About us

In 1970, Manfred Henninger opened a small shop in Sudbury specializing in diesel injection system repairs. Demand quickly surged, two bays were added, and the services expanded. From the very beginning, Henninger’s Diesel built its reputation on three solid pillars: quality, reliability, and value.

On the job site, the right tools make all the difference. That on-the-ground reality led to the creation of Équipements TNO in Témiscamingue. A direct response to workers’ needs, with local service and a diverse offering built for those who build strong.

In 1986, Marine Lamy was founded, originally as a Princecraft dealership. This marked the beginning of a story dedicated to boating and serving outdoor enthusiasts.

In 1988, Marcel Aubin took a leap and opened his own welding shop: Soudure MA Du Cuivre. This marked the beginning of a long history of industrial expertise. The shop would eventually become the company we know today as Thibault Industries.

In 1992, after several years without a Toyota dealership in Rouyn-Noranda, Toyota Canada sought to fill the gap. Jean Dion seized the opportunity, applied, and was awarded the dealership, marking the brand’s return to the region.

In 1994, following the closure of “Le Carrossier,” Jean Dion purchased the premises to meet a clear need: providing his automotive dealerships with a body shop department. This is how “Au Carrossier” was created, with a clear mission of service and quality.

In 1997, Location Dion was established following the acquisition of the Quebec division of the Murdoch Group from Ontario, which operated the National banner in Rouyn-Noranda. A few years later, Location Dion also took over the National branch in Val-d’Or, which was then operated by Location Aubé.

It started with a challenge: repainting 450 filing cabinets in just 4 days. That contract exposed a real need and an untapped niche. Dion Peinture Industrielle was born, specializing in electrostatic painting and driven to deliver efficient, long-lasting results.

In 1998, Terry Thibault acquired Soudure MA Du Cuivre, which was renamed Soudure Thibault in 2018. The company has continued to evolve and now operates under the name we know today: Thibault Industries.

Access Industrial was founded to meet a clear need: supplying the mining sector with specialized Toyota Land Cruiser parts. A decision born from the field, built around the client, and now a cornerstone of Group  Dion’s industrial offering.

In 2000, the companies of Groupe Dion officially came together. Not to change who they were, but to unite their strengths around a vision that had long been in place, carried by Jean Dion and shared across each of his businesses. The goal was clear: to serve clients better, together, wherever it truly matters.

In 2000, Immeubles Dion was created to centralize and simplify the management of a growing number of properties. The company also manages rental buildings, providing an efficient and organized structure.

Access Industrial acquired Amobi, a well-known manufacturer of specialized ergonomic seating for various industrial sectors based in Amos. This acquisition strengthens expertise in workplace comfort and ergonomics, while expanding the product offering for professionals. The company thereby became part of Groupe Dion.

In 2003, there was still no Kia dealership in Abitibi, even as the brand was experiencing strong growth. Jean Dion approached Donald Dion and together they secured the dealership, marking Kia’s arrival in the region.

In 2005, Équipements TNO joined Groupe Dion, marking a key milestone in its development. This integration opened the door to sustained growth, including the addition of new product lines such as the John Deere dealership and the Lou-Tec franchise for equipment rentals.

ASDR Manufacturing was founded in Malartic with a team of five employees. A workshop was acquired to meet the specific needs of mining companies in the region, marking the beginning of an industrial expertise rooted in the heart of Abitibi-Témiscamingue.

In April 2007, Mining Equip was founded to meet a major need in the mining industry of Abitibi-Témiscamingue: reconditioning and rebuilding equipment to extend its lifespan and provide mining companies with a more affordable option.

In March 2008, Jean Dion acquired Marine Lamy. The company, originally located in Évain, was relocated to Rouyn and continued as a Princecraft dealer while expanding into new product lines.

In February 2011, André Caron was ready for a new chapter. Driven by the desire to take on new challenges, he acquired Dion Peinture Industrielle and continued building on the company’s already well-established expertise.

Access Industrial acquired Rembourrage Experts, a company specialized in the design of textile-based products. This acquisition strengthened the textile and upholstery offering, complementing the Amobi seating division.

In 2014, Rembourrage Experts and Amobi regained their independence and merged to become Rembourrage Experts Amobi. Together, they brought over 50 years of experience, strengthening their offering and expertise in industrial textile solutions and ergonomic products in the region.

In 2016, Dion Services Financiers was created to meet the needs of specific sectors overlooked by traditional institutions. The company positions itself as a tailored solution where the market demands greater flexibility.

The ASDR companies (Manufacturing, Environment, and Solutions) merged under a single entity: ASDR Canada Inc. This unification marked an important milestone in the company’s evolution, accompanied by a new logo reflecting its vision, growth, and renewed brand identity.

In 2016, a major fire completely destroyed the Au Carrossier facilities. The workshop was rebuilt in 2017 with state-of-the-art equipment, standing as a testament to the resilience and strength of Groupe Dion.

To support the development of Nunavut, where its companies had little presence, Groupe Dion partnered with the Inuit-owned company Sarliaq Holding Ltd. Together, they created Sarliaq | Groupe Dion, a joint venture combining northern expertise and industrial strength, ready to actively contribute to the region’s major projects.

SMS Dion was born from a partnership between Immeubles Dion and Solutions Modulaires Scolaires to provide modular buildings to the public sector, especially schools in the Greater Montreal area, in response to rapidly growing demand, notably due to immigration. Today, its operations extend throughout much of Quebec.

Following the success of Sarliaq | Groupe Dion in Nunavut, Groupe Dion continued its expansion into Nunavik. In 2019, Tumiit | Groupe Dion was created through a strategic partnership to better serve the mining sector and local communities. A new industrial presence rooted in long-term growth and respect.

In 2019, following the sudden passing of Mining Equip’s owner, Mr. Dominique Trottier, Access Industrial acquired the company in Rouyn-Noranda. By continuing the work he had started, Access Industrial was able to strengthen its position in the sale, rental, and rebuilding of heavy mining equipment in Quebec.

In 2020, Accès Toyota was sold to Groupe Nicol Auto in La Sarre, while remaining closely connected to Groupe Dion.

In 2020, following a reorganization of its ownership, Jean Dion was invited to become a partner in ASDR. This integration into Groupe Dion marked a new chapter in the growth and visibility of both the company and Groupe Dion.

Automotive passion doesn’t fade. For Jean Dion and his three sons, staying connected to this industry was natural. EXO Automobiles was launched in 2021, driven by a love for exceptional cars and a commitment to giving back, with every sale supporting the Groupe Dion Foundation.

Since its early days, Groupe Dion has actively supported its community. In 2021, the Foundation was created to formalize that commitment and focus donations on regional organizations. A structured gesture with a deeply human purpose, aimed at strengthening impact where it matters most.

After several years of partnership between Access Industrial and Géliko to expand the welding offering, the acquisition of Géliko by Soudure Thibault marked a new milestone. Thibault Industries was created and joined Groupe Dion in the process. This strengthened our welding, machining, and hydraulic capabilities, paving the way for promising new industrial synergies.

Amid a strained healthcare system and soaring surgical waitlists, Centre Chirurgical de l’Est was created. Designed as a true partner to the public sector, it provides a turnkey operating bloc to increase surgical capacity and ease pressure on hospitals.

En mars 2022, TOCAD Construction voit le jour pour répondre aux besoins de rénovation et de construction des nombreux immeubles détenus par le Groupe Dion. Détenant déjà des licences de contracteur général, l’entreprise prend rapidement en charge les projets liés au parc immobilier du groupe et au-delà.

As part of its expansion in Ontario, Access Industrial acquired Henninger’s Diesel in Sudbury, a recognized expert in diesel engine rebuilding. A $3.5 million investment modernized the 22,000 sq. ft. facility and led to the creation of a new division: Access Industrial Greater Sudbury.

When the Restaure FX Abitibi franchise closed, Stéphane Brown and Francis Dion saw more than an empty space. They saw skilled workers without jobs and a demand that was still very real. That is how Restaure Xperts was born, with the goal of offering the best services in Abitibi-Témiscamingue.