Creating local and global excellence at Précision SFTech

From left: Guillaume Dionne and Danny Thibodeau lead Précision SFTech, Terrebonne, Que., a precision CNC machining business that serves both the civil and military aerospace industries. Images: Précision SFTech

Make complexity real. That’s the gameplan for Quebec aerospace manufacturer Précision SFTech, Terrebonne, Que.

The company is a precision CNC machining business that serves both the civil and military aerospace industries. With a focus on manufacturing parts using multiaxis CNC machining and the subassembly of these complex components, the company has established itself as a leader in producing parts made from hardened steel, exotics, and non-ferrous alloys.

A specialist in landing gear, which represents 90 per cent of its business, with the other 10 per cent being devoted to structures, the company was founded in 2005 and moved to its currently location in 2018.

“With a well-orchestrated business strategy, parts manufactured in Terrebonne now fly all over the world aboard military planes and helicopters, commercial planes, and business jets,” said Guillaume Dionne, director of industrialization and business development. “The real foundation of Précision SFTech, however, is the quality of our employees. We really rely on this essential asset.”

The company’s management team has many years of experience in the aerospace industry, contributing significantly to the company's understanding of customer needs and the delivery of high-quality products. And the technical team's dedication is reflected in their ability to handle intricate designs and specifications required by their clients.

“SFTech develops the best manufacturing strategy with the aim of offering customers a one-stop shop, from the purchase order to the delivery of the finished product,” said Dionne.

New Manufacturing Technology

And, as an industry leader, the company recognized the need for new technology adoption and has started the process of adding the latest machining technology to its shop floor.

Dionne and company President Danny Thibodeau plan a complete renewal of the shop’s equipment fleet over the next 10 years.

This process started in 2022 as state-of-the-art equipment began to be installed on the factory floor.

Since then, the company has installed a six-pallet, large-capacity Matsuura MAM72-100H 5-axis machining centre; an 18-pallet Matsuura MAM72-70H 5-axis machining centre; and a Nakamura-Tome JX-250 turn-mill centre, all from machine tool distributor Elliott Matsuura Canada, Oakville, Ont.

Précision SFTech focuses on manufacturing parts using multiaxis CNC machining.

With a growth plan based on technological innovations, the company is now focusing on process automation and diversification.

“With our creative team, we are not afraid to reinvent ourselves,” said Dionne. “We are making ourselves a place in an ultra-competitive market and becoming a key player in this industry.”

The company also received an additional boost with the arrival of two new main shareholders who advocate long-term development by encouraging acquisitions that diversify the services offered to customers as well as the adoption of new CNC equipment.

The company’s commitment to quality is underscored by its adherence to stringent industry standards, including AS 9100 and ISO 9001 certifications, which ensure that all processes and products meet the highest levels of quality and safety.

With a workforce of 36 employees, Précision SFTech maintains a balance between skilled craftsmanship and innovative technology. This balance allows it to not only meet but often exceed the expectations of its clients in terms of both product quality and service delivery.

The company's reputation relies heavily on its customer-centric approach, which involves close collaboration with clients to ensure that all products are tailored to meet specific requirements. This collaborative process often leads to the development of unique processes that address the complex challenges faced by manufacturers in the aerospace industry.

It’s another example of the company’s employees making a difference.

“The company is only as strong as the people who work here, and it is with that in mind, along with our quest for continuous improvement, that we achieve some of our best successes,” said Dionne.

Whether they work in the factory or in the offices, SFTech empowers its employees by allowing them to express themselves and explore new ways of doing things. This becomes the beginning of key organizational changes.

“Everyone feels fully involved and involved in the success of the company,” said Dionne.

The company has planned a complete upgrade of its CNC machines, including a Nakamura-Tome JX-250 turn-mill centre.

Like many shops across the country, labour shortages and productivity are top of mind for Dionne. To face these challenges, the company has turned to technology. As an example, the investment in new CNC machining technology now allows the company to machine a part with a cycle time of more than 16 hours without human intervention.

The Future Approaches Rapidly

The manufacturing sector is in the middle of sea change. It must automate, digitalize, and innovate or fade away.

“Our goal is to move towards becoming an Industry 4.0 factory. We are getting there. The automation process is already underway. Our next step is more robotization,” said Dionne.

“Précision SFTech’s technological shift was praised in 2019 and when we welcomed the minister of the economy, innovation, and energy as part of Manufacturing Visits 4.0.,” he continued. “During the conference, which kicked off this government initiative, the importance of a technological revolution for Quebec’s manufacturing industry was emphasized to the dozens of guests.”

Précision SFTech is a dynamic and forward-thinking company that plays a crucial role in the aerospace sector. Its dedication to precision, quality, and customer satisfaction has earned it a reputation as a reliable partner for some of the most respected names in the industry. As it continues to innovate and expand its capabilities, the company is well positioned to be a key player in the global aerospace market for years to come.

Community Matters

Excellence at a global level is also matched by excellence at the local level at Précision SFTech.

“Being involved in the local community while maintaining strong environmental awareness is crucial for us for several reasons, including social responsibility and sustainability,” said Dionne.

The company focuses on five concepts to create a bond with its community.

Strengthening social cohesion. Engaging in the local community helps to build strong bonds between individuals and organizations. This creates a sense of belonging and mutual support.

Positive economic effect. Businesses that engage locally are often viewed favourably by customers, which can increase customer loyalty and local support. Furthermore, by supporting the local economy, businesses can help create jobs and stimulate local economic growth.

Other new equipment includes a Matsuura MAM72-100H 5-axis machining centre and a Matsuura MAM72-70H 5-axis machining centre.

Environmental sustainability. By adopting sustainability practices, a business can contribute to the preservation of natural resources for future generations.

“Having an environmental conscience means acting in ways that minimize negative effects on the environment. This can include practices such as reducing waste, recycling, and using clean technologies and renewable energy,” said Dionne.

Innovation and local development. By getting involved locally and being environmentally conscious, the company encourages innovation.

“This can lead to the development of new products or services that meet local needs while also being environmentally friendly,” said Dionne.

Education and awareness. The involvement of businesses in local and environmental initiatives also can play an educational role. By collaborating with schools, universities, and other organizations, the company helps raise awareness about the importance of sustainability and encourage more environmentally friendly practices.

“For a company specializing in precision machining and closely collaborating with the aerospace industry like us, these commitments not only show respect for the strict environmental standards often required by this sector, but also a willingness to contribute positively to the local community and its environment,” said Dionne. “This can also open doors to innovative collaborations and projects aligned with sustainability values and social responsibility from our customers.”

Editor Joe Thompson can be reached at jthompson@fmamfg.org.

Précision SFTech, sftech.ca

Elliott Matsuura Canada, www.elliottmachinery.com

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