June 10, 2004
Marc Gingras has been looking for “just the right thing” to inspire his innovative spirit all his life. Early in 2002, his creative thirst was quenched when he purchased the patent for Block-Elec and opened a manufacturing plant in Verner, Ontario.
“I’ve always been looking for something new to grab onto”, says Gingras. “When I saw the idea for Block-Elec, I knew I couldn’t pass it up.”
Block-Elec is a device that not only warms up your vehicle’s battery, it saves you money. Block-Elec is temperature sensitive and engages and disengages block heaters or other warming devices when needed. Auto manufacturers recommend that block heaters be used according to their standards for maximum benefits. As the temperature gets colder, these units should be engaged for longer periods of time. Likewise, as the temperature gets warmer, a block heater is not needed.
The warming devices to date have not been able to distinguish variations in temperature and so once they are plugged in, they stay on. Block-Elec, however, automatically turns on a block heater or warming device when the temperature drops to –12 Celsius. Between –12 and –28C, Block-Elec turns the block heater on and off automatically. As temperatures get colder, Block-Elec automatically increases the “on” interval and reduces the “off” interval.
This ability to turn itself on and off as the temperature warrants, translates into electrical consumption savings for vehicle owners. In fact, according to company statistics, Block-Elec can reduce block heater electrical consumption by as much as 79%.
In September, 2003, Block-Elec secured a contract with Home Hardware stores to sell their product nation-wide. Marc and his partner Jason Gingras, are now working hard to secure other contracts with the likes of Canadian Tire and more. “We know that we have great potential to grow our market given the climate of northern communities and the overall desire to reduce energy consumption,” says Marc. “We have clients throughout Canada and have plans to move into the Northern United States. We are also starting to think of ways to have Block-Elec linked to the Kyoto Accord.”
The Gingras’ link much of Block-Elec's success to grants received from the Waubetek First Nation, HRDC and the CFDC of Economic Partners Sudbury East/West Nipissing. The CFDC’s contribution of $45,000 went towards start-up costs. Bernard Lafontaine of Economic Partners Sudbury East/West Nipissing says, “When we looked at Block-Elec’s business plan, we saw business innovation and job creation. The fact that the product was also linked to energy conservation added to the net benefit of this initiative. This kind of economic stimulation is exactly what West Nipissing needs.” Since 2002, Block-Elec has grown to a staff compliment of six with plans for an additional 5-10 jobs in the near future.
The success of Block-Elec is a dream come true for Marc Gingras. “I’ve always wanted to give back to my community. The Gingras name has been in West Nipissing for three generations. Many people told me to market my product elsewhere, but for me, there was no question, I’m right where I want to be.”