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Makers of vessels for fishing, transportation and luxury sailing, A.F. Theriault & Son Ltd. has been in the shipbuilding business for nearly 90 years. What started as a small wooden boat-building operation has since expanded into one of Atlantic Canada’s largest privately-owned shipyards. Now working with steel, fibreglass and other materials, the Nova Scotia-based company continues to build and repair ships for clients across the province.
Cast off
The family namesake shipbuilding business was founded by Augustin (a.k.a. Gus) Theriault and his wife, Elizabeth, in 1938 in La Baie Sainte-Marie, Nova Scotia. After travelling to Boston to learn the boatbuilding trade, Gus returned home to Nova Scotia and started making custom wooden boats.
A.F. Theriault & Son began with a few employees and a small wood mill. Theriault was involved in the entire shipbuilding process, including cutting and hauling the wood, vessel design and fabrication and assembly.
Sailing ahead
Theriault slowly grew the business over time, building ships for fishermen, as well as merchant mariners who transported goods from down south to Nova Scotia. His four sons later joined him in business, and when it was time for Gus to retire, the second generation took over.
A.F. Theriault & Son saw major growth in 1988 when it expanded beyond wooden boats to build vessels using other materials like steel, aluminium and fibreglass. That same year, the company also built two marine railways to start offering ship repair services.
Traditionally heavily dependent on the fishing industry, diversifying its service offerings allowed A.F. Theriault & Son to seek opportunities in other areas. The family business has built several ferries for the province of Nova Scotia, as well as vessels for industries like offshore wind and tidal energy. Its ships have been used for transportation, commercial shipping, firefighting, fishing and luxury yacht sailing. In addition to boats, A.F. Theriault & Son has also built remote-control drones for the Canadian Navy.
On the repair side, aquaculture is the company’s largest industry. In 2018, A.F. Theriault & Son built a new 1,500-tonne marine railway to increase its capacity and expand service offerings to larger vessels.
Keeping things shipshape
Today, A.F. Theriault & Son continues to build a variety of ships on the coast of Nova Scotia. Gilles Theriault, current President of the organisation, represents the third generation involved in the family business and says the fourth generation is currently learning the ropes. Now with a team of over 160 employees, throughout its 88 years in business, A.F. Theriault & Son has built over 1,000 vessels.
Reflecting on the company’s legacy, Theriault says their team has worked with generations of customers, always keeping in mind their standards for safety, quality and remaining community-minded. While people remain the heart of the business, Theriault says technology has helped maintain growth: “It’s important to look forward and utilise new opportunities to avoid becoming stagnant.”
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