Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

Centre de travail Laro, a non-profit organization in Gatineau, celebrated a significant milestone
on October 25, 2024 — 45 years of dedicated service to the community. Specializing in
providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with functional limitations, Laro
marked the occasion with an open house event at its facility. The celebration was attended by
clients, community members, media representatives, and notable local figures, including
Suzanne Tremblay, Member of Parliament for Hull; Isabelle N. Miron, Municipal Councillor for
l’Orée-du-Parc district (9) on behalf of the Mayor, as well as officials from the Quebec Council of
Adapted Enterprises (CQEA). The event highlighted Laro’s extensive range of products and
services, reinforcing its commitment to inclusion, social responsibility, and economic growth.

At the heart of Laro’s 45th-anniversary celebration was a focus on its innovative partnerships,
particularly a new collaboration with Plantaform Technology Inc., a Canadian agritech company
known for its smart indoor fogponic gardens. This partnership, which began in May 2024, has
been instrumental in expanding Plantaform’s assembly output by 400% in a matter of weeks,
helping both companies meet the growing demand for Plantaform’s advanced indoor gardening
technology. Since joining forces, Laro has played a key role in supporting the assembly of
Plantaform’s Smart Indoor Gardens, which use NASA-inspired fogponics technology to allow
customers to grow herbs, vegetables, and leafy greens year-round. This collaboration has
enabled Laro to strengthen its reputation in the consumer electronics assembly sector,
demonstrating its capacity to handle sophisticated production tasks and scale up operations
efficiently.

Roxanne Lafrenière, Directrice Générale at Laro, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration:
“Helping a local company scale its production aligns with our mission of fostering economic
growth within the region. We’re proud to contribute to the success of such an innovative
business while providing meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities for individuals
with functional limitations.” Laro’s workforce of over 40 employees now actively participates in
assembling Plantaform’s Smart Indoor Gardens, managing various production tasks from
handling electronics and plastics to performing functional tests. As Laro’s role has expanded,
employees have taken on additional responsibilities in the production line, including seeding and
packaging Plantaform’s plant pod packs. Plantaform’s Chief Operating Officer, Georges
Hamoush, praised the partnership, emphasizing the role of Laro’s skilled team in meeting the
company’s ambitious growth targets for 2024 and beyond.

A standout moment in the 45th-anniversary celebration was the presentation of the Roger
Pedneault Recognition Award to Francine Pronovost, a valued Laro employee since 2005.
Francine has overcome personal challenges, including moderate intellectual disability, language
difficulties, and arthritis, to become a respected and dedicated member of Laro’s team. Her
resilience and growth over the past 19 years serve as a powerful testament to Laro’s supportive
and inclusive work environment. Stéphane Thériault, General Manager of the Quebec Council
of Adapted Enterprises (CQEA), highlighted Francine’s achievements as a source of inspiration,​
stating, “Her achievements showcase the power of inclusive work environments, transforming
her life and making her a valued member of our team.”

The celebration not only marked 45 years of impactful work but also highlighted Laro’s enduring
vision for a future where individuals with functional limitations continue to find purpose, stability,
and pride in their roles. Looking forward, Laro remains dedicated to building on its legacy of
inclusion, innovation, and community-driven growth, advancing its mission to create meaningful
employment opportunities that benefit both its employees and the larger community.

Photo: Suzanne Tremblay, Member of Parliament for Hull, congratulated Francine Pronovost, on
her award—honouring her dedication and resilience as a cherished team member at Centre de
travail Laro’s 45th anniversary celebration. (TF) Photo: Tashi Farmilo​