About us
Large-scale presence, family approach
We are a third-generation family business, founded in Sherbrooke in 1968. DE LA FONTAINE designs and manufactures steel doors and steel frames.
In commercial settings, our doors and frames can be found in such diverse locations, the Pentagon (USA), the Boston Museum of Fine Arts (USA), the Colorado state University stadium as well as countless schools, residences, and industrial facilities around the world.
” Our passionate and dedicated team is highly commited in continually strengthening our business’ manufacturing network, in a controlled and efficient manner, to provide the most optimal customer and employee experience. At the heart of this commitment, resonate our values which drive us and push us towards excellence with a common objective: meeting your needs. We are convinced that by adhering to these principles, we can become a leader in America in the manufacturing of steel doors and frames, while maintaining our close relationship with our employees, colleagues and customers.
Large-scale presence with a family approach is our framework for success! ”
– Gabriel de La Fontaine, General Manager
DE LA FONTAINE AT A GLANCE
- Eight manufacturing sites:
- Sherbrooke, QC Canada (Factory and Head office)
- Woburn, MA USA (Production center);
- Hyattsville, MD USA (Production center);
- Grand Prairie, TX USA (Production center);
- Indianapolis, IN USA (Production center);
- Concord, NC USA (Production center);
- Orlando, FL USA (Production center);
- Lebanon, TN USA (Production center).
- Certified ISO 9001:2015 (Sherbrooke site only)
- Cutting-edge technological equipment
A family history… of innovation
Important Dates
1968
Incorporation of DE LA FONTAINE in Sherbrooke by Gérald de La Fontaine. A visionary, he is the first in the Eastern Townships market to offer interior doors with pre-assembled frames to facilitate installation.
1973
The company moves to its current location on Brodeur Street, occupying 12,000 square feet. The additionnal space is needed for the manufacturing of new products: frames in 18, 20 and 22 gauge steel for the apartment block market.
1976
DE LA FONTAINE expands in Quebec thanks to several partnerships; the most significant among them is the new site in Chambly.
1982
The second generation arrives on the scene as Robert de La Fontaine suceeds his father. DE LA FONTAINE has now become standard of reference in wood trims, moldings and interior doors.
1986
The company expands its operations in the US: René Bouchard, previously responsible for sales, leaves Sherbrooke for Hartford, CT. He opens the first US warehouse and develops the commercial construction market with heavier-duty steel frames.
1989
Mass production of the first steel door begins.
1993
Steel is adopted for all door and frame production. Operations for wood trim, molding and interior door production and distribution are transferred to the Chambly factory.
1995
Increased development in the US market is driven by a partnership with Paul Smoot, supported by René Bouchard, who has now joined Smoot Associates.
1998
The “Toyota” management model and added-value production principles are adopted. The factory is restructured to improve efficiencies and reduce delivery time.
1999
The company is well established in the US Northeast. France, Richard and Anie de La Fontaine have all joined their brother Robert in investing in the family business. Robert expands the facility and reorganizes the offices and employee service area.
2002
A difficult period forces the closure of the factory in Chambly, Qc.
2005
Installation of a punching machine and laser, which lead to increase flexibility, reorganization of manufacturing methods and the ability to offer new products.
2007
Expansion of the Sherbrooke facility to accommodate a new painting line. The factory now occupies 60,000 square feet.
2009
Market launch of a line of prefinished products with flexible designs that combine performance and esthetics while maintaining fire-resistance standards.
2010
Transformation of the Woburn, MA warehouse into a flexible factory. DE LA FONTAINE reaffirms its support to New England based distributors with an ultra-fast 24-48 hour delivery timeframe.
2011
International development: the company’s reputation gains notoriety in new markets (Middle East, Latin America, etc.).
2012
The third generation joins the company: the arrival of Gabriel de La Fontaine brings new dreams, new ideas and new energy.
2013
Major investments in machinery and information technology, as well as the renovation and expansion of the Sherbrooke facility in order to support current and future growth at DE LA FONTAINE.
2014
Launch of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 integrated management software.
2016
3rd expansion of the Sherbrooke factory with a 15,000 ft2 addition
2017
Official launch of Microsoft Dynamics AX
2017
Acquisition of Lindstrom Corporation in Maryland, USA
2019
Acquisition of CMP Express in Grand Prairie, TX USA
2020
Installation of a fifth facility in Indianapolis, IN USA
2021
Installation of a sixth facility in Concord, NC USA
2022
Installation of a seventh facility in Orlando, FL USA
2023
Installation of a eighth facility in Lebanon, TN USA
4th expansion of the Sherbrooke facility with the construction of a 8,000 ft2 second floor to accommodate office spaces.
Our values
The DE LA FONTAINE team is made up of qualified employees and experienced leaders whose technical and managerial skills are perfectly balanced. A management system worthy of a large corporation optimizes our human capital to achieve the twin objectives of flexibility and quality.
Robert de la Fontaine
President
With a degree in finance from the Université de Sherbrooke, Robert de La Fontaine occupied several key roles within the family business before succeeding his father as President in 1982. Both a visionary and a leader, he has implemented several modern management practices, such as lean manufacturing. While overseeing the day-to-day management of the business and its strategic direction, he remains closely involved with our clients and our products’ markets.
Gabriel de La Fontaine, Eng.
General Manager
With an academic background that combines mechanical engineering and business administration, Gabriel de La Fontaine is an expert in productivity, operational efficiency and cost control. Since his appointment to his role in 2012, he has supervised and managed all departments of the company with one goal in mind: total quality. His analytical skills and decisive attitude are powerful assets in the management of the company’s operations.
Stephan Richer, DHT
Director of Business Development
With a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, Stephan Richer has over 25 years of experience in product management, manufacturing planning and logistics management, from his time with leading-edge companies including Bombardier (recreational products) and Héroux-Devtek (landing gear). A strategic and multi-talented leader, he manages business development, market delivery and brand marketing for DE LA FONTAINE in Canada and around the world.
Guiillaume Gauthier, Eng., DHT
Director of Engineering and Supply Chain
Guillaume is an engineer and a technical product specialist who oversees the order entry and engineering, and supports current and future facilities. He is involved with product development, optimization and standardization of the manufacturing process and acts as a technical support resource for distributors and design professionals.
Steve Compagnat
Director of Operations, Canada
Responsible for a team of over 100 employees in production, supervision and maintenance, Steve has close to 20 years of experience in the manufacturing industry, specifically in the sheet metal processing sector. Customer focus is his primary objective, and he continually seeks to optimize the production line in order to ensure production, on-time delivery and product quality.
Anick Harrisson, CPA, CMA, MBA
Director of Finance
Holder of a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Sherbrooke, as well as CPA and CGA professional accounting designations, Anick has a fifteen years experience in finance and accounting. In charge of finance and accounting at DE LA FONTAINE, she is responsible of establishing the financial strategy and collaborate in the activity planning allowing to support and enable the efficient growth of the company.
Steve Snow
Director of Operations, USA