Pioneering Tech Innovation in Prefabricated Construction

Geneviève Filteau is an accomplished leader in Marketing with 20 years of experience in industry.  Presently, she serves as the Marketing Director of Honco Group, in Quebec. In her role as Marketing Director at Honco Group, she serves as the crucial link between manufacturing, construction, and project owners.

 She has a 15-year tenure in the prefabricated building industry, supported by her educational background in public communications and marketing management. She has played a pivotal role since joining Honco Group in 2008 and has actively contributed to the company's development. Filteau’s role involves specialized sports-related installations and overseeing diverse construction landscape projects across Canada, the United States, and three other continents, fostering adaptability and passion for architecture and design.

Honco Group has vast knowledge in the prefabricated building industry. It will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Primarily a general contractor, the company also excels in the construction industry, especially with the arrival of the technology in the manufacturing part as well as in the construction part.

In an interview with Construction Tech Review Canada magazine, Geneviève Filteau shares her insights on the major challenges in the construction management spaceand the experience she has gathered while implementing effective strategies to mitigate them.

When it comes to the industry itself, what would you say are some of the major challenges that exist today in the marketplace?

In the post-pandemic landscape, acquiring labor has proven to be a challenging task, introducing disruptions to continuous development. Honco Group is actively addressing this by seeking specialized trades, primarily through external recruitment from outside Canada, particularly for the manufacturing segment. 

This strategic hiring approach reflects the company's commitment to overcoming labor challenges and sustaining its development initiatives.

How do you envision the future to be in the construction management space?

Over the past four to five years, the design-build approach in construction project delivery has undergone significant evolution. The prevalence of design-build is expected to increase compared to the traditional design-bid-build mode. This method, where the designer and builder collaborate under a single contract from project initiation to completion, offers numerous benefits. Enhanced collaboration is ensured throughout the entire process.

When it comes to construction management, is there any particular project initiative that you're currently working on?

Honco Group is presently engaged in the construction of a large manufacturing plant located in the eastern region of Quebec. Additionally, the company is actively involved in the development of numerous mining facilities.

Beyond industrial projects, Honco Group has diversified its portfolio to include ventures in the thriving recreational market, reflecting the dynamic nature of the industry.

As an industry veteran, what would be your piece of advice for the professionals in the field today?

Do not hesitate to embrace new technology in the construction industry. While significant changes have already occurred, there is still ample room for further advancements. The evolving technological landscape has positively influenced our work processes, and continuous improvements are anticipated. More innovations are on the horizon.