Since 1970, GLR has been diligently challenging the inaccessible and building reliable and sustainable energy networks.
Our history, values, mission, and vision are the pillars of our identity. They shape not only who we are today, but also who we aspire to be tomorrow.
Since 1970, our journey is a testimony to hundreds of projects successfully executed by dedicated individuals. Today, we are driven by this passion and determined to push the boundaries of excellence while building tomorrow’s energy source.
GLR was founded by Roland Gagnon, Jean Lortie, and Marcel Racine, hence the name GLR.
During its early years, GLR focused primarily on civil subcontracting projects for companies specialized in high-voltage power transmission. However, GLR quickly evolved to become an energy transmission general contractor.
In 1984, les Placements FH (Fernand Houle) acquired a majority stake in GLR. Through this important transaction, GLR became an affiliate of Entreprise Bon Conseil Ltd. (EBC). This created many new opportunities for GLR under the chairmanship of Fernand Houle and management of Claude Vallerand.
In partnership with Transelec, GLR installed a 69 kV transmission line between Lake Robertson and La Tabatière, on Québec’s Côte-Nord region. This ambitious project required all logistics to be entirely flown by helicopter due to its remote location.
ISO 9002 certification: This international certification recognizes GLR’s commitment to providing high-quality services, thereby meeting management and continuous improvement requirements. This certification establishes GLR as a leader committed to customer satisfaction.
In January 1998, during the ice storm that hit Southern Québec, GLR took on a major challenge: to restore the 230 kV transmission line between Boucherville and Saint-Césaire. Such a project is usually completed in four months. However, as this was an urgent situation, the transmission line was restored in less than three weeks, thanks to the commitment of more than 150 employees working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In 2000, GLR worked on its first international project, the Manantali project, in partnership with the firm Lambert-Somec. This ambitious project required the construction of a 225 kV line spanning 2,000 kilometres, connecting Mali, Senegal, and Mauritania. The company won three bids to complete 600 km of the planned 2,000 km transmission line, constituting the largest portion ever awarded to a single contractor.
Having joined the company in 1988, Louis-André Royer becomes GLR’s Managing Director in 2002.
In May 2005, an incident occurred near Rivière Pentecôte: 14 towers of a 735 kV high-voltage line collapsed due to an ice storm and the weight of the ice. To rebuild this vital section of the power line located in southern Québec, Hydro-Québec called upon the expertise of GLR, which accomplished the feat in just eight weeks.
Martin Chagnon is appointed CEO of GLR, under the chairmanship of Louis-André Royer. In 2015, he was promoted to President and CEO.
GLR moves into its new headquarters in Ancienne-Lorette, where its offices, garage, and warehouse are now located.
To celebrate its 50th anniversary, GLR unveils its new corporate identity.
The company decided to expand its expertise by launching a new division that specializes in electrical transformer substations and related works. In 2021, the team was awarded its first project: to replace the T3 power transformer at the Lanaudière substation.
This success marked the beginning of a series of future achievements and our sustained expansion, led by Guillaume Riverin, Director of Transformer Substations, and his team.
For several years, GLR has been modernizing its machinery and equipment to remain at the cutting edge of technology while increasing productivity, and working in a safe manner.
Dans le but d’innover en santé et sécurité, GLR établit une vision claire et ambitieuse afin de poursuivre son processus d’amélioration de sa culture SST à tous les niveaux de l’organisation.
Our vision: To further our strengths and skills to sustain our leadership position in energy transport, while conquering new markets.
“GLR’s true strength is our employees. I am very proud of the men and women behind our projects. Together, we achieve great things, while remaining true to GLR’s human values, which have been present since I joined the company and still exist today.”
Embodied by our team, our values form a true driving force that guides each of our actions. Every project we undertake reflects these values, reinforcing our desire to excel while remaining true to our principles.
We value collaboration because it allows us to combine our strengths and achieve goals we cannot achieve alone. By working together, we create an environment conducive to innovation and efficiency. Together, we are stronger and we go further.
By encouraging our employees to thrive both professionally and personally, we give them the means to become the best version of themselves. By promoting this balance, we build a strong and committed team.
Excellence inspires us to continually push our limits and constantly seek innovative solutions to reach new heights. Through our attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety, we exceed customer expectations.
We cultivate an environment based on trust and respect, which allows us to build strong relationships with our employees, our customers, and our partners.
We want to create a work environment where everyone looks out for one another. Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and every member of our team — whether foremen, superintendents, health and safety advisors, or workers — plays a key role in ensuring our collective success.
If you’re interested in working on ambitious projects that are transforming the energy sector, we’d love to hear from you!
