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At its 32nd Gala Prix Mérite, the Association des Diplômés de l'École Polytechnique honoured Jean-Pierre Gilardeau, President of Alcoa's Global Primary Metals Technology and Manufacturing Group, and Jacques D. L'Écuyer, President and CEO of 5N Plus Inc.

November 16, 2010 - Source : NEWS

At its 32nd annual Gala Prix Mérite, the Association des diplômés de l'École Polytechnique honoured two illustrious members.

About the recipients
The 2010 Prix Mérite (merit award) went to Jean-Pierre Gilardeau (Class of 1977, Mechanical Engineering), President of Alcoa's Global Primary Metals Technology and Manufacturing Group, for his distinguished career in the field of aluminum. In leading large-scale sustainable projects, he leaves a considerable legacy to both the engineering profession and society. Mr. Gilardeau played a key role in Alcoa's expansion by overseeing the start-up of new Fjardaál facilities in Reydarfjordur, Iceland. Under his leadership this past decade, the Québec facilities and new Iceland plant now number among Alcoa Global Primary Products' top performers. Mr. Gilardeau is currently busy implementing the new Ma'aden plant in Saudi Arabia, and is also in charge of modernizing the plants in Baie-Comeau, Québec, and Massena, New York.

The 2010 Prix Innovation Technologique (technology innovation award) was presented to Jacques D. L'Écuyer (Class of 1983, Metallurgical Engineering), CEO and co-founder of 5N Plus Inc. The award recognizes his entrepreneurship and outstanding achievements in the field of high-purity metals and compounds intended primarily for use in electronics, medical imaging and solar panels. With his unwavering determination and insatiable passion for his work, Mr. L'Écuyer catapulted his company into exponential growth in a mere decade. Despite the recent economic downturn, 5N Plus's revenues jumped 574% between 2005 and 2009, while its staff increased by 14, bringing the company's total workforce to over 200.

The 2010 Prix Étudiant (student award) went to Jessica Allard Bernier, a computer engineering program graduate who stands out for her community involvement, academic performance and exemplary leadership.

The Prix Mérite, a prestigious honour
The Prix Mérite is presented annually to one of Polytechnique Montréal's 28,000 graduates who has attained new heights of social and professional excellence. The distinction, which also recognizes human qualities and outstanding contributions to the field of engineering, is among the most prestigious in the Polytechnique community and in Québec engineering.

Congratulations to all!