Hatch celebrates 70 years of engineering excellence and innovation in Québec
September 11, 2025
Montreal, Québec - This year, Hatch proudly marks 70 years of engineering excellence, project delivery, and innovation. Since its founding in 1955, Hatch has been a trusted partner in Québec, helping shape the province’s industrial, energy, and environmental landscape through transformative projects and enduring partnerships.
The Hatch journey in Québec began in the 1950s with strategic collaborations that laid the foundation for a permanent presence across the province. Today, we operate from key regional offices in:
- Montréal – A hub for infrastructure, energy, and mining expertise
- Saguenay and Sorel-Tracy – Supporting metallurgical innovation and critical minerals
- Baie-Comeau – Anchoring work in aluminum and hydropower
- Trois-Rivières – Driving clean energy and hydrogen innovation.
These offices continue to serve as centers of excellence, supporting clients locally and globally with cutting-edge solutions and deep technical expertise.
Engineering the past, present, and future
For seven decades, Hatch has played a pivotal role in Québec’s most transformative infrastructure and energy developments. From the titanium-rich soils of Sorel-Tracy to the powerful rivers of Côte-Nord, our legacy is built on trusted partnerships, technical excellence, and a commitment to energy security, climate adaptation, and reliability.
Whether modernizing hydropower stations, pioneering low-carbon metallurgy, or advancing green hydrogen and lithium technologies, Hatch continues to lead with proven expertise in hydropower, critical minerals, clean energy, and transmission infrastructure.
Our legacy in Québec is reflected in a portfolio of landmark projects:
1955 – McCormick Power Station, Baie-Comeau
A cornerstone of Québec’s hydropower legacy, Hatch supported the development and modernization of this vital facility, reinforcing expertise in dam safety and energy reliability.
1958 – QIT Quebec Iron and Titanium (now Rio Tinto Fer & Titane), Sorel-Tracy
Decades of engineering services have helped QIT become a global leader in critical minerals and low-carbon metallurgy.
1972 – Sidbec-Dosco Project (now ArcelorMittal), Contrecoeur
Hatch delivered the world’s first micro steel mill, revolutionizing long product manufacturing and advancing sustainable steel production.
1984 – Alcan Projects & Early AP Technology, La Baie & Jonquière
From legacy smelters to the AP60 Project, Hatch has supported Rio Tinto Alcan’s journey toward low-emission aluminum and advanced manufacturing.
1995 – QIT UGS Plant, Sorel-Tracy
Hatch helped develop the Upgraded Slag (UGS) plant, enhancing titanium dioxide production with cleaner, more efficient processes.
2005 – Aluminerie Alouette Phase 2, Sept-Îles
Hatch provided engineering and project management for the expansion, setting new standards for efficiency, sustainability, and Indigenous engagement.
2017 (ongoing) - Réseau Express Métropolitain Project, Montréal
The Réseau express métropolitain (REM) is a transformative public transit initiative where Hatch has served as the owner’s engineer. Spanning 67 kilometers with 26 stations, the REM is a fully automated, electric light rail system designed to revolutionize mobility across the Greater Montreal region. It is the largest public transit project in Québec in over 50 years, nearly doubling the length of the existing Montréal Metro network.
2025 (ongoing) – Rio Tinto AP60 Expansion Project, Jonquière
Hatch is supporting the expansion of the AP60 aluminum smelter, adding 96 low-carbon pots and increasing capacity to 220,000 tons/year. The project integrates low-carbon emission aluminum, leverages hydropower as a primary source of energy for smelting, and is expected to generate 1,600 construction and supervision jobs and 100 permanent roles, reinforcing Hatch's commitment to energy transition, climate adaption, and sustainable metallurgy.
Discover how Rio Tinto's AP TechnologyTM is a leap towards sustainable, low-carbon aluminium production: AP60 Expansion Project
As Hatch celebrates its 70th anniversary, we remain focused on the future—engineering solutions that support Québec’s transition to a resilient, low-carbon economy. With a legacy of innovation and a commitment to sustainability, Hatch will continue to shape the province’s industrial backbone and clean energy future.
Looking for more Hatch history?
Gerald G. Hatch (1922 - 2014) - Canadian Mining Hall of Fame
The hatch of Hatch: From startup to global powerhouse - Macleans.ca
Hatch marks new era of positive change
Hatch celebrates 100 years in hydropower
For more information, please contact:
Lindsay Janca
Global Director, Public Relations
Tel: +1 905 403 4199
Email: media@hatch.com
About Hatch
Hatch is a global engineering, project delivery, and professional services firm. Whatever our clients envision, our teams can design and build. With over six decades of business and technical experience in the mining, energy, and infrastructure sectors, we know your business and understand that your challenges are changing rapidly. We respond quickly with solutions that are smarter, more efficient and innovative. We draw upon our 10,000 staff with experience in over 150 countries to challenge the status quo and create positive change for our clients, our employees, and the communities we serve.
Find out more on www.hatch.com/About-Us