From being a farmer to one of the most successful printers in Canada
When François Chicoine and his wife Line Chamberland founded Imprimerie Chicoine, they never imagined that the small printing house created in 1986 would carve out a place for itself among the most successful printers in Canada.
The young farming couple then shared human values and cherished the dream of starting a big family. Over time, they have demonstrated a much larger vision and dared to move forward. This is how Imprimerie F.L. Chicoine made its mark in the field of printing in Quebec.
Today, the Chicoine Group includes the Imprimerie Chicoine and FL Web subsidiaries. It is recognized throughout Quebec for the quality of its printing products, but above all, for its personalized service.
Discover our story!
Formerly farmers, François Chicoine and Line Chamberland started Imprimerie F.L. Chicoine in order to supplement their income.
The company was created in a small room in their residence in Saint-David. They started by printing envelopes and invoices for their seed and fertilizer suppliers.
The family acquires a Komori Lithrone 40 press, 4 process colors, 28”x 40”. This press now allows them to print quality magazines, catalogs, and other marketing projects.
The prepress department experienced a major technological breakthrough in 2002. The company acquired a direct-to-plate (CTP) printing system, thanks to the fully automated Agfa Galileo VXT imager.
The days of negatives are now over!
The world of printing is constantly changing with incredible technological advancements. While several printing houses are closing their doors, Imprimerie F.L. Chicoine is taking a major turn. Here they are creating a new web division. FL Web Printing was then created to develop the rotary press market.
As the children gradually take over the business, the family acquires a Goss Sunday 2000/24-page rotary press. This super fast press features AI virtual intelligence and new technology. Efficient, it prints 24 pages simultaneously in glued magazine format, cut 3 sides. This arrival marks their entrance in a new market. Thus, they are among the most important printers in Quebec.
To do this, the family undertook the construction of a second building with an area of 40,600 ft2. Imprimerie FL Web is located at the heart of the industrial area of Highway 20, between Montreal and Quebec!
Thanks to Imprimerie FL Web, the company enters the world of large web prints with “superior quality” mention.
After a year of assembly, FL Web Printing starts its first production on the new Goss Sunday 2000/24-page web press. The Holstein Quebec review was the very first project printed on the new press. This client has been doing business with the Chicoine family for over 20 years!
In 2017, Imprimerie Chicoine announced the acquisition of a Goss Sunday 3000/48-page rotary press. This high-performance equipment positions the company at the top of its industry. The company is thus becoming one of the most successful printers in Canada.
The major investment of several million dollars is creating around 40 jobs. A number which could easily increase. To accommodate this massive two-story press that spans 185 feet, the printer doubles the size of its building. It therefore goes from 40,000 to 80,000 square feet. The first drafts are printed in the fall of 2018.
Wanting to assert the strength of its companies, the Chicoine family creates the Chicoine Group. Thus, Imprimerie F.L Chicoine and Imprimerie F.L. Web now operate under the same umbrella.
Two printing plants, a family business, and the same personalized service almost 35 years later.
Imprimerie Chicoine: a real family story!
Thirty years after its founding, the five children as well as several members of the family are taking part in daily tasks within the company.
« Each project has been seen by at least one family member! We have grown, but we have been able to maintain close relationships over time. Therefore, we are proud to say that we are a true printing partner! »
— François Chicoine
Technology at your service
Constantly on the lookout for new technologies, the Chicoine Group uses high-performance presses for printing your projects.
Responsible printer
Aware of our environmental footprint, we have implemented several eco-responsible practices.
Our family at your service
The Chicoine Group is a great family story! We treat our customers and employees as if they were family.