News (September 01, 2002)

Long-term IT Agreement for CGI with Alcan

Montral-based Alcan Inc. and Saguenay, Qu.-based CGI Group Inc. are expected to sign a contract in October 2002 for a 10-year, $200-million information technology (IT) outsourcing agreement. The agreement will lead to the creation of 60 additional jobs while maintaining 100 existing jobs at CGI’s application development and technology support centre in Saguenay, for a total of 260 employees at the centre.

The CGI solution was selected after a rigorous analysis of Alcan’s IT requirements and after reviewing all alternatives. CGI will manage Alcan’s help desk operations and provide user support, data centre management services as well as electronic messaging systems. It will serve Alcan’s operations in Qubec, British Columbia and some in the United States.

Improved Core Bits and First-ever Diamond Tools Warranty

Fordia Diamond Tools has launched the T-Rex series of core bits. T-Rex is guaranteed to have at least 20% longer bit life, unequalled penetration speed, less torque on machinery and fewer mechanical breaks. The series offers multi-application levels and ease of use. It is said to penetrate a wider range of rock formations than other drilling bits.

Backed by Fordia’s 5-Dia- monds Guarantee and ISO9001-certified, Fordia products include diamond-impregnated and surface set coring bits, reaming shells and casing shoes as well as custom-made tools. In addition to its Saint-Laurent, Qu., head office, the company has offices in Val- d’Or (Qubec), Mexico, Chile and Australia. For more information, refer to Fordia’s website at www.fordia.com.

Bechtel Strengthens Presence in Qubec

In June, Bechtel Canada and BPR announced a four-point plan to expand and sustain the companies’ presence in Qubec. The announcement was made at the official opening of Bechtel’s new offices in the Complexe les Ailes, a landmark building in Montral.

The plan includes the creation of a joint company (BPR-Bechtel), relocation of Bechtel’s North American mining and metals headquarters from Denver, Col., to Montral, establishment of Bechtel’s global Aluminum Centre of Excellence in Montral, and the appointment of aluminum business leader Emery LeBlanc to the boards of Bechtel Qubec and Bechtel Canada. The joint company will be owned equally by the two partner firms, and will focus on the aluminum and heavy-industry sectors.

According to Riley Bechtel, chairman and CEO of Bechtel Group, Inc., two key reasons for choosing Montral as home for Bechtel’s mining and metals headquarters are Qubec’s excellent business climate and its world stature in the aluminum market. For more information visit www.bechtel.com or www.groupe-bpr.com.