will also help the company reduce paper wastage through increased efficiency. The press has eight colour stations with the ability to add varnish and gilding through a cold-stamping process.

“Imprimerie Ste-Julie has been a trailblazer in adhesive label and shrink sleeve printing for many years in Quebec. This major investment will help us maintain our enviable position as leader, while we continue to provide our clients with the best in the business,” said Marilène Fournier, Vice-President, Production, Imprimerie Ste-Julie. “Our production capacity is also much greater because the new press can print up to 750 feet of paper per minute when working full tilt. This was an indispensable purchase, given the increasing demand over the past few years for packaging printing.”

MIIP has been granted $94,700 in financial assistance to commercialize its products in the United States and Europe, notably its flagship product, the miipCam, a camera inspection system for the printing and labelling industries. This product was developed in collaboration with Quebec businesses, including Imprimerie Ste-Julie, and is helping users reduce the consumption of paper and other substrates and enhance the efficiency and print quality of their presses.

“Thanks to CED’s assistance, MIIP can continue to grow by exporting its products to the United States,” said Alex Gal, Co-founder and Vice-President, MIIP.