Quebec aviation history is filled with success stories, but few companies can claim such longevity. Since its founding in Hérouxville in 1980, Aéro Atelier C.M. has achieved something none of its Quebec competitors from that era were able to match: remaining in business to this day.
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What is the secret behind such longevity? For founder’s son and current owner Manuel Mongrain, it begins with the company’s long-standing commitment to remaining true to itself.
A clear vision from the start
“From the very beginning, my father, Guy-Paul, had a very clear vision of what he wanted and did not want for Aéro Atelier C.M.,” Manuel Mongrain begins. Like every enduring company in every industry, it has obviously been necessary to renew, adapt and evolve constantly. But certain elements have always remained unchanged.
The main one is that Aéro Atelier C.M. has never expanded beyond its original niche: aircraft engines. It has never performed general maintenance or agreed to work directly on an aircraft, so as not to compete with the companies that send it engines. “My father held all the licences required to perform general maintenance, but it simply did not interest him. Once a solid relationship of trust was established with our target customers, who clearly understood that we had no intention of competing in their field, the engines began to arrive.”
Expertise without compromise
For its customers, Aéro Atelier C.M. has long been able to carry out the types of inspection, overhaul and repair required for Lycoming and Continental piston engines, as well as the accessories that make them up: fuel systems, flexible hoses, carburetors, alternators, magnetos and more.
“Whether it is installing a new engine shipped by the manufacturer, partially or completely rebuilding an engine following a propeller strike with the ground, water immersion or another event, our team has truly become expert in the work required to help ensure that every pilot can fly safely in their aircraft.”
Another area in which the company has never accepted compromise is customer service. Manuel Mongrain knows full well that every business makes the same promise to its customers. To give weight to his statement, he recalls that his father always made it a point to personally answer each customer’s call and immediately provide concrete, precise and reassuring answers to their questions.
Well-advised customers… and good advisers too!
With 3,528 customers across Canada, accessibility remains a major strength. This broad customer base includes a wide range of schools, AMOs and other aviation-sector companies, as well as a significant number of private pilots.
“My father never forgot that these customers literally ‘gave birth’ to our company by trusting us from the beginning. While he was still with us, he regularly reminded us of the importance of serving them with the same consideration as our commercial customers.”
In practical terms, this means understanding that most private pilots are passionate but do not always have unlimited budgets. The company therefore innovated by introducing a “milk run,” an engine pickup and delivery service covering most major regions of Quebec. Very efficient, it contributes to delivery times that are generally twice as short as the average.
Decades of combined expertise
According to Manuel Mongrain, the same logic applies to the workforce. “Aéro Atelier C.M. has always wanted to cultivate its reputation as an employer in order to attract the best young mechanics available and create the most stimulating work environment possible, so we can retain them over the long term and fully benefit from their growing experience.”
A few years ago, Guy-Paul Mongrain was amused by an advertisement from a competitor boasting 150 years of combined expertise. Guy-Paul alone had more than 49 years of experience at the time, while his brother and brother-in-law, who also worked at the company, each had more than 30 years of service. Although none of them remain with the company today, they have been succeeded by employees who often have more than 10, 15 or even 20 years of experience.
The art of evolving while staying true to your roots
The strength of the relationships among employees is the main reason the shop has never stopped evolving. For example, the company chose to move away from the turbo-engine niche to focus exclusively on conventional piston engines.
More recently, Manuel Mongrain made a bold decision by suggesting a shorter workweek. Inspired by trials carried out in Europe, the company introduced a four-day workweek in May.
“The primary objective really is to reduce our employees’ stress levels and support their mental health by allowing them to enjoy a better weekend with their families,” Manuel explains. The results are already there: a happier, more united and motivated team, zero absenteeism and increased productivity. “With the same staff, we are now able to repair more engines per week on average than before the four-day workweek was introduced. It really has been positive across the board.”
A builder’s final flight
This article is also a tribute to Guy-Paul Mongrain, who passed away in March 2024. Almost until his death, this respected specialist put his expertise at the service of a broad customer base. Over the years, the company he co-founded with Gilles Cadotte grew and evolved, but his passion remained unchanged.
Today, Manuel Mongrain continues that mission, honouring his father’s legacy while moving Aéro Atelier C.M. into the future, one engine at a time.