Heritage restoration is a family affair for Alexis Robichaud and his company, Maçonnerie Nouveau-Monde.
The company was founded in 2010 by Alexis, his cousin David Robichaud, and their partner Patrick Berthiaume, but their experience in heritage restoration began with the Robichauds' grandfather in 1976, when the family became specialists in the field.
"The company has a lot of family values. There's a sense of belonging for everyone who works with us," says Alexis.
Alexis, his cousin David Robichaud and their partner Patrick Berthiaume use a Merlo Roto 40.26 MCSS to help them complete all their masonry projects. Although they work on many different types of projects, they've really found a niche in heritage building restorations. For them, the secret to success lies not in technological advances, but rather in the durability of masonry.
"Masonry methods haven't changed much since my grandfather's time. We do projects that last over time, so my kids make be able to see and say “My daddy did that.” That's the beauty of masonry. It's sustainable." Says Alexis.
Some of Maçonnerie Nouveau-Monde's projects include the Église de la Nativité de Beauport, the Grand Marché de Québec, the Centre d'éducation des adultes de Bellechasse and the Bibliothèque Claire-Martin.
Thanks to the versatility and efficiency of their Roto telescopic forklift, the company can tackle even the most ambitious projects! With independent stabilizers, the option of being in control of the machine in the remote-controlled basket, and the ability to reach a maximum height of 26 meters, the machine was the perfect productivity tool for Alexis and Maçonnerie Nouveau-Monde, when they purchased it two years ago.
"We had rented rotos in the past. We quickly came to the conclusion that it was simpler for the company to rely on a machine that is quite versatile, that we can use as a forklift and as a cherry picker. For the jobs we have to do, it's really the ideal machine," says Alexis.
Alexis has been working in the masonry industry since 2006, and David since 2004. Thanks to their experience and expertise in this niche, they now carry out restoration projects on heritage buildings throughout Quebec. Since opening their doors in 2010, they have grown to 16 employees!
Details are extremely important in the masonry industry. Heritage restoration projects can sometimes take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. They need to be able to trust their Roto, and in the two years since they bought it, that trust continues to be rewarded.
And what if the Robichauds' grandfather could see the efficiency of their operations with this Roto?
"He'd be impressed, I think. He'd ask why he didn't have a machine like this before!" laughs Alexis.
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