Interstar becomes an imposing force on the international market

A Sherbrooke-based company that has for mandate to offer innovative solutions for the concrete industry has distinguished itself on the international market.

Interstar was recently awarded the Prize for Excellence in the Canadian exporter category of “Research and Development”, awarded by the Ministry of International Commerce. This was the only Quebec-based company to have received this award in 2005.

This award recognizes the importance of over 7000 exporting companies on the economy of our country as well as to emphasize their competitiveness on an international level.

The president Zachary Gillman is very proud of this prestigious honour. “Exports account for 53 percent of Interstar’ total sales, an important statistic for the company. Already a leader on the Canadian market, Interstar has decided to increase its exports to insure a strong and healthy growth,” declared the president.

Interstar is specialized in the production of pigments, admixtures and fibres. It is with their energy and innovative thinking that they have managed to distinguish themselves, according to the director of marketing, Richard Gaudette. “Including our Sherbrooke location, we also have offices and warehouses in the United States, Mexico and Brazil. In all of our business relations, we become partners and respect the culture of each individual. Interstar can adapt to local markets, offering a courteous and efficient customer service as well as a being a forward thinker in technical support.”

In Distinct Progress

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Interstar is growing constantly. Founded in Montreal in 1987, this distributor began manufacturing their personal line of products in St-Elie-d’Orford. A bigger, modern facility was built in Sherbrooke in 2003. Approximately fifty employees work there.

The purchase of a new plant in Junction City, Illinois (which becomes the American head office of the company) shows Interstar’s intention to assert itself as a leader of its field.

“We are in the process of expanding our Sherbrooke facility by 25,000 sq.ft, as well as increasing administrative office space by 5000 sq.ft. We will then be able to add a customer support division to our operations,” pointed out Mr. Gaudette.

He also insists on quality of the products as well as increased security awareness, having been certified by the Canadian (Partners In Protection) and American (C-TPAT) custom agencies.

“Interstar has a great deal of respect for the environment. We have a zero-discharge policy. As well as water purification, we also filter and recuperate our dust. With the excess heat generated, we use that to heat other areas of the plant. Interstar is also highly involved within the community in supporting local causes, including the University of Sherbrooke,” added Mr. Gaudette.

Le Journal de Sherbrooke (Sherbrooke, Qc)
Saturday February 19th 2006
Alain Bérubé