Matane, Quebec — Stantec, a global leader in sustainable engineering and design, has successfully completed engineering services for the world’s first carbon-neutral, hygienic ceramic manufacturing facility, marking a major milestone in low-carbon industrial development. The facility, developed for German bathroom manufacturer Duravit, is located in Matane, Quebec, and represents Duravit’s first manufacturing plant in North America.
The 35,000-square-metre facility is strategically positioned near the Port of Matane along the St. Lawrence River, enabling a fully automated and efficient production process. The plant integrates every stage of manufacturing—from raw material intake to packaging and shipment—within a single streamlined operation producing premium bathroom fixtures.
Powered entirely by renewable hydroelectricity, the plant achieves carbon neutrality (Scope 2) and eliminates emissions traditionally associated with ceramic production. With an energy demand of up to 10 megawatts, the facility operates two nearly 100-metre-long electric kilns, replacing conventional gas-fired systems and reducing carbon emissions by approximately 9,000 tonnes annually.
Working in collaboration with DAD Architecture/Design, Stantec delivered comprehensive engineering solutions covering electrical, mechanical, fire protection, and telecommunications systems, while also supporting environmental permitting and water treatment processes.
Robert Bourdon, Project Director at Stantec, stated that the project establishes a new benchmark for sustainable industrial engineering, proving that high-performance manufacturing can coexist with significant carbon reductions through innovation and international collaboration.
Duravit Canada’s General Manager, Christian Gilles, highlighted Quebec’s clean energy infrastructure and technical expertise as key factors behind the site selection, noting that the project reflects Duravit’s long-term commitment to responsible and low-impact production.
Once fully operational, the Matane plant will manufacture up to 450,000 premium bathroom products annually, create 240 skilled jobs in the Gaspésie region, and strengthen Duravit’s local manufacturing footprint in the North American market.
