Since 1994 FORMADRAIN Inc. has operated in the development and implementation of No-Dig Technologies.
All types of conduits can be lined with the FORMADRAIN CIPP (Cured in Place Pipe) system — a fast, economical and durable No-Dig System that can be used for a variety of applications including:
- Underground pipes (sewers, storm pipes, electrical conduits or other underground pipes, potable water mains excepted)
- Rain water leaders
- Vents
- Sanitary columns and
- Process piping
In 1998 the company expanded its operations by licensing its No-Dig Technologies across North America. Since that time FORMADRAIN has become an industry leader.
The company stays ahead of the competition by providing distributors with the latest technology available: The Research and Development Department works constantly to keep the system state of the art. In fact, the company spends an average of 25% of its net sales annually in research and development.
As Gerard Marc-Aurele, President of the company stated, “Our aim is to constantly improve and adapt the technology. We do this by investing in the future.”
FORMADRAIN also established one of the best quality control systems for raw materials.
Principles of the Company
Gerard Marc-Aurele:
Founded Drainamar Inc., a plumbing company, in 1969; the company offers all services related to sewers including CCTV, grouting, lining, testing, flow measurements etc. After building the company to more than 100 employees, he sold DRAINAMAR in 1999.
Founded FORMADRAIN Inc. in 1994 and is the current President (the company now has authorized installers in Canada, the United States and Asia).
Developed a number of industry-leading processes including FORMADRAIN and FORMAPREC® (for industrial applications) and was greatly involved in the development of the FORMAQUA® Process (a water main lining technology which is not commercialized at this time).
A true industry pioneer, he is also involved in many other R&D projects related to the FORMADRAIN Process and specialized equipment needed to implement it including: thermo mandrel, liner, robots, controls devices, steam units, etc. He also invented much of the equipment that propelled Drainamar to the position of industry leader in the sewer market.
He has more than 40 years of experience in plumbing, and more than 15 years experience in sewers and water main specialized services.
Stephane Therrien:
Stephane is a Civil Engineer (specialized in construction & structures) who graduated from University of Montreal Polytechnic Engineering School in 1993.
He worked with Drainamar from 1994 to 1999 as a Project Manager for No-Dig Projects. He was also involved in many R&D projects in the development of specialized equipment for FORMADRAIN.
Project Manager for R&D (on site testing of FORMADRAIN Technologies), within the scope of an Infrastructure Program (Federal, Provincial and Municipal).
Since 1999 has held the position of Vice-president at FORMADRAIN Inc.
Has trained Authorized Installers across Canada and in the United States (FORMADRAIN is also currently established in Asia).
Stephane is very active at all levels in the enhancement of FORMADRAIN No-Dig Technologies — from Research and Development to marketing, liner design and on-site installation.
He has acquired 17 years of overall experience a very solid foundation of “hands on” field expertise (he has installed liners, acted as job foreman and project manager, trained individuals to the highest levels, developed marketing programs and more).
Carl Marc-Aurele:
Carl is a Junior Chemical Engineer (specialized in polymer science) who graduated from University of Montreal Polytechnic Engineering School in May 2009.
With a solid background in R&D, having spent an 8 month internship doing research with Nick Virgilio (Ph.D.) and Pr. Basil Favis (Ph.D.) of Polytechnic Engineering School, in addition to a 4 month industrial internship, he joined FORMADRAIN Inc. upon graduation as a process engineer to be a trainer as well as working in R&D.
He spent most of his first year training “hands on” as a FORMADRAIN installer in Montreal. He also trained and supported licensees, was a job foreman, went to local and national trade shows and made R&D tests, acquiring a solid “all-around” experience.
He is Gerard’s grandson.
Specialties & Services:
- Point (Spot) Repairs (released 1994)
- Lateral Lining (released 1994)
- Man-Hole to Man-Hole Lining (released 1994)
- Process Piping (released 1997)High Pressure Applications (released 2001)
- LMC (Lateral Main Connection), (released 2004)
Achievements:
More than 155 miles (250 km) of underground piping have been lined since 1994, with the FORMADRAIN Process.
FORMADRAIN Technology has been accepted in every city where an approval for lining installation has been requested. This includes Boston (and surrounding suburbs), Toronto (approved by the Building Material Evaluation Commission or BMEC for all of Ontario), Regina, Ottawa, Montreal, Chicago, in Michigan State and others.
FORMADRAIN has also been granted international approval through NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) certification for sewer/drain.
The company’s No-Dig Technology has also been used in large chemical companies, refineries, food companies, cosmetics manufacturers, paper plants, hospitals — in addition to municipal and residential sewers.
Quality Control:
In order to maintain its leadership in the industry, FORMADRAIN ensures the strictest quality controls within its manufacturing and supply facilities. This ensures the highest standards in the industry in the preparation of raw materials and field installation.
It is for this reason that the system is not only NSF certified, but has easily passed every NSF annual audit conducted in the company’s Montreal facilities to date (FORMADRAIN’s plant met the requirements set by Standard ASTM F1216 — a standard specific to underground sewer lining).
The comprehensive quality control program includes:
- A complete manual on site at the plant — that must be rigorously followed — titled “Quality Control Manual For Formadrain Liners,” that ensures the highest quality standards in the preparation of raw materials (resin mixing).
- All Authorized Installers receive on-the-ground all-inclusive training and must follow the FORMADRAIN Installation Procedure Manual (latest edition).
- FORMADRAIN material and equipment have, and will always be, sold only to Authorized Installers.
- If an Authorized Installer does not follow the Installation Procedures; FORMADRAIN may withdraw their rights to install the No-Dig Technology until appropriate corrections are made.
Long Term Perspective:
The company’s strategic plan calls for world-wide expansion but in a progressive, controlled manner so that FORMADRAIN’s growth is never exceeded by the company’s ability to maintain quality standards and deliver superlative service to its Authorized Installer Network, and to ensure that the same standard is passed on to the end users (customers).
