New Business of the Year

Perfection Sheet Metal Inc.

Claude Gallant is from Grande-Digue. After completing his studies in mechanical engineering at l’Université Laval in Québec, he returned to New Brunswick where he worked for Fantech in Bouctouche for 12 years in research and development. His duties also involved problem solving in the production process. In 2000, when he learned that the company was selling one of its punching machines, he jumped at the opportunity to buy it and start his own business.

Most companies are not equipped to process sheet metal, so they have certain components of their products manufactured elsewhere.  The companies that have this specialized equipment concentrate on their own products.  Perfection Sheet Metal specializes in fabricating custom-made sheet metal products for various companies:  ductwork for ventilation systems, parts for telecommunications, as well as parts for fire trucks, trains and a variety of small parts on demand.  Everything is computer programmed and manufactured in the plant.

Claude invested in equipment in order to meet the demand.  He does not do welding, because he leaves that aspect to those who are more qualified.  “I don’t know anything about that; I tend to stick to what I know.  And I don’t want to compete against my clients.”

When Claude first started, he had two employees and then he hired others on an as-needed basis.  Today, he has nine employees, of which two are women who mainly operate the punching machines.  As Claude confirms, “All my employees are qualified, they are supposed to know more than me and are the heart of Perfection Sheet Metal.”  His wife, Lynn, is in charge of the administration and bookkeeping and together, they make all the decisions.

His clients are from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Florida and Texas.  When he first started, he only contacted a few companies and word spread form there.

A very important component of his business is to know how to estimate properly and to know the exact price of each part.  “If you don’t charge enough, you’ll lose money and if you charge too much, you’ll lose the contract.”

Claude likes the challenge of finding solutions to problems and he has a wide array of clients with different needs.  There are those who send a design and he knows exactly what type of piece to make.  Others do not have a design so a product must be developed with the client and that takes more time.  Some projects can take over a year to complete.

Perfection Sheet Metal is in the process of expanding and will have more warehousing space.  The basic material consists of large pieces of sheet metal (4 feet by 8 feet or 5 feet by 10 feet) that are received on pallets and then stored on shelves.  After being processed, the finished product is ready to be shipped.  Some clients pick up their orders the next day, others wait until later and that takes up a lot of space.  Inventory must be tracked and soon this will be done electronically.

Claude’s greatest satisfaction is work well done and the attention he gives to his clients who want a quality product delivered on time at a reasonable price.  As well, he does not hesitate to help them in emergency situations.

According to Claude, the key to success is to work hard and be willing to work extra hours.  One must also be realistic and only expand accordingly.  It is very rewarding to have your own business and to be proud of your accomplishments.  It is also very important for Claude to spend time with his family, including his wife and two daughters, Danièle and Gabrièle.  Community involvement is also important and includes Les Petits crayons, tournaments, Tree of Hope, and others.

Claude was surprised that he had won this award because he doesn’t advertise.  “I am so busy developing new markets outside of the region that I am not well-known locally.”  Even if its owner prefers to stay in the background, you can bet that we will be hearing more and more about Perfection Sheet Metal.