It is with great sadness that Harnois Industries announces the passing of Mr. Rolland Harnois, co-founder of Harnois Industries, on Friday, January 26, 2024. His passing leaves a void deeply felt by all those who knew and loved him. His loss goes far beyond the professional world — it touches the hearts of his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire agricultural community he dedicated his life to serving.
Innovative, creative, and deeply human, Rolland Harnois was an inspiration and a pillar — not only within his industry, but in every aspect of his personal life. His vision shaped an entire sector of greenhouse manufacturing, and his influence continues to be felt across generations of farmers, growers, and entrepreneurs across North America.
From the Fields to an Industry: The Beginnings of Harnois
Born into a family committed to agriculture and hard work, Rolland Harnois began his career alongside his father, Joseph Harnois. In 1958, he played a crucial role in selling the very first sprinkler irrigation system in the region — a milestone that would mark the beginning of a remarkable industrial journey.
Together with his brother Yves, Rolland Harnois laid the foundations for what would first become Irrigation St-Thomas, a company built on expertise, trust, and a deep understanding of farmers’ needs. Over the decades, this venture evolved and grew into what is known today as Harnois Irrigation, a recognized leader in agricultural irrigation solutions across Quebec and beyond.
This early chapter was not simply about selling equipment. It was about understanding the land, listening to farmers, and building solutions that genuinely improved their livelihoods. That philosophy — practical, farmer-first, innovation-driven — became the DNA of everything Harnois Industries would later build.
Pioneer in Greenhouse Manufacturing in Quebec
Under Rolland Harnois’ leadership, Harnois Industries took a bold step by diversifying into greenhouse manufacturing, becoming the first greenhouse manufacturer in Quebec. This strategic expansion opened an entirely new chapter for the company and for the province’s agricultural sector.
Rolland Harnois and his team did not simply adopt existing models — they innovated. Among their most significant contributions were the development of Gothic-shaped greenhouses, which became a structural standard in the industry for their strength and snow-shedding capability. They also pioneered natural ventilation systems designed specifically for the Quebec climate, as well as frost protection systems for field crops — a critical advancement for producers facing the unpredictable realities of northern agriculture.
These innovations did not go unnoticed. What began as in-house solutions gradually became industry standards, adopted and recognized far beyond the borders of Quebec. Rolland Harnois’ ability to anticipate the needs of growers and translate them into scalable, manufacturable products was rare — and it defined Harnois Industries’ competitive edge for decades.
A Vision Driven by Agriculture and Community
For Rolland Harnois, success was never measured solely in revenue or market share. The true measure of his success was the way his company shone in the eyes of the farming communities it served. He took great pride in seeing his innovative ideas become industry standards — not for personal glory, but because those standards meant better crops, more reliable harvests, and stronger rural economies.
The scope of his work and the positive, tangible impact it had on farming communities was an important and constant source of motivation. This altruistic, progress-oriented vision deeply characterized Rolland Harnois. He believed that industry and agriculture were not separate worlds — they were partners, and it was his life’s work to strengthen that partnership.
He also understood that a company is only as strong as the people within it. He invested in his teams, valued craftsmanship, and cultivated a culture of pride in quality work. The professional family he built at Harnois Industries reflects that investment to this day. According to the Fédération des producteurs en serre du Québec, the greenhouse sector he helped create now employs thousands of people across the province.
A Legacy That Endures
His love for his personal family, as well as his professional family, was what he cherished most. He spoke of both with the same warmth, the same loyalty, and the same sense of responsibility. Today, as we mourn his loss, we celebrate the life of a man whose creative genius left a permanent and meaningful imprint on the world of agriculture.
Rolland Harnois did not simply build a company. He built a legacy — one rooted in innovation, integrity, and an unwavering belief in the potential of Quebec agriculture. The story of Rolland Harnois remains a cornerstone of Quebec’s agricultural history, and his memory will continue to inspire every greenhouse erected, every irrigation system installed, and every field protected from frost under the Harnois name.
The work continues. The values endure. The legacy of Rolland Harnois lives on.
The Harnois Industries and Harnois Irrigation Family
Danielle, Patrice, Dominique, Bruno et Yanick.
