OEM Profile: Storcan - The Half-Century Evolution of an Integrator
From humble beginnings as a conveying manufacturer, it has become an integrator of complete, innovative, and tailor-made
solutions for agri-food, food, and beverage.
Aug 1, 2024
Approaching nearly 50 years in the packaging and processing machinery industry, Storcan began as a modest enterprise focused on conveyors, primarily serving the bottling sector. Over the decades, the company has evolved, navigating ownership changes and expanding its service offerings to become a comprehensive solutions provider. OEM Magazine sat down with Storcan to share its story and offerings with fellow PMMI members.
Can you provide a brief history of your company?
Founded in 1976, Storcan is a Quebec company located on the south shore of Montreal. Our sales/installation/maintenance division, which opened in 2022, is in Ontario, near Toronto.
Originally, Storcan consisted of a small team in a small facility in Montreal building conveyors for bottling before moving to a larger facility in Châteauguay in 1986. In 2006, we changed ownership to the current president, Jean-Martin Savoie, with Benoit Cliché, an employee since 1984, becoming co-associate in 2007. The business expanded to integrate complete, innovative, and tailor-made solutions for production lines in the agri-food, food, and beverage industries in Canada and the United States. 2012 saw the creation of three divisions: food, bottling, and packaging, and in 2020, Storcan moved to a new building with double the surface area. In 2023, we opened our new Automation department.
What sets your company apart in the industry—what makes it shine?
Jean-Martin’s vision was for Storcan to offer 360-degree service. Now a team of experts support our customers throughout the project—from consultation and integration to installation and after-sales support. Today, Storcan’s capabilities extend far beyond conveyors. The company has embraced automation, a move that has positioned it as a key player in integrating complete production lines. This shift is evident in our ability to handle projects from processing to packaging, particularly in the agri-food sector, which now accounts for 90% of their business. We still manufacture conveyors and material handling equipment, but the company’s strength lies in integrating technologies from various international manufacturers into cohesive, efficient systems.
What went into the decision to join PMMI?
We view PMMI as the key association in the packaging and processing sector in North America, offering multiple avenues of support, the opportunity to develop a network and world-class trade shows that allow Storcan to present our innovations. We have participated in PACK EXPO and are looking forward to using more of what PMMI has to offer.
Where do you find most of your employees? What sort of background or specific talents/skills do you look for?
It depends on which department, but we like people who share our six values (Optimism, Desire to evolve, Commitment, Team Spirit, Enjoyment, and Professionalism). We like dynamic people who undertake and develop new ideas to improve processes. We require technical skills in conveyors and the packaging sector for operations and sales.
What’s your process for handling a customer’s initial inquiry and needs assessment?
We have a consultation team made up of salespersons and technical estimators. Both evaluate the customers' needs and objectives (plant visit, meeting, photos, and videos). We design a 2D layout plan and provide a proposal with technical details and the necessary investment.
Once a customer issues a P.O., what happens next? What can they expect?
Upon receipt of the order, a dedicated project manager oversees the project to ensure its success. One new project = one dedicated project manager. If an existing customer comes with a different project, we try to keep the same project manager.
Customer Kick-off: Conduct a project review with relevant departments (engineering, project management, and production) to confirm the solution and plan the timeline.
Product specifications and samples for testing.
Site Measurement: Inspect prevailing conditions and site specificities.
Engineering: Perform a detailed analysis of each technology, design mechanical models, and create 3D layout plans.
Layout Validation: Validate the layout before manufacturing.
Manufacturing and Assembly: Oversee the manufacturing and assembly of equipment.
Purchasing and Logistics Management: Manage the procurement and logistics of the various technologies included in the solution.
Mechanical Installation according to the layout
Control and Programming: Automation of the recommended solution (Design and programming of networks)
Start-up & Commissioning: Testing and running the line without and with products under real conditions to achieve specific objectives the customer sets.
Spare part List proposal
Warranty and SAV Support
What influences a new machine's turnaround/delivery time, and what happens during this process?
It is important to validate and clarify several points before manufacturing: the factory environment, floor space, interconnections with other machines, the products concerned by the solution, etc. These points are seen during the project kick-off with the customer and the on-site measurement visit.
How do you handle field service and training?
We do not have a dedicated training team. Our mechanical and automation technicians train operators during installation and production. Our project management service (including after-sales service) also provides remote assistance.
Do you have any plans for facility expansion or new operations?
Storcan’s expansion in 2020, which doubled our physical space, was a strategic move to accommodate future growth. The company’s foresight in planning for additional space underscores our commitment to scaling operations, and this expansion has allowed us to explore new partnerships and technologies.
What challenges do you foresee affecting your firm and all companies in this industry?
Like many businesses, we are currently experiencing some difficulties as some investment projects have been frozen, and decision times are much longer.
Our company’s growth has created a demand for specialized technicians and project managers, roles that are increasingly difficult to fill. The competitive job market and Storcan’s status as a smaller company make it challenging to attract and retain the necessary talent. The need for employees with specific knowledge of manufacturing and machinery, a niche skill set in high demand but in short supply, compounds this struggle.
Any other thoughts on the future?
The growth! Despite some difficult times, market indicators are green. We want to take advantage of this to strongly push our company's growth. How? By investing in our teams' skills, creating solid partnerships, and, above all, prioritizing our customers' satisfaction.
Our investment in developing a dedicated automation department is a testament to our commitment to staying ahead of the curve. This department, which started with no employees just a year ago, now boasts a team of four, with plans to expand further due to high customer demand.
Storcan’s strategic decisions and commitment to innovation have positioned us well for future growth.
Company Background
When established: 1976
Range of products: We manufacture conveyor systems, material handling systems, and automated strapping machines. We integrate what our customers need, including food processing spirals, pasteurizers, bagging machines, box forming, coding/labeling systems, palletization systems, etc.
Executive team: Jean-Martin Savoie (Majority shareholder-VP Sales and Marketing), Hugo Lorquet (Major account manager), and Benoit Cliche (Technical Director)
Production/shipping volume per year: $18-25 million (CAD)
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