The new CEO of the Bécancour Industrial and Port Park Company, Donald Olivier, was feverish when he began his mandate. No doubt he is aware that the post-pandemic economic recovery will pass, at least in part, through Bécancour.
At least five companies linked to the battery sector must set up in the Bécancour industrial park with, à la carte, billions of dollars in investment and up to 4,000 jobs.
“Of course what turned me on a lot is that you have one of the most beautiful projects in Quebec that is in your backyard. If the economic recovery goes through several files, this one is a major one, ”observed Donald Olivier from the outset.
This position, at the head of the Industrial Park Company, was highly coveted. A total of 166 applications were studied, and for the first time, it was not Quebec that imposed its choice. Rather, it was left to the local Board of Directors.
“We made a recommendation in good and due form to the Minister (of the Economy). The Minister took note of it and within ten days he came back to us to say that it was perfect. It’s him (Donald Olivier). The minister interviewed him himself and he did not know him,” says Jean Poliquin, chairman of the board of directors of the Bécancour industrial and port park company.
As envisaged, the former CEO, Maurice Richard, will remain in office as special advisor to his successor. The Minister of the Economy, Pierre Fitzgibbon, also launched to the chairman of the board of directors, Jean Poliquin, at the end of the hiring process: “I hope that you keep Maurice”.
