AV Gauge We Help People Grow

It is one thing for a company to state on its corporate website “We care about our people!” but it’s another thing entirely to live up to that. Oldcastle’s AV Gauge has been living up to its motto, “We Help People Grow” since its inception in 1985. AV Gauge knows about growth, having doubled in size six to seven times since the mid-1980s.

“In the history of the company, since starting in my dad’s garage in Essex County,” says Denis Levasseur, an original founder and now Vice Chair of the Board, “one of my passions has been helping my employees live a successful, balanced life. Now, seeing the second generation leading the team is very fulfilling.”

With the automotive sector’s tireless pursuit of improved quality of parts, AV Gauge rose to the challenge of providing exacting solutions for conformance, validation, and quality control verification.

In particular, AV Gauge’s Automation division is growing to meet the demands of their customers. Its core competencies include process integration focussed on inline inspection, validation, and assembly.

“Here’s an example of what our Automation Team has accomplished for one of our customers,” says Tim. “Our customer needed a machine for two different part variants. They specified that three separate stations, with one operator per station, were required. Through feasibility studies, AV Gauge combined all the tasks into a single cell requiring only one operator. This reduced floor consumption, labor and capital costs, cycle time, and increased productivity.”

As they continue to grow, AV Gauge is hiring. What are they looking for?

By Matthew St. Amand

Through its relentless innovation and leveraging the latest in technology, AV Gauge has become the gold standard in the industry.

Tim Campeau, President of AV Gauge, explains: “We’ve expanded our products beyond the traditional check fixtures to related items on which we can apply our automation and quality expertise. We are always looking for new technology and good people to improve our products, services, and processes so that we can remain competitive on a global level.”

AV Gauge is among the select few companies chosen by Deloitte as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies Gold Standard winners.

What kind of technology does AV Gauge use?

“Robots with CNC machines, custom software utilizing AI, photogrammetry, laser scanning, among others,” Tim says. “We hold patents from inhouse innovations that are technically superior. We developed proprietary fabricated bases, structures and carbon fiber solutions which are critical to create a solid foundation to build on. We are vertically integrated in all aspects of our business.”

“A positive attitude, enthusiasm, creativity, pride, and a willingness to learn,” says Tim. “It helps if you’re mechanically inclined, but if you’re willing to learn, we’ll teach you.”

The company’s growth is tied to its employees. Being in a niche industry, AV Gauge has had to “grow its own” employees. They have done this by working with various high schools, colleges, and universities. They have been immersed in Co-Op, OYAP and other training programs for over 35 years. AV Gauge offers competitive wage packages and benefits that are fully funded by the company.

“Employees receive a semi-annual bonus based on company performance,” Tim continues, “even if you’re an apprentice who’s been here for six months. We have an RRSP program, and we’re always looking at people’s skills and helping them grow into their current and future roles.”

With plants in “Oldcastle, Kentucky, and Mexico, employing over 300 people, there is plenty of room for people to grow in AV Gauge.

For more information about the exciting services and technologies offered and created by AV Gauge, or to get in touch regarding a position with the company, visit avgauge.com. W.E.