ACME: Overcoming Operational Challenges and Embracing Gradual Transformation

Interview with Yanik Péloquin, President and Chief Engineer, and Sandra D. Péloquin, Vice President, Sustainable Transformation

Keeping a family business aligned with modern challenges while maintaining a forward-thinking vision—is that possible? That’s precisely the challenge the leadership team at ACME Sprinklers is taking on.

One thing is certain: the third-generation leadership—including Yanik and Sandra Péloquin—is determined to continue meeting the ever-growing fire protection needs. At the same time, they are strategically positioning the company for the years ahead.

“Our strategic advisor summarized it well: In a business, there are two distinct aspects—Operations, where implementing a continuous improvement plan is crucial, and Exploration, which may not be essential to a company’s survival but allows us to reflect on our positioning in the market. Exploration involves fostering a mindset open to innovation, sustainable development, advancements in artificial intelligence, and diversification opportunities. We choose to invest in both aspects.” – Sandra D. Péloquin

Fire Protection: A Sector in Growth and Facing Challenges

Mechanics lie at the heart of the fire protection industry. Unsurprisingly, recent advancements have primarily focused on essential components like couplings, fittings, valves, and flexible sprinklers. These improved elements significantly reduce installation time.

“The mechanical principle remains the same: a sprinkler activates with heat, and when a certain temperature is reached, water is released. What has truly evolved are the installation methods—what used to take an hour can now be done in just 15 minutes.” – Yanik Péloquin.

Despite the rising cost of more efficient materials, the company can install more systems than ever before. The increase in performance and productivity is undeniable.

This enhanced work pace is now essential. Forty years ago, seasonality was a challenge. However, with construction advancements, buildings are now erected faster and enclosed before winter. The result? ACME Sprinklers’ installation teams are busy year-round.

While the order book remains full, hiring new talent is proving difficult. “Fire protection training is limited, and few young people pursue this field. In fact, only one school—in Laval—offers specialized training for fire protection mechanics,” explains Yanik. And as is often the case, recruitment challenges go hand in hand with retention issues. Meeting fluctuating workload demands while maintaining a team of skilled, versatile professionals is a constant priority.

The challenges are not just human-related. Material availability from various regions, custom-made fire pumps with inevitable lead times, and fluctuating market prices all create uncertainty in the industry. Additionally, political changes in the U.S. and potential Canadian responses could have a significant impact on pricing.

Day to day, the company works tirelessly to find solutions and explore innovation within its scope.

The Drive to Evolve in a Conventional Industry

Over the past 60 years, the Péloquin family has faced its share of challenges! That’s why they are always in solution mode. No formal fire protection training available? No problem—they train employees in-house, directly on-site.

Their drive for evolution is also highly dynamic, in contrast to the relatively static nature of fire protection regulations.

“The fire protection code evolves very little. But in 2023, as a company, we made the decision to explore ways to stay ahead of the industry by engaging with our corporation and business partners.” – Sandra D. Péloquin.

Although still in the exploratory phase, this initiative has already generated a list of potential projects, including partnerships and biodegradable products. Could a company known for building mechanical fire protection establish a broader presence?

The goal is not to stray from its roots but to shape a future more aligned with modern needs. Solutions like reclaiming potable water lost during flow tests, replacing toxic foams, and making construction sites more eco-friendly highlight the growing importance of clean technologies—an avenue the leadership team is eager to explore.

The future of ACME Sprinklers is undoubtedly promising. However, Yanik Péloquin laments the fact that fire protection is still not standard in small residential buildings or newly built single-family homes, even as fire incidents increase. “If we could amend regulations to require sprinklers in all residential buildings, it would greatly improve fire prevention. We must not underestimate how modern construction materials can sometimes make structures more flammable than before.”

Whether it’s meeting high demand or changing mindsets one sprinkler at a time, ACME Sprinklers is certainly not short on opportunities!