Québec robotics manufacturer Noovelia seeks restructuring after trade war disruptions

Noovelia Inc., a Québec-based manufacturer of autonomous mobile robots, filed a notice of intention to make a proposal on September 15, 2026, reporting approximately $12.2 million in liabilities after trade tensions with the United States disrupted sales and prompted Canadian industrial customers to reconsider equipment investments. On October 8, Justice David Héroux of the Quebec Superior Court extended the company's deadline to file a proposal to October 30 and approved a $100,000 administration charge to support its restructuring.

Headquartered in Maskinongé, Québec, Noovelia designs, manufactures and programs customized autonomous mobile robots integrated with proprietary software for moving and managing goods. The company operates from a leased production facility where it conducts manufacturing, assembly, testing and research and development. Its assets had a book value exceeding $9 million as of December 31, 2025, comprising receivables, inventory, equipment and intellectual property, although their market and liquidation values remain unknown.

According to the company, Noovelia's financial difficulties stem partly from the Canada-US trade dispute and uncertainty surrounding American tariff policies, which complicated sales and exports to the US market while causing Canadian industrial customers to reassess capital expenditures. The capital-intensive business became unable to meet its obligations without additional funding. Certain ultimate beneficial shareholders provided emergency loans in May 2026, and the company subsequently engaged restructuring advisers to explore investment opportunities. Before filing its NOI, Noovelia substantially reduced its workforce, which had recently numbered 29 employees, and terminated certain contracts to conserve cash.

The company reported approximately $12.2 million in total indebtedness, principally owed to National Bank of Canada, Whale Rock Partners Inc., Fonds Finalta Capital, S.E.C. and shareholder 9533-2797 Québec Inc., which had advanced funds obtained in part through financing from Business Development Bank of Canada. Additional security interests were registered by local development lenders.

MNP is the proposal trustee. Counsel includes Langlois for Noovelia.