Creation of a consortium for smart-city technologies and products - Varitron Technologies and EMM Groupe sign a memorandum of understanding with French firm Sterela

SAINT-HUBERT, QC, March 3, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - In conjunction with the 2015 Québec-France trade mission headed by Québec Premier Philippe Couillard, Saint-Hubert-based Varitron Technologies, Québec City-based EMM Groupe and French firm Sterela have signed a memorandum of understanding for joint North American market development of technologies and products for smart cities.

Under this agreement, Varitron Technologies will manufacture and assemble components, EEM Groupe will manage the distribution, sale and installation of systems, and Sterela will handle the design and development of smart-city technologies, products and applications.

A consortium formed by Sterela and EMM Groupe will operate the systems installed for new clients and will open its North American headquarters in Québec, near Varitron Technologies on the South Shore of Montréal. Potential spin-offs include the creation of 20 jobs in Québec in the short term and 100 jobs in the medium term.

"Varitron Technologies has been increasing its efforts to develop international markets and is proud to be reaping the benefits of its endeavours with the realization of this agreement with Sterela," stated Martial Vincent, Chief Executive Officer of Varitron Group. "This will enable us to make good use of our expertise in electronic manufacturing, applying advanced technologies. I wish to thank the Pôle d'excellence québécois en transport terrestre (Québec centre of excellence in land transportation) and Développement économique Longueuil, which have guided and supported us throughout our efforts toward achieving this agreement."

EMM Groupe President Éric Martin noted: "The development potential for smart-city technologies and products is enormous. Examples that spring to mind include the Quartier Confluence in Lyon, the City24/7 project in New York City, and initiatives to provide Wi-Fi network access in downtown Montréal." Mr. Martin continued: "Sterela already has numerous innovations to its credit, among them inventive solutions for smart cities, the PACOME weather station selected by Météo France and Eumetnet, the WIM systems for dynamic weighing of moving vehicles with the WEBTRAFIC digital platform used for system operation, the AIR COBOT robotic platform, and target doors for light weapons training. We are very enthusiastic about the idea of developing new applications with Sterela for the North American market."

For his part, Sterela President Robert Bousquet said: "We were seeking partners to position ourselves in the North American market and were attracted by the approach suggested by Varitron and EMM Groupe. They have a firm focus on solutions, an innovative character and a flexible structure that is very well suited to the type of projects we are aiming to start."

About Varitron Technologies
Established in Saint-Hubert and Granby, Québec, Varitron Technologies provides electronics manufacturing services to the energy, telecommunications, aerospace, medical, military and automobile industries. Varitron's manufacturing expertise and its cutting-edge equipment enable it to offer a complete service combined with world-class quality standards. www.varitron.ca

About EMM Groupe
EMM Groupe is a major player in professional services involving land transportation in North America. It offers a full range of transportation-related services, including feasibility studies, project management, strategic planning and market development. Its clients are drawn primarily from the passenger and freight transportation sector in North America. The company works with original equipment manufacturers such as Kawasaki and Alstom and has many achievements to its credit, including project management and engineering for the Massif de Charlevoix tourist train. www.emmgroupe.ca

About Sterela
Founded in France in 1980, Sterela is a research and consultancy firm specializing in management of innovation and engineering of technology projects. Sterela is recognized for its ability to take charge of design, production and services for complex systems involving electronics, data systems and mechanical components suited to tough environments. The company is present in France and in the other key European countries. It is also becoming active in South America, North Africa, the Middle East and Asia. www.sterela.fr

SOURCE Varitron Technologies Inc.