Laurentide Paint: The French Touch of America
Founded in 1950, Société Laurentide is a third-generation family-owned manufacturing company, 100% Quebecois, that chose, 30 years ago, to be part of the environmental solution, not the problem.
The story of Société Laurentide is a true saga of determination, boldness, and innovation. Since its founding by Gabriel Buisson, a visionary from Shawinigan who worked at Shawinigan Chemicals, the company has been built on constantly pushing boundaries. Driven by a fierce desire to succeed, Gabriel Buisson established himself as one of the first great Quebecois entrepreneurs, blazing the trail of innovation that still runs through our veins today.
Daring to Innovate: Gabriel Buisson’s Legacy
Its founder, Gabriel Buisson, embodies the courage to innovate. In the 1950s, most major companies in Quebec were run by anglophones or foreigners. Francophone entrepreneurs had to overcome enormous obstacles to access capital, business education, and professional networks. Some began to emerge, breaking down linguistic and social barriers.
Gabriel Buisson was the first in Canada to formulate radiator antifreeze, thanks to a chemistry course he completed by correspondence, which was, of course, in English. He belongs to that first generation of Quebecois entrepreneurs who broke the glass ceiling and carved out a place in the business world. That’s why figures of the time such as Gabriel Buisson, Jean Coutu, Pierre Péladeau, Paul Desmarais, and Joseph-Armand Bombardier are so important: they paved the way for future generations of Quebecois entrepreneurs.
Even today, his path of innovation and his fight to gain a foothold in the business world remain a powerful source of inspiration.
A Sustainable Vision: The Foundational Influence of Normand Maurice
Normand Maurice, known as the father of recycling in Quebec, is deeply woven into the history of Société Laurentide. His philosophy strongly influenced our path forward. Founder of Peintures récupérées du Québec Inc., Normand Maurice championed sustainable development and demonstrated great humanity.
Sharing these same values, it was a natural fit for us to acquire Peintures récupérées du Québec in 2003, based in Victoriaville, Quebec, which became Laurentide Re/sources in 2010 (now known as Laurentide Environnement).
This is how we entered the field of paint recovery and began manufacturing a 100% responsible product: Boomerang paint. Today, Société Laurentide is a global leader in the revalorization of post-consumer paint.
A subsidiary of Société Laurentide, Laurentide Environnement has evolved significantly over the years, as has its sister company, Peinture Laurentide. The challenges of sustainable development have always been a driver of innovation. Over time, Laurentide Environnement expanded its mission to divert harmful products from landfills, give them a second life when possible, and contribute to environmental protection and the circular economy.
A Local, Third-Generation Company
Today, André Buisson carries on the grand project begun by his father over seven decades ago.
Under his leadership, the company has redefined industry standards by focusing on solutions that are both innovative and responsible. By combining manufacturing expertise with visionary leadership in environmental innovation, he has propelled Société Laurentide toward a sustainable future. These advancements are a direct reflection of the clear and committed vision of its president, the second generation at the company’s helm.
Faithful to the legacy of his father, Gabriel Buisson, a tenacious entrepreneur, proud of his modest roots and passionate about French culture, André Buisson embodies resilience and the drive to excel. Building on the solid foundation laid by his father, he has reinvented practices and infused the company with new energy, grounded in responsibility and continuity.
The third generation has now joined the company’s leadership. His son, Félix Buisson, is now called upon to carry on Gabriel Buisson’s great project, ensuring that the company remains a proud emblem of our region.
Since 1950, we have been masters of paint. Over the years, driven by innovation and a deep respect for the environment, we’ve committed to sustainable development by transforming industry practices. Our mission is to develop products that meet today’s needs without compromising the future of generations to come. We have chosen to be part of the environmental solution, not the problem.
With pride and gratitude, we look to the past, and with determination and enthusiasm, we look to the future.
