/R E P E A T -- Investment of $8.7 M in research and innovation - Cicame Énergie continues to expand and opens a new facility in Saint-Hubert/

MONTREAL, June 13, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Cicame Énergie, a subsidiary of the Sicame Group, which specializes in the manufacturing of transmission line accessories and electrical distribution, is opening its new plant and laboratory today in Saint-Hubert. The new state-of-the-art facilities, housed in a 100,000 sq.-ft. building, will help the French company to triple its production capacity and create a line of high-end insulating gloves for the North American market.

Cicame Énergie, which relies on a highly specialized labour force, will create 30 new jobs and keep 20 permanent jobs. "We're in full expansion mode. This new investment of $8.7 M will allow us to remain at the forefront of the technology, and thus remain a key player in the North American electric power industry," declared Frank Willier, Cicame Énergie General Manager. "Over 90% of the products we sell to the United States and Canada are already produced in Québec, and our new products will help us consolidate this market. We are set to become one of the few suppliers of insulating gloves in the world and our new facilities in Saint-Hubert will be the largest of the group, in North America," he added.

Cicame Énergie's products and services focus on three areas: materials for energy transmission networks, materials for aerial and underground networks, and materials for electrical protection and security.

Montréal International, whose mandate includes attracting foreign investment to Greater Montréal, supported the company at every key step in this project. "Working alongside its partners, Montréal International helped consolidate the activities of a European leader that is innovating and creating new products in a strategic sector of our economy," noted Montréal International President and CEO Jacques St-Laurent. "This is a key project for the Saint-Hubert region, one that showcases the Greater Montréal region's potential as a centre for innovation and high technology," he added.

Cicame Énergie also received support from Canada Economic Development for Québec Regions (CED), Québec's Ministère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation (MDEIE), Invest Québec and Développement économique Longueuil (DEL).

About Cicame Énergie (www.cicame.ca)
Since setting up in Canada in 2000, Cicame Énergie has sought to provide North American electric power companies with accessories and connectors for transmission lines (up to 765kv) and security. To do so, the company develops and designs connectivity solutions that meet clients' technical requirements, with complete solutions in dead-end and joint connections, for very high tension to distribution for all cable types.

The growing global demand for electric energy has enabled Sicame Group to expand rapidly since its creation over 50 years ago. Today, Sicame Group operates in 17 countries and its products are distributed in 120 countries, making the Group the largest independent private entity in its activity sector, with over 1,500 employees and sales exceeding $270 million.

About Montréal International (www.montrealinternational.com)
Created in 1996, Montréal International (MI) is the result of a private-public partnership. Its mission is to contribute to the economic development of Greater Montréal and enhance its international status. Its mandate is to attract foreign investment, international organizations and qualified foreign workers as well as promoting the competitive and international environment of Greater Montréal. Montréal International—a non-profit organization—is financed by the private sector, the governments of Canada and Québec, the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (Montréal Metropolitan Community) and the City of Montréal.

Since its creation, Montréal International has helped to attract $8.7 billion in foreign investment to Greater Montréal. From these investments, more than 47,000 jobs have been created or maintained. To date, MI's activities have also allowed almost half of some 65 international organizations to establish themselves in the city and, attract and retain, more than 7,500 qualified foreign workers. To learn more, please visit MI Web site at: www.montrealinternational.com.

Franck Willier
General Manager
Cicame Énergie
Telephone: [phone]

Céline Clément
Communications Advisor
Montréal International
Tel. : [phone]
Cell: 514-892-4030
[email protected]