Micom Laboratories: 25 Years Of Innovation In Materials Testing
The Foundations of a Materials Testing Success Story
Did you know that innovation sometimes begins in unexpected places? Well, that’s exactly how Micom’s story began, in the basement of its founder, Michel Comtois. It was in this modest space that the foundations of Micom Laboratories, a company destined to become a benchmark in material testing, were laid with the acquisition of an Instron 50 kN and 10,000 lbs of balance calibration weights, purchased for the sum of $900 at a government auction. This essential equipment was then stored in Michel’s garage, which also served as a temporary office for drafting the first version of the company’s quality assurance system.
Find out more about our history of customer-focused innovation.
From Humble Beginnings to Impressive Growth
Micom Laboratories moved out of Michel’s basement into its first industrial space in just a few months, testifying to the company’s rapid growth. This progress was accompanied by an important recognition: the first ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation in August 1999. This accreditation demonstrated Micom’s commitment to the highest standards in laboratory testing.
True to its values, Micom still holds an ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and boasts several other important ones. To find out more about these important accreditations and Micom’s commitment to quality, we invite you to visit our page dedicated to our materials testing accreditations and recognitions.
A Constant Desire for Innovation and Excellence
Every step in Micom’s development reflects an ambition for innovation and excellence. From the introduction of walk-in climate rooms in 2011 to the expansion of our facilities, every decision has been guided by a desire to improve and diversify the services we offer, always in tune with our customers’ needs. Micom’s history is punctuated by strategic investments in cutting-edge technologies and an ongoing commitment to research and development. This approach enables us to push back the boundaries of our expertise, offer our customers ever more effective solutions and remain at the forefront of our field.
A Culture of Family and Entrepreneurship
The story of Micom would be incomplete without mentioning the family spirit that drives the company. In 2022, Anne-Marie Comtois, daughter of founders Michel and Angèle, joined the company after an eight-month internship during her studies. Now a chemical engineer, she has had the opportunity to work in all Micom laboratories. Today, she oversees furniture testing, a field in which the company took its first steps, and is also responsible for the aerospace segment.
Anne-Marie’s arrival at Micom illustrates the transmission of entrepreneurial values and family know-how. Her successful integration testifies to the company’s commitment to ensuring its long-term future and pursuing growth while preserving its unique identity.
Towards a Promising Future
Looking to the future, Micom Laboratories continues to position itself as a leader in materials testing and laboratory innovation. The company’s move to a new 16,000 sq. ft. building in 2023 is just the latest chapter in a story marked by ambition, vision and success. In fact, Michel is already dreaming of an expansion in a few years’ time.
A Renewed Commitment
For 25 years, Micom Laboratories has been recognized as a leader in materials testing, propelled by an unwavering passion for innovation and excellence. Our track record is marked by remarkable achievements and our commitment to quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
Today, we begin a new chapter with renewed energy and determination. Drawing on our wealth of experience and unrivaled expertise, we are resolutely looking to the future. Our mission: to push back the boundaries of innovation in materials testing, explore new possibilities and deliver ever more effective solutions to our customers.
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Together, let’s shape the future of materials testing!
Micom’s History Over Time: From Its Foundation To The Present Day
- May 1999 – The First Steps: The adventure begins when our founder, Michel, acquires the very first laboratory equipment. The challenge? Installing an Instron 50 KN and 10,000 pounds of steel weight in his basement! These tools, retrieved on a tight schedule and with a truck suspension almost reversed by the weight, lay the foundation stone for our future company.
- June 24, 1999 – Expanding Horizons: Just one month later, we open the doors to our first industrial premises, a 1,600-square-foot space. This marked the beginning of our adventure into the world of materials testing.
- August 1, 1999 – Official Recognition: We receive our first accreditation for laboratory testing from the Canadian General Standards Board, marking the official start of our testing activities. It’s a milestone that validates our expertise and devotion to quality.
- September 14, 1999 – Family and Professional Growth: As Micom continues to grow, Michel’s family expands with the birth of his third child, symbolizing the interweaving of personal and professional spheres.
- 2002 – Doubling our Space: We add an adjacent 5600 square feet to our space, doubling our capacity to innovate and serve our customers.
- 2010 – A Bold Move: In the midst of a recession, we relocate to a 11600 sq. ft. facility. A bold decision that demonstrates our commitment to investing in the future, even in uncertain times.
- 2011 – Innovation in Controlled Environments: We begin “walk-in” climatic chamber testing to serve the pharmaceutical industry for the validation of packaging systems for the transport of vaccines and other heat-sensitive drugs, expanding our range of services and expertise.
- 2012 – Even Bigger: The addition of an adjacent 13,600-square-foot facility enables us to increase our operational capacity and meet growing demand.
- 2013 – Technical Advances: We begin corrosion testing, adding a new dimension to our accelerated aging capabilities.
- 2016 – Back to Basics: Michel goes back to school, participating in the Élite Program at the École d’entrepreneurship de Beauce, demonstrating that learning and innovation are at the heart of our DNA.
- Memorable Incident: A memorable incident occurred when a car crashed into the wall of our building, illustrating that even the unexpected is part of our innovation journey.
- 2021 – Aerospace Recognition: We receive Gen-O18 certification from Airbus Canada, a guarantee of our excellence and compliance in a cutting-edge field.
- 2022 – Succession Assured: Anne-Marie Comtois, Michel and Angèle’s daughter, joins the team, bringing new energy and ensuring the continuity of our family vision.
- 2023 – A New Chapter: We take a major step forward by moving into a 16,000 sq. ft. space that offers us greater operational flexibility and will eventually enable us to expand our operations to meet demand and ensure our growth and sustainability.
