ELEMA experts-conseils, structural engineering and structural glass experts with a strong presence in the industry, recently unveiled that it has acquired the renowned firm CPA Structural Glass. In doing so, ELEMA will consolidate its position to provide expertise in the structural glass engineering markets in Quebec and across Canada. The two firms already know one another well: they collaborated on the iconic restoration of the Grand Théâtre de Québec, which included the creation and implementation of one of the most innovative steel and glass envelopes ever seen, among a host of other projects like the Musée de Pointe-à-Callière’s glass floor, and the Complexe Desjardins’ canopies on Sainte-Catherine Street, in Montréal.

Originally founded in 2000 as a subsidiary of Cloutier Powney and associates, CPA has since continued to evolve under the ownership of SDK and Associates from 2004 to 2017, and independently since then. Its expertise in the design of new glass systems, the development of mullioned and frameless facades, the verification of concepts and the use of glass as a load-bearing element have earned it numerous citations of excellence as well as industry recognitions.

President of CPA Béthanie Cloutier, will join ELEMA as Structural Glass Specialist Engineer and closely work with its Vice-President and Cofounder Félix Bédard, while CPA Vice-President Marc Bilodeau will contribute on a consultant basis. Both will continue working and providing expertise on various projects and will be essential in expanding the team’s knowledge of the structural glass industry with their own unparalleled experience.

“CPA joining our team has been a long-time aspiration for our partners. We foresee exceptional project opportunities combining their vast experience in structural glass and our reputation for structural creativity. I was introduced to glass engineering in 2008 by Béthanie while working at CPA. Having her and Marc part of the company I cofounded is the beginning of an exciting new chapter,” says Félix Bédard, P.Eng., M. Ing., Vice-President and Cofounder of ELEMA.

“This will allow us to expand the structural glass engineering service offering at the national level while bringing in new talent in the field of glass engineering. All the expertise that Marc and I have acquired in recent decades will allow a new generation of designers to continue the search for creativity and excellence,” says Béthanie Cloutier, P.Eng., M.Eng., President of CPA.

ELEMA continually strives to provide the best client experience while innovating in the structural engineering field and delivering exceptional results in collaboration with architects and other industry stakeholders. With the acquisition of CPA, ELEMA widens its structural services offering, creating a powerhouse of industry knowledge, with the goal of providing collaborative expertise and unique insight into complex technical project issues. On September 20th to 23rd, they will be attending Glasstec in Germany, an international conference and networking event dedicated to the field of structural glass that occurs every two years.