SAGUENAY – Baie-Rivière entrepreneur Pierre Lavoie and his associates are launching BOX-AM this morning, an innovative and versatile storage system for trucks designed entirely in the region.

The creation of this new system required investments totaling 440,000 $, of which 273,542 $ came from various partners, including Investissement Québec, Promotion Saguenay, Rio Tinto, Serdex International and the Société de la Vallée de l'aluminium.

Developed by Mr. Lavoie, the patent-pending system uses a mechanical arm that allows the storage box to be transported for quick handling and without the risk of injury. It also makes it possible to optimize all aspects of the truck, whether it be ergonomics, storage capacity or even its usefulness. Designed in aluminium, it has been designed to be able to control the boot without additional effort and without neglecting the useful space of the truck.

The system is currently manufactured, from design to metal cutting, by Hydrotek Innovation in La Baie, Pierre Lavoie's other company. However, this does not rule out setting up a separate factory for BOX-AM if demand is there.

New jobs

Two new jobs have been created. “These are five jobs that are planned for the first year. Of course, we will adjust according to growth, because we are addressing a huge market,” says Jessica Lavoie, daughter of the entrepreneur, who joined the project with her brother Keven. Pierre Lavoie's son-in-law, Vincent Boudreault, also joined the adventure.

“I am proud of this international project which will simplify the lives of pickup truck owners and greatly improve safety and injury prevention. In addition, I have the chance to live this great experience with my family, my successor,” says Mr. Lavoie.