The Newfoundland and Labrador-based shipbuilding tech company has grown to be the largest dedicated production design firm in North America.
September 24, 2021 – Mount Pearl, NL, Canada – Genoa Design International is pleased to announce it has placed 179th out of 448 companies on the 2021 Globe and Mail Report on Business ranking of Canada’s Top Growing Companies.
Launched in 2019, the Canada’s Top Growing Companies editorial ranking aims to celebrate entrepreneurial achievement in Canada by identifying and amplifying the success of growth-minded, independent businesses in Canada. It is a voluntary program; companies had to complete an in-depth application process to qualify.
Genoa Design International’s trajectory to growth has been over 25 years in the making. It’s a success story built upon a mindset of innovation and sustained growth, and the fostering of a thriving ecosystem. And it has all been achieved from an unlikely place – a rocky island in the North Atlantic.
Genoa Design is anchored firmly in the middle of the shipbuilding process. The company delivers production design and 3D modeling services to ship and naval defence builders. Since joining Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) in 2012, Genoa has grown from less than 20 to a bench strength of 300. Evolving in tandem with growth is the company’s capabilities and capacity to take on significantly larger, more complex projects. Increasingly, these opportunities exist beyond Canada.
Genoa’s unique approach to scaling and building teams in a project-based environment is key to ensuring the integrity of the work in fields as important as shipbuilding and defence. “We have never pursued growth for the sake of growth,” says Gina Pecore, Genoa’s CEO. “We could have chased volume by adding contractors to get more projects out the door – we haven’t done that, and that’s intentional.”
Newfoundland and Labrador’s thriving tech sector has been a boost for the company in connecting with talent and other partners. “There is a technology soup here,” says Pecore, “we are all in it, and it provides a lot of optimism, and technology-based expertise to grow our businesses.”
Pecore adds that being named one of the country’s top growing companies is not just about Genoa, it’s reflective of the province. “It speaks to a whole new way of looking at the geography of where we live and what’s happening in that geography. Now, the whole idea of ‘Can you deliver sustainable growth from Newfoundland and Labrador?’ has an answer. It’s ‘yes, you can.’”
With Genoa firmly positioned as a North American leader in the shipbuilding industry, the company’s challenge ahead will be keeping up with demand to help build next generation naval, coast guard, and working vessels. As Genoa continues to serve their customers and do the work of today, the company is well placed to look towards the future and what’s possible, applying what they do beyond their immediate industry.
“The vision for where this company can go, it just gets more viable all the time,” says Pecore. “Not only are there opportunities out there and work to be done, but hell yes, we can do it right from here in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
“Any business leader seeking inspiration should look no further than the 448 businesses on this year’s Report on Business ranking of Canada’s Top Growing Companies,” says Phillip Crawley, Publisher and CEO of The Globe and Mail. “Their growth helps to make Canada a better place, and we are proud to bring their stories to our readers.”
About Genoa Design International
For more than 25 years, Genoa Design International has been providing Digital Ship services (3D modeling, production design, complex systems integration, and engineering support) to marine and offshore industries across North America. Genoa takes pride in its employees, customers, and partners and is committed to delivering the highest level of value and quality. Genoa is a leader in continuous improvement and innovation, and through the application of advanced digital technology, is working to transform the shipbuilding industry.
About The Globe and Mail
The Globe and Mail is Canada’s foremost news media company, leading the national discussion and causing policy change through brave and independent journalism since 1844. With award-winning coverage of business, politics and national affairs, The Globe and Mail newspaper reaches 6.4 million readers every week in print or digital formats, and Report on Business magazine reaches 2 million readers in print and digital every issue. The Globe and Mail’s investment in innovative data science means that as the world continues to change, so does The Globe. The Globe and Mail is owned by Woodbridge, the investment arm of the Thomson family.
Media inquiries:
Erika Kelland
Communications & Marketing Manager, Genoa Design International
709-690-4174
ekelland@genoadesign.com