Birthday cake all round at SNC-Lavalin

SNC-Lavalin launched its 100th birthday celebrations on Monday (April 11). President and CEO Pierre Duhaime spoke at a media conference at the Palais des Congrès, and began by noting how the company had started off in 1911 as a one-man, one-client office in nearby Old Montreal.

Now the company has grown to be “one of the world’s largest engineering/construction firms with 24,000 employees in Canada and over 35 other countries around the world. It currently has “thousands of projects in 100 countries,” and earned revenues of $6.3 billion last year.

At the launch of the centennial, Duhaime had praise for every employee. He also pointed out how important engineering and construction is in the world. “Engineering and construction firms play a crucial role in shaping society,” said Duhaime. “They constantly look for more efficient and sustainable ways to build the facilities and infrastructure we rely on – buildings, bridges, water treatment plants, industrial plants, power plants – the list goes on and on. It is challenging and fulfilling work that improves the well-being of communities around the world.”

To mark the centennial, birthday cake was served to employees in SNC-Lavalin offices worldwide, covering 11 different time zones. A “travelling hard hat” is criss-crossing the globe to different offices for “photo-ops.”  The company is also publishing an official centennial history book

But the major centennial initiative is “100 Acts of WE CARE.” With this program, the company will recognize 100 examples of employees volunteering their time to a cause, whether it is in health and safety, employees, communities, the environment or quality.

“From building a hospital in Uganda to helping street kids in Montreal, our employees are doing truly impressive volunteer work in their own communities and in the communities near our project sites,” said Duhaime. “You don’t have to be a huge company to help improve society – everyone can contribute and we’re hoping this initiative will encourage other companies and individuals to help wherever they can.”