ABB is marking the 50th anniversary of its Quebec factory which today manufactures market leading products for industrial analytical measurement and is one of the largest suppliers of optical sensors for detecting greenhouse gas emissions from space. It began as a local enterprise, Bomem Inc., founded in 1973 by visionaries Dr. Henry Buijs, Gary Vail and Jean-Noel Bérubé and has grown into a flagship facility with over 400 employees. In 1999, Bomem entered a new era when it was acquired by ABB, allowing the factory to tap into ABB's resources and global reach, further extending its impact. Today the factory houses ABB’s largest Measurement & Analytics research and development group, consisting of 150 engineers and scientists.
“In its 50-year journey, ABB's Quebec factory has both pushed the boundaries of industrial analytical measurement, and also reached for the stars, literally,” said Jean-René Roy, Global Business Line Manager, ABB Measurement & Analytics. “Through pioneering gas analysis technology, ABB continues to support global climate change initiatives, delivering advanced solutions that monitor our planet and protect its future. This milestone is a testament to the power of innovation, dedication, and commitment to a greener, safer world.”
In recent years, optical sensors built by ABB in Quebec have played a vital role in detecting greenhouse gas emissions from space. Space-based gas analysis enables unbiased reporting across jurisdictions, crucial to verifying climate commitments. The ABB-built optical sensors offer 100 times higher resolution than comparable technologies, identifying emissions sources precisely.
