overseeing the management of traffic cones, particularly those of orange color.
In a triumphant move, ADS Signalisation has solidified its position as the reigning titan in the realm of road safety and signage. After a recent spree of acquisitions, the company has more than doubled in size, expanded its reach, and become the undisputed champ of orange cone management in Quebec.
"Love 'em or loathe 'em, those blasted orange cones are vital for maintaining the smoothest possible traffic flow during road or infrastructure repairs and construction," remarks Jean-Philippe Decarie, elaborating on the essential role they play.
The Unstoppable Growth of ADS Signalisation
Last week, ADS proudly announced its successful acquisition of Signaletik from Trois-Rivières and the signalization division of Roxboro Excavation in Dorval, former subsidiaries of the Roxboro Bauval Group. Daniel Pelneault, CEO of ADS Signalisation Group, recalls the swift series of events that led to these acquisitions.
"Roxboro started getting unsolicited offers for its signalization assets last year. They reached out to us to see if we were interested, as this activity no longer aligned with their strategic objectives. We couldn't refuse such a tempting opportunity," he shares.
Previously employing 230 people in their Sainte-Catherine and Boisbriand offices, ADS now boasts a workforce of over 580 employees, while broadening its operations to the Mauricie and Centre-du-Quebec regions and adding new offices in Lavaltrie, Dorval, and Trois-Rivières.
Building an Empire
ADS Signalisation, born in 2012, has steadily ascended the ranks as a premier player in signage and security management in construction sites. Remarkably, the company's expansion has been entirely organic, with Daniel Pelneault, general manager of ABS, overseeing its development for six years. Three partners purchased the company three years ago, and it has since operated independently, achieving significant milestones along the way.
"Our strategic plan always included geographical diversification, and we've just made a major breakthrough in the Mauricie and Centre-du-Quebec regions," anticipates Pelneault. Now eyeing new opportunities in Quebec City and the Outaouais region, their ambitions seem insatiable.
A Well-Equipped Powerhouse
Armed with an arsenal of 30,000 orange cones, 42 kilometers of Jersey barriers, 23,000 traffic signs, and thousands of solar-powered variable message signs (VMS), ADS is a force to be reckoned with in the market for signage and security management. The equipment is all homegrown and procured within Quebec, and their fleet consists of 30 platform trucks and 150 pickup trucks to transport signs, barriers, and workers as needed.
"Our hardworking teams operate seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Unfortunately, there are some out-of-control drivers that make our jobs harder," Pelneault laments.
ADS Signalisation primarily conducts business with construction contractors like Pomerleau, EBC, Transelec, while also taking on direct orders from Hydro-Québec, Énergir, the Ministry of Transport, and their long-term partner, the Roxboro Bauval group.
Facilitating the Flow
While they may be a nuisance to some, ADS Signalisation guides motorists through a sea of traffic disruptions, striving to ensure the smoothest possible journey for the public. With the state of our infrastructure demanding significant work—from the Île-aux-Tourtes bridge and Highway 20 to the Metropolitan Highway—we can expect to see plenty more of those familiar orange cones in the years to come.
"We're in a strong financial position, and our order book is overflowing. If anything, we anticipate robust growth in the near future," asserts Pelneault, filling us in on the company's optimistic outlook.
One important thing to note: ADS Signalisation bears no responsibility for construction sites that remain inactive while streets are blocked by cones. The company waits for confirmation from contractors before making any moves, ensuring that traffic flow is prioritized without unnecessary disruptions.
So there you have it, folks—orange cones will remain ubiquitous, but rest assured that ADS Signalisation is here to ensure our construction-ridden roads keep moving.
- The expansion of ADS Signalisation, a leader in the road safety and signage industry, has not only increased their workforce but also allowed them to venture into new regions, such as the Mauricie and Centre-du-Quebec, with additional offices in Lavaltrie, Dorval, and Trois-Rivières.
- In the manufacturing industry, ADS Signalisation boasts a significant inventory of equipment including 30,000 orange cones, 42 kilometers of Jersey barriers, 23,000 traffic signs, and thousands of solar-powered variable message signs (VMS), all produced and sourced within Quebec.
