The Gazette, montrealgazette.com
The Entrepreneurs: Laurentians palm leaves find their way to exotic locales
Customers in 50 countries buy Quebec firm’s product
By Paul Delean, The Gazette
ST-SAUVEUR — When you envision palm leaves, are you picturing yourself somewhere in the Laurentians?
Didn’t think so.
They can be found here, though, in vast quantities.
A Quebec company called Palmex, based in Saint-Sauveur, has become an unlikely world leader in the production of synthetic palm leaves, a roof staple now in exotic locations around the world.
“We’re in 50 countries at last count. Theme parks and four- and five-star oceanside hotels are our major clients,” said Richard Maillé, co-founder of the company, which has been around 10 years, employs 12 people and generates annual sales of about $3.5 million.
How exactly does a palm-tree plant come to find a home in the mountainous heart of our winter wonderland?
As you might imagine, it was a particular set of circumstances.
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