Our Stories

Rousseau Metal Inc. is a leading Canadian manufacturer in industrial storage solutions. Founded in the 1950s, Rousseau Metal is a family company which started as a bespoke manufacturer producing a range of items — anything from mailboxes, to chairs, tables, and even snowmobiles in the 1970s. Since then, Rousseau has evolved into a world-renowned mass customizer of heavy-duty workstations, toolbox systems and shelving units.

Rousseau’s built-for-purpose workstations, cabinets, and shelving products are featured in Canada’s new Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) and in the Halifax-class frigates currently serving the Royal Canadian Navy. Rousseau’s products are located in medical bays, as well as the tool storage spaces for technicians working in engine rooms. Workspaces and storage systems in these areas must be strong enough to withstand the impact which comes from a high sea environment.

“The main differentiator of Rousseau is the quality of our products, which are among the highest quality and modularity in the world, and also our people – which we call the Rousseau difference,” says Randy Peardon, Canadian Director of Sales and Business Development at Rousseau Metal Inc. “The entire team, top to bottom at Rousseau, is focused on the right solution for any need.”

Dating back to the 1970s, Rousseau has been an active member of Irving Shipbuilding’s supply chain, both on vessels and dockside. Irving Shipbuilding was, in fact, the first shipyard Rousseau worked with.

The longstanding partnership with Irving Shipbuilding has ensured Rousseau has stayed up to date with product design and capability as the shipbuilding industry and Irving’s needs have evolved over the years. This has ensured Rousseau’s product advancements continue to be sought out for their strength, durability, and modularity. Rousseau products are now found in ships all over the world.

“In the late 80s, we worked closely with Irving when designing the toolbox system for the Halifax-class frigates,” says Peardon. “This partnership and collaboration contributed to the research and development of the toolbox system that we produce today and is recognized internationally for its quality.”

The Rousseau story is just one more testament to the impact of the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), delivering economic benefits and fostering Canadian innovation right across the country.

“There is a strong sense of pride contributing to Canadian projects, especially those like AOPS and CSC,” says Peardon. “These are made-in-Canada solutions, and like any Canadian company, there is a real sense of ownership, even if we only contribute a small part to these outstanding ships.”

Importantly, none of this great work happens without Rousseau’s highly skilled manufacturing workforce. Today, Rousseau supports 380 jobs, many involving the latest developments in manufacturing, such as robotics and augmented reality. And just like Irving Shipbuilding, many of Rousseau’s current employees are second and third generation workers.

“The cumulative effect of our decades-long partnership with Irving is that dozens of talented Quebec hands have played a role in delivering quality products that will support our sailors for years to come,” says Peardon.

The NSS has resulted in over $6.66 billion in spending commitments with more than 325 organizations across Canada to date.