By Tamara Condie
Rheinmetall Canada has been in existence for more than 30 years and is essentially a system integrator, developing unique solutions to satisfy unique client challenges. Relying on the exceptional adeptness of its 350 employees, the company has managed to face the pandemic challenges head on and with great success. That being said, Alain Tremblay, current Vice-president of Business Development and Innovation for Rheinmetall Canada, explains in an interview how the organization has adjusted to and conquered the obstacles presented by COVID-19.
Tremblay’s former experience as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) for more than three decades has equipped him to provide guidance to multiple product development and innovation initiatives launched by Rheinmetall Canada. The organization is on a steady growth path, in synchronization with the strategy established by its current President and CEO, Stéphane Oehrli. As a part of this vision, Rheinmetall Canada has recently acquired an Ottawa-based company by the name of Provectus Robotics Solutions. PRS is an advanced robotic system design, integration, and control provider.
In the face of the unprecedented global pandemic that currently prevails, Rheinmetall Canada has remained vigilant and determined to honor its primary objective of maintaining job security. As a result of Rheinmetall Canada’s early adoption of measures and aggressive work-from-home protocols to protect them, the company’s employees have been able to continue to work and make a living safely under the restrictions that have been imposed by COVID-19. Although in-person operations have been halted for the time being, company employees have been amply accommodated to produce working orders, which is a notable accomplishment in such a specialized and dynamic workforce.
“So far we have been able to keep a smile on our faces as much as we can behind a mask. ” — Alain Tremblay
The cessation of in-person operations at Rheinmetall Canada has led to an increase in the conceptualization of new technologies. The company’s key products include digitized soldier systems, critical infrastructure protection solutions, unmanned ground vehicles, remotely operated weapon stations, and air start units —a novel addition to its portfolio. This product was developed by a European sister company and its technology recently transferred to Canada for worldwide supply. A proven product already fielded with numerous civilian and military clients, it is already contributing to Rheinmetall Canada’s growth strategy.
According to Mr. Tremblay, becoming successful in the South-East Asian market became part of the company’s strategy three years ago; it led to Rheinmetall Canada opening a small office in Singapore. Recently, the company was able to secure two initial contracts in that region: one for remotely operated stations to be mounted on armoured vehicles, the other related to digitized soldier systems. These contracts were sealed in late 2019 and are now being executed.
In these trying times, Rheinmetall Canada remains innovative and close to clients’ requirements. It listens to the needs of potential users to come up with solutions to address their challenges. The company is also striving to have different autonomous platforms to offer to clients by late this year or early next year. W
“ It is a part of our DNA to remain client-centric. This has paid off not only as a strategy, but as a way of thinking. ” — Alain Tremblay
