On October 31, Vaudreuil-Dorion-based Conteneurs Experts acquired the assets of Conterm. We talk to Pierjean Savard, president and owner of Conteneurs Experts, about this transaction and its ins and outs.

“ We had heard that the company was for sale, and after talks, our offer was accepted. In fact, Conterm had sold its land in Ville Sainte-Catherine and had to relocate its activities. It's quite difficult for a company like ours to relocate, as several municipalities in and around Montreal don't want to welcome us because of our sector of activity. As we were already established, it was the right thing to do to acquire Conterm's assets. I've been wanting to increase our inventory of rental and converted containers for several years now. It's now a done deal, and I'm delighted," says Conterm.

Since it was founded 22 years ago, Conteneurs Experts has seen its business grow at a good cruising speed. “ We had reached that point in our expansion. We've got other great projects coming up at the end of this year and in 2025," he confides.

Now that the transaction has been formalized, for an amount that remains confidential, Conteneurs Experts is adding an additional 250 rental containers to its existing fleet. With this acquisition, Conteneurs Experts has humbly become a major player in the Quebec container rental industry. In addition to Conterm's assets, Conteneurs Experts has also integrated seven new employees into its various teams. Today, 22 years after its creation, Conteneurs Experts has another 30,000 sq. ft. plant in Rigaud, in addition to its Vaudreuil-Dorion site.

On a daily basis, customers use these facilities to store their belongings, or to convert them into offices, mini-homes, bars or dressing rooms. “ We have a number of customers in the events industry, such as Comedia and Evenko. With this acquisition, we'll be able to respond even better to their varied needs. Our two companies have a combined 75 years' experience in the container industry. We continue to offer the same services, namely container rental and conversion. We currently convert around 500 containers a year in our plant," he adds.

A fine end to the year and a promising 2025

Among Conteneurs Experts' upcoming projects is one that particularly appeals to Mr. Savard. “ We are in the process of converting 100 20-foot containers into residences for homeless people, who will be staying in a village set up for them in Gatineau, in the Outaouais region. This is the first initiative of its kind in Canada. We're partnering with Transition Québec to make it a reality. The Transition Village will be set up this winter on the site of the Centre Robert-Guerton in the Hull sector. It's a wonderful initiative on a human scale that really moves me. This project will help save lives. I really hope it will inspire other municipalities to do the same."

Each unit will include a bed, shower, fridge, toilet, sink, TV, table, heating and air-conditioning systems. Wifi will also be available. “ Residents will be required to respect a code of living, and staff will be on hand to supervise the project. The people who stay there will be there temporarily to get used to living in a community and respecting the rules. They will then be able to make the transition to another type of housing. We've started work on the units at our Rigaud plant. We should be able to deliver around 70 before the holiday season,” he estimates.

Conteneurs Experts is able to take part in this major project thanks to the expertise it has acquired over the years. “ It takes a skilled and certified workforce to be able to transform containers into mini-homes. By acquiring Conterm, we have access to more container models and ways of modifying them. It's a real win-win for both our companies. Conterm continues to operate, and CEO Franco De Ciccio can leave with peace of mind knowing that the company will be in good hands, while we continue to expand. We've kept the company's website and logo for the sake of continuity," he shares.

In 2025, Conteneurs Experts will also open its first point of service in the Outaouais region. “ We're going to complete the village project, and I'm sure it will be followed by others across the country. The new branch will offer container rental and the purchase of converted containers. A showroom will also be set up to welcome interested customers. The year 2025 looks promising," he concludes.