To maintain its growth, the company relies on an old standard: rigor. The secret is constant application and the use of simple, appropriate means.

This inflexible logic is represented in different ways.

The development of a culture of efficiency and quality

Excavations Lafontaine Inc got its ISO certification in 1998 and was one of the first companies within its line of business to get it. Long before ISO, through the years and the active participation of its personnel, the company developed simple and documented management policies affecting all its procedures and departments, with special concern for efficiency and quality.

One of these work instructions regarding job sites was the subject of a document intended for the technical and management personnel entitled "Manuel de gestion de chantier" (Site Management Guide). This type of document is a first within the construction industry.

Careful personnel selection:

Management, made aware of the need for quality, interested labour, devotes a great deal of energy into recruiting personnel.

The Human Resources Department established policies relative to staffing, orientation, training, performance evaluation, and personnel compensation to ensure an excellent level of quality personnel that stays within the company.

For the last few years, the focus has been on integrating young candidates in order to create a continuum and bring down the average age the workers.

Occupational health and safety prevention is a priority for the company, which has been part of a prevention mutual since 1999.

Continuing and targeted investments:

The company has a stock of recent, diversified, and well-maintained equipment that draws attention. Each purchase must meet a specific need and contribute towards increasing productivity.

Management promotes the integration of emerging technology and often, we are the first to use such technology in Quebec region. Here are a few examples: sandbox for installing mains and sewers, removable support for telephones poles, semi-trailer empting through the floor (conveyor) and excavator without counterweight (SR) for installing pipes in cramped streets.

Computer science is a precious management tool. Proven software are used in accounting and project estimation. When necessary, appropriate software are designed and developed to facilitate various tasks, such as bulk goods management, daily contract cost, distribution of required resources (equipment and labour), and equipment stock maintenance and state-of-the-art survey equipement help us track closely the work to be done, to name a few.

Energy focusing:

Company personnel are encouraged to communicate, interact, and bring their own ideas to improve efficiency.

When facing obstacles, which turn into challenges for us, the team's ingenuity is called upon and results are often surprising. The personnel repeatedly suggested technological innovations applicable daily that improve the work of our teams and increase their productivity.

In success, the keynote was not to diversify but to invest, in order to continuously improve, leave our competitors behind, and remain number one.