Making Waves in Boat Building

METEGHAN RIVER, NS, Dec. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Boats are not normally made to be sunk, but manufacturing a vessel to do just that has propelled 70-year-old A. F. Theriault & Son Ltd. from traditional boat building into cutting edge innovation, and helping to train navies around the world in the process.

A need to diversify from dependence upon the local fishing industry was what first inspired the Nova Scotia-based boatbuilding company to partner with Meggitt Training Systems Canada Inc. to develop innovative new boatbuilding techniques and a new training vessel that would revolutionize live military operation exercises — and open up a whole new world of opportunity in international markets.

The Hammerhead Unmanned Surface Vehicle Target (or, USV-T) soon emerged from their collaborative efforts — a new radio-operated training boat designed for use in navy training exercises in Canada and around the world. Cost effective and disposable, the units are made to simulate a multi-vessel swarm threat in the water.

Today, A. F. Theriault & Son has already manufactured several high speed Hammerhead hulls— which they have sold to the Canadian navy—and which are generating interest from navy forces around the world.

As one of the largest privately owned shipyards in the Atlantic region, the company, established in 1938, employs over 150 people and is now in its third generation of boatbuilding and repair under the direction of its President, Arthur Theriault.

"All of our recent projects — whether they are focused on technological innovation, increasing efficiencies or diversification — would not have been possible without support from ACOA," says Theriault.

Thanks to assistance from ACOA's Business Development Program, the Atlantic Investment Partnership, and the Technology Advancement Program, the company has brought several important projects forward.

Projects like constructing new installations and building experimental boats … not to mention hiring specialized staff.

Meanwhile, the company's efforts to innovate and diversify are certainly gaining them praise in high places — including prestigious recognition as a processing company in the 2009 Laurier de la PME, a national prize recognizing excellence in Francophone entrepreneurship and small business across Canada.

All in all, it's just another reason to believe this is one longstanding company that will continue to sail the waters of success for years to come.

Want to see the Hammerhead in action? Check out this clip from the Discovery Channel's Daily Planet, which aired September 10th, 2010.

ACOA celebrates 2011, "The Year of the Entrepreneur"

In recognition of 2011 as the "The Year of the Entrepreneur" the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is celebrating the accomplishments of A.F. Theriault of Meteghan River, NS, and the contributions they are making to Canada's economic success. From down home to the far corners of the globe - be sure to read more about other Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs like them whose drive and dedication are proving a fast match for success.

Quick Facts on Entrepreneurship and ACOA

Did you Know?

• Globally, Atlantic Canadian firms conduct over $73 million in international trade every day.
• For every dollar ACOA has invested in businesses, more than $7 is added to Atlantic Canada's GDP.
• ACOA has a long history of working with entrepreneurs from communities like Meteghan River, and has recently been recognized for its efforts to strengthen official languages minority communities.

Building a stronger economy together

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency works with business and communities to make Atlantic Canada's economy more innovative, productive and competitive. Together, with Atlantic Canadians, we are building a stronger economy.

To read the video transcription, please visit the following link:

http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/eng/AudioVideo/Pages/AFTheriault.aspx

SOURCE Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Video with caption: "Video: A. F. Theriault & Son Ltd.". Video available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC9GOi0RE7Q

Image with caption: "Gilles Theriault, Assistant Superintendent, A.F. Theriault & Sons Ltd. Boatbuilding and Repair (CNW Group/Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20111212_C5172_PHOTO_EN_8171.jpg