October 8, 2025, marks an important date for Groupe Sanivac. In front of clients, partners, suppliers, and gathered employees, the company officially inaugurated its brand-new VACFORCE manufacturing workshop — a division entirely dedicated to the design and assembly of high-performance vacuum truck equipment.
More than just an opening, this event marks a major milestone in the group’s history — that of a family business turning its ideas into tangible innovations while showcasing local expertise.
A vision born in the field
VACFORCE is, above all, a story of passion and ingenuity. The idea wasn’t born in an office or around a business plan, but directly in the field — where operators work with the trucks every day and know exactly what could be improved.
“This project wasn’t dreamed up alone behind a desk. It was born from ideas scribbled on napkins, field discussions with our operators, the passion of our teams, and the trust of our partners,” shared Vincent Kelly, President of Groupe Sanivac, during the official inauguration. These words perfectly capture the spirit behind VACFORCE: creating equipment designed by operators, for operators.
A state-of-the-art workshop designed for innovation
Located in Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot, the new VACFORCE workshop embodies the group’s determination to take its operations and innovation even further. Every aspect of its design was carefully considered to meet specific needs — efficiency of space, safety, performance, and workplace comfort.
The building now houses a multidisciplinary team — welders, engineers, assemblers, and specialized technicians working hand in hand to bring a new generation of vacuum trucks to life. The workshop is equipped with modern production tools and precision machinery to ensure impeccable quality at every stage of the manufacturing process.
This facility will not only allow the design of trucks used by Sanivac but will also enable the development of new models intended for broader international commercialization.
A memorable moment celebrated with the Sanivac family
On October 7, clients, suppliers, and partners were invited to get an exclusive first look at the new workshop during a friendly cocktail dinner, featuring guided tours and inspiring speeches. But even before the official inauguration, Groupe Sanivac employees were given their own special moment.
On October 6, employees were invited to an exclusive preview of the facilities, followed by a festive on-site BBQ. This moment was an opportunity to highlight the central role employees played in the success of the project. Because VACFORCE, above all, is the result of a collective effort — that of a team united by the same passion: to build, innovate, and perform, always in a family spirit.
A driver of growth for the region
The establishment of VACFORCE in Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot is also part of a sustainable regional development strategy. This project generates positive economic impacts in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges area: the creation of specialized jobs, the strengthening of the local supplier network, and the reinforcement of the regional industrial fabric.
By promoting Quebec expertise and centralizing production within the group, Sanivac directly contributes to the region’s economic vitality while reducing its dependence on imported equipment. This marks a new era for the group — one where innovation and industrial performance go hand in hand with a local, responsible, and human approach.
A pride passed down from generation to generation
For nearly 65 years, Sanivac has continued to grow while staying true to its family roots. Founded in 1961 by John Kelly, the company has been passed down from generation to generation, expanding without ever losing sight of its core values: respect, creativity, and enjoyment at work.
Now led by Vincent Kelly and Carole-Ann Kelly, the third generation, Sanivac has over 550 employees and operates a fleet of more than 275 trucks across Quebec and Ontario.
With branches in eight regions and a well-established network across the residential, municipal, industrial, commercial, and event sectors, the group has built a strong reputation based on reliability and service quality.
The addition of VACFORCE at the heart of this structure completes the circle: Sanivac no longer just operates its trucks — it now designs, assembles, and refines them itself.
From vision to reality: the courage to go further
Sanivac’s success has always been built on one simple belief: to keep offering the best services, you must constantly push the limits.
VACFORCE is the embodiment of that boldness.
Behind every truck design lies a determination to enhance field performance — greater suction power, improved energy efficiency, designs adapted to Quebec winters, and increased comfort for operators.
Each innovation stems from a concrete need observed in the field — and it’s this practical, hands-on approach that sets Sanivac and VACFORCE apart in their industry.
A promising future
With this new division, Groupe Sanivac is entering a new phase of its development.
VACFORCE is not just a workshop — it’s an innovation hub where creativity, technical expertise, and passion for the craft come together. Many projects lie ahead: continuous improvement of the internal fleet’s trucks, development of models for other companies, and expansion into new markets across Canada and abroad.
But beyond commercial ambitions, one thing remains constant: people are at the center. Every decision, every idea, every innovation is driven by the same desire — to serve better, be more efficient in the field, and create inspiring workplaces for the teams.
A historic milestone for Groupe Sanivac
By inaugurating its VACFORCE manufacturing workshop, Groupe Sanivac has reached a symbolic and pivotal milestone in its journey. It is the result of years of hard work, planning, perseverance, and collaboration. From the first sketch drawn on a napkin to the tangible reality of a brand-new workshop, this achievement perfectly embodies what has defined Sanivac for over six decades: the courage to dream, the determination to build, and the pride of innovating right here, at home.
👉 To learn more about VACFORCE and explore our manufacturing projects: vacforce.com
