The Canadian subsidiary of French business Lauak has been granted $3m in financial support from the Canadian Government.

The contribution will help Lauak Canada’s plans to transform its Mirabel factory into an advanced technology aeronautics centre of excellence (CoE).

The company’s new CoE will feature a research and development space for novel products and processes.

As part of this project, Lauak Canada will expand its factory and purchase Industry 4.0 digital equipment.

The new research and development (R&D) and process improvement facility is expected to generate new jobs at Mirabel.

Lauak Group co-manager Mikel Charritton said: “Our establishment in Canada represents a major step in our group’s development.

“After 18 months in Mirabel, we are particularly satisfied with our choice. The staff are motivated and competent, the work environment is very favourable and the regional and federal institutions have supported us since day one.

“Quebec is an ideal anchor point to conquer new markets and develop our activity in North America.”

Canadian Economic Development and Official Languages Minister Mélanie Joly said that the financial support is being extended under Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) programme.

Lauak Canada is also planning to provide an internal training programme to encourage new workers.

Lauak Canada manufactures tubes, which are used in transporting fuel, water, air and liquids feeding various airplane systems.

The Mirabel factory was taken over by the company in September 2018 and has since created more than 20 employment opportunities in the region.

Joly said: “We are working with SMEs and their employees to create wealth here in Canada. By helping businesses to equip themselves, we are enabling them to grow and be competitive so they can create good-quality jobs.

“Thanks to the Government of Canada’s financial support, Lauak Canada can establish its centre of excellence, which will help to strengthen the Greater Montréal aerospace cluster.”