Today, ABB Process Automation - Measurement and Analytics’ Quebec factory is a significant player in the industrial analytical measurement sector and the primary Canadian supplier of optical sensors used in space.
The founders of the ABB factory in Quebec. From left to right: Garry Vail, Henry Buijs, and Jean-Noel Bérubé. Image Credit: ABB Measurement & Analytics
Half a century ago, however, it began as a small local business known as Bomem Inc. Over five decades, it transformed into one of Quebec City’s leading high-tech companies.
Established in 1973 by Dr. Henry Buijs, Garry Vail, and Jean-Noel Bérubé, Bomem Inc. originally aimed to revolutionize the field of spectroscopy. Bomem’s vision was to lead advancements in the field and offer state-of-the-art solutions for examining molecular compositions and structures.
From left to right Henry Buijs and Garry Vail. Image Credit: ABB Measurement & Analytics
During the 1970s, Henry Buijs, a pioneering physics engineer, developed technology for accurately measuring the condition of the ozone layer. His significant contributions to infrared spectroscopy and the design of analytical techniques using this technology were at the core of the company’s creation.
Jean-Noël Bérubé. Image Credit: ABB Measurement & Analytics
Bomem Inc. quickly gained recognition by specializing in Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, a powerful analytical technique with applications in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, environmental monitoring, chemicals, semiconductors, and more.
Evolution and Expertise
In 1999, a crucial moment in Bomem Inc.’s history occurred when ABB, a technology leader in electrification and automation, acquired the company. This acquisition marked a new era for the company, granting access to ABB’s abundant resources and global reach to enhance its offerings and impact.
Half a century after its establishment, the Quebec City site had built a company made up of over 400 individuals. The company has become a prominent figure in the optics-photonics industry and is synonymous with innovation and excellence, especially in the field of analytical solutions for Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) applications and process monitoring.
Image Credit: ABB Measurement & Analytics
The largest R&D team within ABB Measurement and Analytics operates at the Quebec factory in Canada, showcasing its unwavering dedication to continuous innovation. This group includes 150 engineers and scientists, each possessing expertise in various areas such as research and development, manufacturing engineering, sales support, and after-sales service.
Diversification
Built on a solid foundation of inventive engineering, with manufacturing rooted in its origins in spectroscopy, the business unit has significantly expanded its range of products.
While still keeping its focus on spectroscopy, the company broadened its product offerings to include a variety of advanced instruments and analyzers for different industries’ measurement requirements.
By strategically diversifying its product lines, ABB ensures that industries dependent on precise analysis and measurement have access to cutting-edge solutions, ultimately enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability across a range of sectors.
A Legacy of Space Heritage
Since 1973, the ABB Quebec factory has been providing solutions to meet the global space industry’s demands. It collaborates with major space agencies worldwide and offers services such as weather forecasting, climate analysis, earth observation, space exploration, and astronomy.
Image Credit: ABB Measurement & Analytics
ABB’s unique combination of space and volume manufacturing capabilities allows it to support its customers’ missions in various ways, from feasibility studies to producing complete optical payloads and other critical instrument modules.
ABB is now focusing on the privatization of Earth observation missions, known as Space 2.0, using its expertise to modernize the field and advance the space industry.
Image Credit: ABB Measurement & Analytics
A Promising and Sustainable Future
Today, Bomem Inc.’s legacy lives on as part of ABB Measurement and Analytics, where its contributions to spectroscopy technology continue to have a lasting impact on scientific progress and industrial applications worldwide.
As the company enters its next half-century, the ABB Quebec factory has demonstrated remarkable resilience, adaptability, and innovation, staying at the forefront of technological advancements in analytical measurement.
Image Credit: ABB Measurement & Analytics
“Listening to the customer is key for innovation and is the basis of our foundation. It makes our company ready to focus on the next chapter of our history and pursue the unprecedented growth delivered in the last decade,” said Marc Corriveau, Head of Global Operations, Analytical Business Line, ABB
“The future is bright for ABB Measurement and Analytics Quebec factory. “Getting where we are today would not have been possible without multiple generations of talented employees. I am grateful for their extraordinary contribution,” he concluded.
The Quebec factory officially celebrated its 50th anniversary on September 21, 2023.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by ABB Measurement & Analytics.
For more information on this source, please visit ABB Measurement & Analytics.