Innovation is everything

In 1992, Ginette and André Provost founded Intersand Canada with the objective of manufacturing and packaging natural absorbents for feline hygiene. Their two original guiding principles were simple: provide effective litter products using the highest quality raw materials available, and strive to meet the needs of clients. As the company’s national-brand and private-label products were a huge success in Canada, Intersand decided in 1997 to conquer the cats of Europe. Today, the company produces and distributes its line of premium-grade clumping, regular and long-lasting litters worldwide. In 2004, co-founder Stéphane Chevigny, who had until then directed the company’s product development activities, took over as president and chief executive officer. Backed by extensive experience and a broad vision of the product category, he redefined Intersand’s mission: improving and simplifying animal hygiene through innovation. “Intersand Canada’s guiding principles are innovation, quality and respect. When over 60 per cent of your market lies in foreign lands, upholding these principles becomes increasingly important. I believe we have demonstrated our genuine commitment to these principles, and our increasing foreign market share is proof,” emphasizes Stéphane Chevigny. Production meeting at Intersand: (from left to right) Dominique Martin Jr. (sales, marketing & business development), Carole Le Bourdais (customer service), Martin Boisvert (planning manager), Diane Martel (controller). By the turn of the 21st century, Intersand’s sales were growing rapidly, as were its foreign markets. The logical next step was expansion. So, in 2005, the company built a 1 700 m² manufacturing plant and a second, larger warehouse. Moreover, Intersand invested nearly C$ 2 mio (€ 1.5 mio) in the acquisition of cutting-edge production technology in the form of two new robotic product handling systems. The resulting improvements in productivity facilitated the creation of a third work shift to meet demand better. Stéphane Chevigny says: “Our deep convictions regarding the vital role of innovation convinced us of the value of making capital investments to improve our manufacturing processes. These innovation-oriented investments are directly responsible for the 20 percent increase in annual sales the company has since experienced. The numbers say it all: innovation creates value, jobs and prosperity.” Thanks to these investments in the company’s future, Intersand has never been…