By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Sherbrooke-based Interstar Materials Inc., a leader in pigment technology for concrete, has been acquired by global construction giant Saint-Gobain, a move that ensures the company’s headquarters and manufacturing operations will remain in the city.
The acquisition, announced July 29, brings Interstar’s business assets and 55 employees into Saint-Gobain’s North American network while adding more than $20 million in revenue. The company confirmed that the Sherbrooke facility will continue to produce its signature granular pigments, which have been used across North America’s decorative concrete market for decades.
“The business will continue to be operated out of its headquarters in Sherbrooke, Quebec,” said Alexandre Lainesse, public relations manager for Saint-Gobain in Canada, in an email to The Record. He added that operations will also continue in Calgary, Alberta, and Junction City, Illinois. “Saint-Gobain will continue to operate the granular pigment business under the Interstar brand in both Canada and the U.S.”
Interstar, founded in Sherbrooke in 1987, has grown into Canada’s top producer of granular pigments, serving ready mix, stamped concrete, block, paver and precast markets. Its innovations include the Granastar® pigment and automated dispensing systems, which have reshaped the concrete colouring process.
Jobs and economic impact in Sherbrooke
Lainesse confirmed that all local jobs have been secured. “With this acquisition, all 55 employees in Sherbrooke became Saint-Gobain employees. At this time Saint-Gobain expects to continue operations as normal,” he said. He emphasized that Sherbrooke will remain central to the pigment business: “Interstar will continue to manufacture pigment at its headquarters in Sherbrooke.”
The move comes as Saint-Gobain accelerates its growth in Canada, where it has invested more than $4 billion over the past three years. “We believe this commitment to Canada is a major reason why Interstar has trusted us for the next chapter of their thriving business,” Lainesse noted.
Community ties and long-term vision
Lainesse said the company intends to maintain and build on Interstar’s 30-year connection to the region. “We are focused on a successful integration of Interstar Materials activities within our Group’s portfolio,” he wrote. “Saint-Gobain is committed to the communities where we operate… and that will be the same for Sherbrooke.”
Navigating trade and sustainability
The acquisition takes place against a backdrop of trade tensions between Canada and the U.S., but Lainesse explained that the impact will be minimal. “As these products are covered under USMCA, there is little impact from tariffs,” he said, adding that Saint-Gobain prioritizes regional sourcing to protect supply chains.
On sustainability, Lainesse said it is “too early to discuss specific projects for the Sherbrooke site,” but affirmed that Saint-Gobain aims for net zero carbon emissions by 2050. He pointed to other Canadian initiatives, including a zero-carbon gypsum plant near Montreal, as examples of the company’s environmental direction.
Innovation remains in Sherbrooke
The Sherbrooke site will also remain a hub for pigment innovation. “Interstar’s unique expertise will certainly enhance the capabilities of our Construction Chemicals business,” Lainesse wrote. He noted that integration with Saint-Gobain will allow Interstar to access a global network of 166,000 employees across 80 countries.
Part of a broader expansion
This acquisition is the latest in a series of moves by Saint-Gobain to strengthen its presence in North America, following the purchases of Chryso in 2021 and GCP Applied Technologies in 2022. Recent investments include a new ceramics plant in New York and major upgrades at U.S. facilities to boost production and sustainability.
Mark Rayfield, Saint-Gobain North America’s President and CEO, said Interstar is an “ideal partner” for its construction chemicals segment. “I am excited to collaborate with the Interstar team and welcome their employees into our business,” he said. “Together, we will continue to drive progress toward our mission of ‘Making the World a Better Home.’”
For Sherbrooke, the deal means continuity and potential growth for a long-standing local manufacturer now backed by a multinational leader.