“C’est grave pour moi, mais c’est encore pire pour ceux dont les deux membres d’un même ménage y travaillent,”
Venmar, a company founded in 1978 and recognized as a center of excellence in research and development in 2016, has been a staple in the Drummondville community for decades. However, the decision to close the factory comes amid economic uncertainty, a decrease in orders, new tariffs, and rising transportation costs. The factory is expected to continue operations until July 2026 to fulfill existing orders before officially closing in November 2026.
Jean-François Houle, a local representative, expressed frustration over the lack of communication from management regarding the closure. “Nous aimerions bien faire quelque chose pour empêcher un tel dénouement. Mais en l’absence de communication de la direction, que pouvons-nous faire ?” His comments underscore the anxiety and uncertainty faced by employees as they navigate the impending job losses.
Venmar has been owned by Nortek International since 1995, and the decision to relocate production activities to the United States and Mexico has raised questions about the future of manufacturing jobs in Quebec. The impact of new tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump on this decision remains unconfirmed, adding to the complexities surrounding the closure.
In the wake of this announcement, Drummondville has also been dealing with a series of suspicious fires, prompting police investigations. “À ce stade-ci, il est trop tôt pour établir avec certitude des liens entre ces événements,”
As the community grapples with the implications of the factory closure, Christine Fréchette’s recent election as Quebec’s premier adds another layer to the local political landscape. Fréchette secured 58% of the vote in the CAQ leadership race on April 12, 2026, becoming the first leader of the CAQ other than François Legault. Her administration will likely face pressure to address the economic fallout from the factory’s closure.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact number of employees who may avoid layoffs, leaving many in a state of uncertainty. As the timeline for the factory’s closure approaches, the focus will shift to how affected workers and the community will adapt to the changes ahead.
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