“C’est grave pour moi, mais c’est encore pire pour ceux dont les deux membres d’un même ménage y travaillent.” These heartfelt words from a Venmar employee encapsulate the deep concern felt by many in Drummondville as the company prepares to permanently close its factory, a decision that will affect 350 employees.
The closure, announced on April 14, 2026, is part of a significant reorganization plan initiated by Venmar’s parent company, Nortek International, which has owned the company since 1995. As part of this restructuring, Venmar will relocate its production activities to the United States and Mexico, a move that has left the local community grappling with the implications of job losses and economic uncertainty.
“Nous aimerions bien faire quelque chose pour empêcher un tel dénouement. Mais en l’absence de communication de la direction, que pouvons-nous faire ?” said Jean-François Houle, a concerned community member. The lack of communication from the company has left many feeling helpless as they face an uncertain future.
Venmar, founded in 1978 in Drummondville, has been a significant employer in the region, recognized as a center of excellence in research and development as recently as 2016. The factory is expected to continue operations until July 2026 to fulfill existing orders before closing its doors in November 2026. However, the reasons behind this closure are multifaceted, including economic uncertainty, a decrease in orders, new tariffs, and rising transportation costs.
As the community processes this news, a series of suspicious fires have also raised concerns in Drummondville. “À ce stade-ci, il est trop tôt pour établir avec certitude des liens entre ces événements,” stated Sergeant Louis-Philippe Ruel, indicating that investigations are ongoing. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported from these incidents, but the timing has added to the community’s anxiety.
Christine Fréchette, who recently became Quebec’s next premier on April 12, 2026, securing 58% of the vote in the CAQ leadership race, has been urged to address the economic fallout from the factory closure. As the first leader of the CAQ other than François Legault, her leadership will be crucial in navigating these challenging times for Drummondville.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact number of employees who may avoid layoffs, and the impact of new tariffs imposed by the previous U.S. administration on this closure decision is also unclear. As the community awaits further information, the emotional toll of this announcement continues to resonate among those who have dedicated years of service to Venmar.
The future of Drummondville hangs in the balance as residents come together to support one another during this difficult transition. The closure of Venmar’s factory is not just a loss of jobs; it represents a significant change in the fabric of the community, one that will require resilience and solidarity in the face of uncertainty.
