Our story
René Corriveau et Fils Inc. is a family business founded in 1948 by Ovila Corriveau, the grandfather of the actual management team of the company. Then named Ovila Corriveau et Fils Ltée ("et Fils" meaning "& Sons"), the company's main activities included the conception and repairing of machinery and soon after producing garden tools and snow shovels for children. The 900 square foot workshop then grew to 1400 square feet in 1950 employing 5 staff members, one of whom René, Ovila's son.
In 1954, the company moved into a 7800 square foot facility and abandoned the conception and repairing of machines to concentrate on the production of camping equipment, snow shovels and other juvenile articles such as car seats and beds.
The factory was completely destroyed by fire in 1964 but was rebuilt, three months later, on the same land. The company's 12 members resumed activities and R.C.I. quickly became known as the Canadian leader in the manufacturing of children's snow shovels, sold from coast to coast.
In 1970, at age 77, Ovila resigned and René, who had previously bought the company, became the new president. It was at this time that the company started manufacturing ping-pong tables and more camping equipment, including lawn and long chairs. Following a great evolution, these chairs lead the company into a market for higher quality patio furniture, thus abandoning the production of snow shovels. René was convinced that the Europeans had more experience in this market and made several trips to international fairs making new contacts and carefully studying the products.
In 1979 he decided that he was ready to manufacture North American chairs with a European style in Québec, and still produce ping-pong tables. It is only in 1991 that sales started booming and the plant quickly had to be enlarged. The great demand has obliged the company to add more space every two years since, now occupying 65,000 square feet of manufacturing space and 70,000 square feet of warehousing and employing 90 to 100 people. Since then, the company has received many awards for the quality and design of its products.
René's children have successively joined the management team over the years thus securing the company's long-term continuation. Firmly implanted in Canada, the company has just recently started selling in the U.S.A. and South American countries with great success. René Corriveau & Fils Inc. has many important development projects currently in mind to consolidate this market in other foreign countries.