October 2021 | Give yourself the means to achieve your ambitions!
Thanks to its corporate culture focused on boldness and continuous improvement,
HDF Constructions did not let itself be brought down by the pandemic situation
of the last few months. Already well positioned among the leaders in rehabilitation of
roads in Quebec, the company has kept its focus on its business objectives and
of growth and took advantage of this period to equip oneself even better and
give the means of his ambitions.
If the construction and infrastructure works industry has been designated
as one of the pillars of the recovery, it has nevertheless not been done
without hiccups. Delays in awarding contracts and difficulties
of supply have notably jostled the season and the realization of
works. The industry has suffered several domino effects of the pandemic that
sometimes complicate things when you want to keep moving… Despite everything,
HDF has invested several million dollars in equipment of
points, diversified its activities, hired new employees and completed its
ISO certification process. And she still has some plans on her table of
work!

A state-of-the-art equipment park
The second generation family business, managed by the couple formed of
François Pelletier and Caroline Hébert have in recent months endowed themselves with two
sophisticated machines that represent what is most advanced
currently on the technical and technological plans for milling and the
cold recycling of pavement coatings. These acquisitions aim to
consolidate the production capacity of the company, but above all to serve the
better its clients. Indeed, while infrastructure works beat their
full in Quebec, it is essential to be able to respond quickly to the demand,
but at reasonable costs. Moreover, the new equipment – more
versatile and less energy-consuming, which can be operated by a number
reduced number of operators and who perform the work more quickly – help clients meet their deadlines and budgets.

This is exactly the intention of HDF Constructions as a partner of major road contractors.
‘Because we always want to better meet the needs of the market and
stay at the forefront of the industry, but also to maintain our pace of
growth, we rely heavily on our specialized machinery that we
positions advantageously, both with customers and workers,”
emphasizes the president, François Pelletier, soon to graduate from the Elite program of
the School of Entrepreneurship of Beauce. “The equipment has evolved a lot
in our industry; they allow us to be much more efficient and
productive. That’s why we regularly invest amounts
important. Our machinery is young and carefully maintained.”

Growth and diversification
More than sixty years of existence give HDF Constructions solid
foundations in terms of experience and expertise. Originally, the intercompany is
specialized in excavation, earthmoving, snow removal, and transport in
bulk. Since François and Caroline took it over, she has constantly expanded her
offer of services, its clientele and the territory served. It focuses
today on road construction sites. If the majority of its current activities
concern the rehabilitation of pavements, the company looks at how it
could better support the contractors on the sites where it is already
present. She is also thinking about how she could put more to
benefit the talent of its employees year-round. “Our desire is to be
the best specialized contractor for a project manager with a
range of services that are all offered with the same concern for rigor, of
diligence, punctuality and efficiency”, says Caroline Hébert, director
general.

The wealth of its workforce
The shareholders both come from a family of entrepreneurs and have
grew up in the middle of heavy equipment. They know what is important for
succeed. The two enthusiasts therefore put energy into hiring a
team that complements them and shares their values. From this synergy was born
a work philosophy that is both humane, respectful and proud. “For us,
the priority is really to preciously maintain what makes the strength of
the company: our committed and professional team. As chefs
corporate, we must know our strengths and weaknesses and be capable

to surround ourselves with people who are better than us in their field of
skills,” says Caroline Hébert.

HDF Constructions today has more than fifty employees, including
several cumulate very many years of seniority. Growth requires,
newcomers have been added over the past four years. Among
the new employees hired this year, 70% were recommended by
of the staff in place, which reflects the excellent reputation as an employer of
HDF. In times of labor shortage, it is a success.
“Here, autonomy is put forward. We build trusting relationships
with all the team members and we focus on their accountability,
adds Mrs. Hébert.

Human resources management has become a priority there is already
several years at HDF. A person is also mandated
to take care of this aspect. « We are working to develop our brand
employer. We addressed the issue of the labor shortage as a
challenge, that of improving ourselves and standing out. We are convinced
that we can develop and maintain a strong team.”
In a field where the masculine largely prevails over the feminine in terms
of staff, HDF Constructions is particularly proud to count several
women in his team. « We are following the movement launched by the
Quebec Construction Commission. We wish to integrate as many
women possible and increase our ratio in the company, mentions the
general manager. Currently, 25% of our employees are women, including
four heavy equipment operators. And we have gender parity
women on the management committee.”

The ISO 9001 certification
Last spring, HDF Constructions obtained its ISO 9001 certification –
Quality management, after a rigorous process that involved several
employees. ‘This certification consolidates the quality approach of
the company and constitutes a foundation for its growth, emphasizes the couple
Hébert-Pelletier. ISO 9001 will give us access to more contracts, but she
also allows us to ensure the validity of our processes and our
procedures to remain reliable business partners.”

Success continues
Entrepreneurs at heart, the two shareholders still have plans to
development and improvement in mind. In the near future, they want
notably to equip oneself with a new headquarters to accommodate a team and a
ever-growing fleet of equipment. “We think carefully; we
let’s think of everything to optimize our operations, explains Mr. Pelletier.
We have reached the saturation point at our current facilities. For
continue our growth and gain new market shares, we
must make sure to work in the best conditions.”