Can Robotics Be the Solution to Trade Tensions with the U.S.?

According to an evaluation by Desjardins teams, about 10% of Quebec businesses could be impacted by U.S. tariffs. Rising trade tensions, high transportation costs, and unpredictable tariffs are forcing manufacturers to rethink their strategies. Robotics is emerging as a key solution to produce locally, faster, and at a lower cost while maintaining high-quality standards.

Bringing Production Back Home – A Strategic Priority for Quebec Businesses

In times of trade uncertainty, the ability to produce locally is a major competitive advantage. Robotics helps businesses offset higher labor costs by automating repetitive or complex tasks.

For example, a company in Gaspésie specializing in custom-made Snow Crab Traps and nets for the fishing industry partnered with Revtech Systems to tackle two critical challenges:

• Bringing the production back to Quebec.
• Optimizing manufacturing processes to reduce costs and increase production speed.

To achieve these goals, we designed and installed a custom robotic cell. At the heart of this solution is a collaborative welding robot capable of performing precise and repeatable welds for trap assembly. This automation has significantly improved production speed while ensuring consistent quality, reducing waste, and minimizing rework costs.

By producing locally, the company:

• Reduces dependency on international suppliers, mitigating risks linked to supply chain disruptions.
• Eliminates shipping costs and tariffs, simplifying cost management.
• Supports local purchasing and strengthens the regional economy while lowering its carbon footprint.

Concrete Benefits for Local Competitiveness

Robotic solutions go beyond welding—many industries can benefit from automation:

• Food Processing: Automating production lines to speed up packaging and reduce sorting losses.
• Wood Industry: Sanding, machining, and surface finishing.
• Painting & Raw Material Application: Enhances productivity by ensuring continuous production without interruptions. Robotic precision optimizes material use while maintaining consistent quality.

Investing in Robotics – A Sustainable Growth Lever

While the initial investment in a robotic cell may seem significant, the return on investment (ROI) is quickly realized. By optimizing productivity, reducing variable costs, and increasing manufacturing flexibility, robotics enables local businesses to compete with international players. Additionally, automation frees workers from repetitive or strenuous tasks, improving workplace quality of life and making it easier to attract new talent.

Our client’s success in Gaspésie is proof that robotics can be a powerful catalyst for reshoring production and boosting competitiveness. Interested in learning how robotics can accelerate your local manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports? Contact us today to discuss your needs and discover the innovative solutions we can develop together.