As we know, in Mauricie, we have a lot of people who are hands-on, resourceful, builders, patentees, technophiles and ingenious. Samuel is a real hands-on guy. As an assembler at one of the two Quebec plants of FLO, an international manufacturer of electric vehicle charging stations, he’s very proud to get up every morning and feel that he’s making a difference in the energy transition. FLO recently obtained a $6 million subsidy from the Quebec government. This support is part of the Plan for a Green Economy 2030. There’s no shortage of innovative businesses in the Mauricie region that are constantly developing.
Samuel comes from a healthcare background. It’s a long way from manufacturing or even energy, yet he has managed to find his way into the company. Today, his day-to-day work involves assembling mechanical parts of all kinds and helping to set up charging points for electric vehicles. As soon as he joined FLO, Samuel was given the support and training he needed. “I wanted to develop my career, and FLO helped me to do that. Employee well-being is of paramount importance to the company’s managers. When an employee is not happy in their job, there will always be solutions.” Samuel considers himself lucky to have the openness and communication that encourage exchanges between colleagues. He also greatly appreciates the energy and atmosphere he finds every day within the walls, especially the Friday afternoon beers with colleagues at the end of the shift. “It gives us a chance to chat and spend some quality time together.”
Originally from Saint-Tite in Mékinac, Samuel decided to move from his home region to Grand-Mère to be closer to the city and work, and to spend more time with his family. Even though he’s closer to the city, “Here, the neighbours are far away, but close at the same time. There will always be someone to help you if you need it.” In his spare time, Samuel likes to take advantage of all the activities available close to home. If he’s not breathing in the fresh air while fishing on the Saint-Maurice River, he’s enjoying an ice cream with his two-year-old daughter at the dairy bar right around the corner. A nature lover, Samuel appreciates the size of the green spaces that surround him. “It’s fun, you can feel out of place, but you’re not even 30 minutes from home.” If he’s not at home, he’s probably at La Mauricie National Park, just next door. In his opinion, his part of the country is brimming with opportunities, whether in quality jobs, a diverse cultural offering or the abundant gastronomy. “It’s great to live and work here. There’s plenty of room.”