Industrial painting is an essential job to Quebec industry. Whether to protect surfaces, improve appearance or make sure equipment lasts longer, an industrial painter plays an important role in any industrial setting.

Trexo explains what it’s like to be an industrial painter, describing the responsibilities, training and salary of this important profession.

What does an industrial painter do?

An industrial painter is a professional who specializes in painting various structures and surfaces in industrial settings. Their primary role is to apply protective coatings or decorative finishes to surfaces such as machinery, equipment, infrastructure, buildings, and other industrial structures.

Industrial painter duties

Industrial painters are responsible for a range of activities related to painting in an industrial context. In short, an industrial painter helps to maintain, protect and improve industrial surfaces and equipment. Here’s an overview of what the job involves:

1. Cleaning and preparing surfaces: An industrial painter prepares surfaces before painting. This often begins with the removal of non-structural components from equipment or buildings. If the surface is already covered with one or more coatings, it may be necessary to remove them using abrasive blasting, dry ice blasting, or soda blasting. In most cases, an industrial painter will also apply a mask to protect surfaces from the paint once it is applied.
2. Paint preparation: Industrial painters have to prepare their paint, using equipment like viscosity cups, thickness gauges and gloss gauges to check paint composition. They rely on their knowledge of paint products and chemistry to mix the right products for each job.
3. Applying paint: Industrial painters use a variety of techniques and tools to apply paint, including airless or electrostatic spray equipment, rollers and brushes. They always need to choose the right tools for the job, whether they are applying primers, prefinishes or topcoats. Industrial painting involves various preventive measures, which means that applying coatings is best done by professionals.
4. Compliance with safety standards: Industrial painters often work in complex industrial environments. These areas can present potential risks in the form of chemicals, dust or fumes, making it important to carefully follow safety standards, use appropriate personal protective equipment and apply safety procedures. An industrial painter’s own safety and that of their colleagues must be considered at all times.
5. Cleaning equipment and work areas: Industrial painters are responsible for cleaning the treated area and also their equipment after completing a job. They must carefully follow all instructions for the safe handling and disposal of chemicals and hazardous waste.
6. Maintaining equipment: Industrial painters are also responsible for maintaining their painting equipment, which can be quite technical. They need to be able to understand how to adjust industrial painting equipment and make sure it works properly.

How do I become an industrial painter in Quebec?

To become an industrial painter in Quebec, you’ll need a combination of training and practical experience. Here’s an overview of the key steps required to enter this profession.

Get the right training

The Attestation d’études professionnelles en peinture industrielle (A.E.P.) offers a complete French-language program lasting a total of 720 hours (750 hours with the aerospace component). This 24-week, full-time, daytime-only program is designed to give you all the skills you need to become a qualified industrial painter.

Do some hands-on learning

In addition to formal training, industrial painters need practical experience. In-house apprenticeship programs or internships allow aspiring painters to work alongside experienced professionals and apply the knowledge they have acquired in training in a real-life context.

Industrial painter salary

According to a study by Talent.com, the average salary for an industrial painter in Canada is estimated at $42,743 per year, or $21.92 per hour. An entry-level painter earns around $37,050 per year, while an experienced painter could earn around $52,650 per year.

In Quebec, salaries are similar to the rest of Canada, with the average industrial painter salary estimated at $41,311.

Industrial painter qualities

To work as an industrial painter, you need a thorough knowledge of surface preparation so that you can consistently make sure paint sticks correctly. You’ll also need a basic understanding of the different types of industrial paints and painting equipment.

Knowledge is not enough. Practical experience is important if you intend to work in this sector. You need to be familiar with different types of surface treatment such as abrasive blasting, metal pickling, industrial degreasing and others.

An industrial painter also has to know how to mix paints, so you’ll need to be familiar with different products and understand their chemical properties.

The industrial paint industry is wide-ranging and evolves with the times. New methods and increasingly high-performance, environmentally friendly products appear all the time. Processes also vary depending on the customer. Because of this, industrial painting companies want to hire painters who are willing to learn new concepts, skills and processes.

Contact Trexo to learn more about industrial painting!

Quebec’s industrial sector offers many opportunities for industrial painters. With varied responsibilities, stimulating tasks and technical demands, this profession is an interesting choice for anyone with a passion for painting and manual work.

Trexo is the ideal partner for anyone looking for excellence, innovation, and professionalism. By joining our team, you’ll have the chance to put your skills as an industrial painter to good use on a variety of stimulating projects.

We’re committed to providing a supportive work environment focused on respect, collaboration and professional development. We support the ongoing training of our employees, offering learning and development opportunities to help them stay at the cutting edge of new technologies, materials and painting techniques. For more information, contact us today!

When production costs are too high, companies struggle to make a profit. Cost reduction is important to all factory and business owners.

There are several ways to get around this problem. In fact, you can take action right away to reduce production costs by improving company efficiency.

Keep reading to learn 5 proven methods for reducing production costs in business.

Production cost analysis

The first step in reducing production costs is analyzing the production process. This is essential so that you can identify your most significant expenses and target them with cost reduction strategies.

What are the benefits and limitations of the different methods of production cost analysis?

There are several methods of analyzing production costs, each with advantages and disadvantages. Let’s look at a few examples:

Standard costs

This method involves budgeting costs for each step of the production process based on normal company operations. The advantages of this method include the ability to predict production costs, to quickly identify variances between actual and expected costs, and to motivate employees to improve production efficiency. On the other hand, it can be difficult to establish standard costs for each stage of production and there is always the risk that standard costs will be considered targets to be achieved rather than tools for analysis.

Historical costs

This method involves calculating the costs of raw materials, labour, and other expenses from past data. It can be easy to do, and the cost estimations will always be accurate since companies have access to historical data. Limitations of this method include problems identifying waste and hidden costs, and the fact that historical costs do not reflect any production improvements.

Direct and indirect costs

This method separates direct costs (e.g., raw materials and labour) from indirect costs (e.g., plant rental costs and maintenance costs). This makes it possible to track production costs at a granular level and make accurate cost reduction decisions. It can be difficult, however, to determine which costs should be classified as direct or indirect, and there is a risk that some indirect costs will be missed.

5 ways to reduce production costs

Companies need to find ways to reduce production costs to improve their profitability and gain a competitive edge in the market. The challenge lies in finding a balance between reducing costs and maintaining product or service quality. Let’s take a look at the key factors in efficiently and sustainably minimizing production costs.

1. Know your business inside out

To begin, you need a global vision of the physical and information flows in your company or plant. Without a good understanding of your business, it is virtually impossible to identify where you can reduce production costs.

These are the main factors:

Raw materials

To manufacture a product, you need raw materials. These components are an integral part of your production costs.

The most expensive raw materials are steel, oil and forestry resources. Glue is also expensive to produce, and therefore to acquire.

Machinery

Machines are essential to the production process, and expenses related to buying and maintaining them must be factored into production costs. Installing, moving and building products and other equipment all requires industrial machinery.

Machinery includes drills, mixers, and forklifts for construction sites. Some companies need rock crushers or steel rolling mills for making materials such as rebar for concrete walls.

Workforce

Manpower is another major element of production costs. A strong workforce is essential to the operation of a business at any level.

Labour costs apply to all stages of the manufacturing process, including receiving and storing raw materials, and processing and assembling finished products.

Energy

Energy costs include all energy used to operate production facilities.

Gas, oil and coal may be categorized as raw materials or factored as energy costs. Space heating, central cooling systems and emergency lighting are examples of other common energy costs.

2. Optimize your production line

You can often reduce production costs by taking a closer look at the production line of your facility.

Identify waste, irregularities and excesses in production to improve product quality. Adjusting the production line will result in fewer checks, which will lead to faster delivery times. This is also good for your company’s image!

Some common production line malfunctions include:

• Machine stoppages: to avoid these, carry out regular surface finishing treatments
• Material losses: update machinery and verify operating parameters
• Moving time: optimize the available space
• Quality defects: enforce control procedures.

3. Improve and optimize your facilities

Improving facility layout and keeping spaces clean are effective ways to reduce production costs. These adjustments are often underestimated but can have a significant impact.

By optimizing available space and carefully choosing the location of equipment, employees can move around more easily, quickly, and safely. This allows you to save time on production, and everyone knows that in a company, time is money.

Regular and efficient cleaning makes equipment last longer and increases its productivity. Rely on an industrial cleaning company who knows exactly how to take care of your machinery for maximum performance quality.

Use the latest technology

Recent technological developments offer new ways to optimize businesses, production spaces and machinery, making production more efficient than ever. Use up-to-date software to manage inventory, sales data and employee information. You can save precious time!

When it comes to plant cleaning, professionals can offer you innovative solutions adapted to your machinery. Effective new professional cleaning methods include:

• Dry ice blasting
• Ultrasonic cleaning
• Soda blasting

Increase productivity

To reduce production costs, take employee well-being into account. Consider doing the following:

• Provide paid time off
• Provide benefits
• Provide a safe and healthy work environment

4. Limit your inventory

Excess inventory and poor inventory management are a common cause of unnecessary expenses. One way to avoid this is by opting for a “just-in-time” production management system.

This method allows you to reduce costs by waiting for a customer’s order before starting to produce it. You won’t have to manage inventory that may not sell, which can significantly increase your overall profit!

5. Reduce external costs

Last, you can reduce production costs by examining your external costs.

Whether it’s concerning supply management or the providers you use, review each of your expenses and find better options if you can. There are many offers on the market, and it is important to choose the most cost-effective one for you.

How to find cheaper suppliers for raw materials

Finding cheaper suppliers for raw materials can be a complex process, but it can help a company significantly reduce production costs. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Search online: Search engines and online directories can be valuable resources for finding cheaper suppliers. It is important to compare prices and to consider quality before making a commitment.
2. Attend trade shows: Trade shows can be an opportunity to meet potential suppliers in person, see their products and discuss their prices. Trade shows also provide an opportunity to learn about new products and innovations.
3. Use professional networks: Professional networking can be a great way to find cheaper suppliers for raw materials. Trade associations, business clubs, and online forums can provide an opportunity to meet other industry professionals and learn about their suppliers.
4. Negotiate prices with current suppliers: if a company already has suppliers, they could negotiate prices to reduce costs. It is important to be diplomatic and to offer strong arguments when trying to convince suppliers to lower their prices.

Use various methods to reduce production costs

Following these suggestions will help you reduce production costs and increase your profits.

Using energy efficient equipment and maintaining your industrial plants are two ways to significantly reduce your costs in a sustainable way. You could even go green by printing your invoices on recycled paper!

If you want to benefit from professional industrial cleaning services to further reduce production costs in your plant or business, contact us! We will be happy to answer your questions.

There are many industrial jobs available in Quebec, as the industrial sector plays an important role in the provincial economy.

Industrial cleaning operators, sometimes known as industrial cleaners, play a vital role in supporting industrial operations. Although the profession isn’t well known, the tasks these cleaners perform are essential.

Today, our industrial cleaning company describes everything you need to know about working as an industrial cleaning operator, and what makes this profession especially interesting.

What is an industrial cleaning operator?

An industrial cleaner works on industrial sites like factories, warehouses and production facilities. They implement specific cleaning techniques using industrial cleaning equipment.

Waste, chemicals, hazardous materials and stubborn dirt can make industrial sites difficult to clean. An industrial cleaning operator will use specific equipment and products to meet the challenges of cleaning and disinfecting production sites.

This cleaner’s job is important to industrial plant safety. Their work impacts staff and production efficiency. A dirty industrial site can pose health hazards and lead to interrupted production or even regulatory compliance issues. On the other hand, a clean and well-maintained plant will reduce health risks and improve productivity and at the same time, reduce production costs.

What are the responsibilities of an industrial cleaning operator?

An Industrial Cleaning Operator may do different work depending on the type of site where they work, but in general, their responsibilities include:

1. Facility cleaning: Industrial cleaners are responsible for cleaning industrial plants, warehouses, production rooms, etc. This may include floors, walls, ceilings, work surfaces, ventilation ducts and equipment.
2. Waste management: An industrial cleaning operator manages site waste collection and disposal, including sorting, storing, handling and disposal according to local and environmental regulations.
3. Equipment Maintenance: Industrial cleaners are responsible for the preventive maintenance of cleaning and safety equipment. This can include vacuum cleaners, floor scrubbers, cleaning products, personal protective equipment, ultrasonic cleaners,
4. Compliance with safety standards: An industrial cleaning operator must comply with site safety standards, which could include understanding risk management and emergency procedures.
5. Environmental Compliance: An industrial cleaner must comply with environmental standards when managing the handling and disposal of hazardous waste. They may also need a knowledge of emissions and discharge regulations, and how to put environmentally friendly practices in place.
6. Communication with other team members: An industrial cleaner must communicate regularly with other team members to coordinate site cleanup and maintenance.

What does an industrial cleaning operator do?

An industrial cleaning operator needs to come prepared with a knowledge of what the client needs (specific constraints). Next, they will make sure they have everything necessary to do the job, and finally they will clean the space as quickly and efficiently as possible.

After cleaning, it might also be necessary to collect and transport any waste to an appropriate disposal site.

Cleaning the client’s workspace is not the industrial cleaner’s only responsibility. They must also:

• Make safety their number one priority and respect all plant safety rules
• Participate in daily safety meetings and ensure safety and efficiency at every step
• Fill out documentation (e.g. field risk assessment, inventory of tasks performed and equipment used, etc.)
• Provide excellent customer service by causing as little disruption to the client’s business activities as possible

Industrial cleaning companies have considerable skill and experience. Solutions Trexo has been operating in Quebec since 1987.

What is required to work in industrial cleaning?

While some employers require a high school diploma or GED, generally speaking, no specific degree is necessary to start a career in industrial cleaning.

Certifications or training in skills such as working at great heights, respiratory protection and cleaning equipment use are sometimes required to ensure that the cleaner is able to follow current safety regulations.

Those interested in a career in industrial cleaning must be prepared to travel to clients and be familiar with the necessary heavy equipment. Having a driver’s license and a few years of experience in the field can be a great advantage.

Candidates should enjoy working with their hands as part of a team. They should want a stimulating, unconventional job where they can make a difference and contribute to improving environments.

How to become an industrial cleaner in Quebec

There are two main ways to become an industrial cleaning operator in Quebec:

• By obtaining a Skills Training Certificate for industrial cleaning operators
• By participating in the Workplace Apprenticeship Program(PAMT) offered by Emploi-Québec

Industrial cleaning operator salary

An industrial cleaning operator’s salary depends on their experience, skills and the sector they work in.

According to Talent.com, industrial cleaners in Canada make an average of $43,417 per year, or $22,27 per hour.

At entry level, an industrial cleaning operator will start with a salary of around $40,000 per year, while someone with many years of experience will make up to $50,000 per year.

What are the skills and competencies needed for this job?

The industrial cleaning trade requires a variety of skills and competencies:

• Knowledge of products and equipment
• Physical ability
• Organizational and planning skills
• Manual skills
• Observation skills
• Communication skills
• Sense of responsibility
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations.

In summary, working as an industrial cleaning operator requires a combination of technical, physical and social skills which will allow you to work safely and effectively in industrial environments.

Contact Trexo to learn more about industrial cleaning

An industrial cleaning operator plays an important role in industry. They need to have specific skills and demonstrate good attention to detail to be able to create a clean, healthy and safe work environment. If you’re interested, there are training and certification programs that can teach you what you need to know to join this trade.

At Trexo, we are proud of our skilled and experienced team of industrial cleaners. The mission of our company is to provide superior cleaning services, and we’re always seeking motivated and qualified individuals to join our team.

If you would like to join a dynamic and committed company in the industrial cleaning industry, go ahead and apply today. At Trexo, we offer exciting career opportunities, ongoing training, and a challenging work environment so you can succeed and grow in your career.

The industrial sector evolves constantly. To remain competitive, companies must continually adapt to new technologies and changes in the market. Industrial equipment modernization is one of the many challenges companies face today.

Industrial equipment modernization involves updating the machines, tools, control systems and other equipment used in the production process. It can help reduce costs, improve productivity, meet safety and regulatory compliance requirements, and improve product quality.

Solutions Trexo explains what industrial equipment modernization means and how it can benefit your company.

Why modernize your industrial equipment?

Modernizing industrial equipment can help a company improve their performance, reduce costs, meet regulatory requirements and drive innovation.

Understanding why companies decide to modernize their equipment will help you understand what industrial equipment modernization involves and the tools available to achieve it. Common motivation for taking steps to modernize equipment include:

Improved performance

Modernization can help improve equipment performance by increasing energy efficiency, reducing cycle time, improving accuracy and optimizing resource utilization. This can result in overall increased productivity, reduced production costs and better product quality.

Adapting to standards and regulations

Environmental, safety and quality standards are constantly changing. Modernizing equipment allows companies to meet regulatory requirements, minimize the risk of non-compliance, and protect their reputation and market position. It can also ensure industrial plant safety.

Cost reduction

Modernizing equipment can reduce costs related to production operations by reducing downtime, maintenance costs and labor costs. Modernizing equipment can also help in optimizing energy and raw material consumption.

Equipment obsolescence

Industrial equipment has a limited lifespan. Modernization can extend machine life, maintain equipment functionality and efficiency, and delay the purchase of new equipment.

The need for innovation

Modernization enables the integration of new technologies and new features, which in turn can stimulate innovation within the company. Modernized equipment can make it possible to produce new products, expand to new markets and take advantage of new business opportunities.

How to modernize your equipment

Industrial equipment modernization is a complex process that differs depending on the type of equipment and company needs. There are several steps that always remain a part of this process:

Evaluating existing equipment

The first step is to assess the condition of existing equipment. Examine current performance, maintenance costs, levels of obsolescence, and applicable standards and regulations. Assessing existing equipment thoroughly allows you to prioritize upgrades and plan a detailed budget.

Defining modernization objectives

The second step is to define the modernization objectives, based on the company’s needs and projected results. Objectives can be related to energy efficiency, productivity, product quality, manufacturing quality assurance, or other aspects of the equipment.

Planning and design

The third step is to plan the modernization: define all necessary steps, resources, and timelines. This step could also involve designing new equipment or adding special functionalities, and selecting suppliers and service providers.

Installation and start-up

The fourth step in equipment modernization is to install the new or upgraded equipment in accordance with applicable standards and regulations. This step may also involve testing equipment performance, safety and quality. Companies may also need to train their personnel to use the new equipment.

Follow-up/ Tracking and maintenance

The last step consists of monitoring and maintaining the modernized equipment. Performance monitoring, corrective and preventive maintenance, and making updates are all part of ensuring the sustainability and profitability of your investment.

The benefits of modernizing industrial equipment

The modernization of industrial equipment can be advantageous for companies, economically, environmentally, and socially. Primary benefits include:

Improved productivity

Upgrading equipment can increase production, reduce downtime and improve product quality. New equipment can be more efficient, more accurate and faster than obsolete equipment. Making upgrades can have a positive impact on overall company productivity.

Improved corporate image

Modernizing equipment can also positively impact a company’s image by showing its commitment to innovation, sustainability and quality. Customers, business partners and investors may prefer to work with a company that uses modern, environmentally friendly equipment.

Contribution to sustainable development

Retrofitting equipment reduces energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, waste and the environmental impact of factory production. Companies can reduce their carbon footprint and environmental impact and improve profitability by modernizing their industrial equipment.

Tools and techniques for modernizing industrial equipment

Modernizing industrial equipment often requires the use of specific tools and techniques. Here are some of the most common:

Monitoring and diagnostics

Monitoring and diagnostics allow for real-time tracking and the detection of potential problems before they become equipment failures. Sensors, monitoring software and alert systems are examples of tools that can be used for monitoring and diagnostics.

Automation

Automation optimizes equipment functioning. Automation systems can improve accuracy, speed and reliability. Sensors, actuators, control systems and communication systems are examples of tools used for automation.

Preventive maintenance

Preventive maintenance minimizes the chance of equipment failures. It involves implementing planned maintenance based on real-time monitoring data. Predictive maintenance systems use techniques such as data analysis, mathematical modeling and learning algorithms.

Trexo can help clean and modernize your equipment

The modernization of industrial equipment can help companies improve efficiency, productivity and profitability. Modernization means benefitting from optimized equipment, offering improved products and services, reducing maintenance costs and having a better competitive edge.

Trexo Solutions can help you modernize your equipment with a complete industrial plant cleaning. We guarantee unmatched efficiency through dry ice blasting and sand blasting. Contact us today to learn more!

Regardless of the industry, production methods are always more intense and equipment is strained in harsh environments (cold, humidity, etc.).

Manufacturers need their equipment to perform exceptionally well over the long term, since breakdowns and machine failures result in significant financial losses.

Surface finishing is a great way to preserve equipment, even in challenging conditions. With the right method and the right team, surface treatments can protect production equipment, extend its lifespan and improve its performance. Find out how surface finishing works in this article!

What is surface finishing?

Simply put, surface treatments are used to clean and seal metals. The objective is to maximize paint adhesion and corrosion protection.

All kinds of manufacturing in Quebec require surface finishing: automobile, agricultural and construction machinery, household appliances, HVAC systems, etc.

However, not all surfaces are treated in the same way. The treatment will differ depending on the work environment, the industry in question and the type of material that needs finishing.

Types of surface treatment

Here are some of the most commonly used surface finishing methods:

Equipment cleaning

Industrial cleaning is a process that removes oil, oxides, contaminants and other foreign substances from equipment and machinery. Some cleaning processes, such as sandblasting and lapping, use abrasives and grinding and can therefore be considered both cleaning and polishing methods.

There are also effective new cleaning techniques such as dry ice blasting and ultrasonic baths that are becoming increasingly popular.

Cleaning is often a prerequisite for other types of equipment protection, such as applying coatings.

Surface polishing

Polishing is used to smooth a surface and usually requires friction with a wheel or a brush. However, there are other methods such as chemical polishing and electropolishing, which involve dissolving a bit of the surface to make it smooth.

Coating application

Coating application is the process of putting paint onto a surface, which is usually done to improve corrosion resistance.

Electrostatic painting is a type of coating where the paint particles are charged so that static electricity helps them adhere more effectively to the surface. Powder coating is another type of electrostatic process. Electrodeposition coating is a method of painting a surface that involves electrolyzing a special paint solution and is commonly used on auto bodies.

Plating

Plating is the process of covering a surface with a thin layer of another metal. The process is generally done on metals like iron to give them better corrosion resistance.

In some cases, plating can be applied to the surface of plastics for decorative purposes, but this usage has declined in recent years due to improvements in coating technology.

Heat treatment

Heat treatment hardens the surface of metals to improve their resistance to wear. By heating and cooling the metal in specific ways, the structure of the surface is changed, making it harder and more durable.

The importance of having your equipment treated by experts

Increasing the durability of industrial equipment and providing efficient treatment are top priorities for surface finishing companies.

Industry leaders meet regulations and client expectations by using high-performance metal treatment additives and ingredients, offering flexible services, being efficient with resources and limiting toxic materials.

Customized services and treatments for your equipment

Manufacturers and material suppliers are now expected to achieve improved performance in harsh environments while using solutions that support sustainability goals. Trexo products can be used in various industries to improve the performance and lifespan of equipment made of a variety of materials, including metals, aluminum, glass and more.

Solutions Trexo: first-rate surface finishing services in Quebec

Solutions Trexo’s broad range of high-performance additives enables us to provide efficiency, durability and a competitive level of sustainability.

Our experience, innovation and knowledge of industrial processes make Solutions Trexo an ideal partner for your surface finishing needs. To find out more about our equipment treatments, feel free to call us or fill out the online form available on our contact page.