SEPT/OCT 2014
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100-percent recycled material; the remain-
ing ductile iron is comprised of 80-percent
recycled material, and all production revolves
around a commitment to protect the environ-
ment for generations to come.
“We actually have a rather aggressive pro-
gram to modernize the Laperle foundry over
the next two years. Because it’s such a com-
petitive business we have to make a decision
either to modernize or close,” Leonard said.
Closing isn’t an option for a company rich in
history and proud of its longevity. Bibby-Ste-
Croix became part of the McWane family of
companies in 1997, and began a new journey
marked by modernization and technological
advancement. Headquartered in Birmingham,
Alabama, McWane is the largest manufactur-
er of soil pipe and waterworks products in the
U.S. and Canada, and has invested hundreds
of millions of dollars to become a leader in the
industry. Tom Leonard was a plant manager
for one of the Alabama foundries when Mc-
Wane completed the Bibby-Ste-Croix acquisi-
tion, and offered Leonard the opportunity to
relocate to Québec as general manager.
It was a huge change for someone who
didn’t know a word of French. Today he at-
