Last Thursday, SpaceKap proudly celebrated the official opening of its U.S. division in Plattsburgh, New York, alongside a hundred esteemed guests. The expansion marked a significant milestone in SpaceKap’s history, strengthening its leadership position and bringing it closer to its American customers.
Key Takeaways
- SpaceKap’s U.S. division opened in Plattsburgh, New York, in March 2025, with 50% of the company’s sales already coming from the United States.
- The company’s founder, three shareholders, its original designer, and long-time customers all attended, spanning SpaceKap’s history back to 1972.
- The North Country Chamber of Commerce had been supporting the expansion since September 2024.
Who supported SpaceKap’s move into Plattsburgh?
Among the guests of honor was Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, who highlighted the strong collaboration behind the expansion: “We’ve been working with SpaceKap since September 2024 to support their growth. With 50% of their sales coming from the United States, their arrival will allow even more Americans to experience their unique, high-quality product.”
The U.S. expansion is the result of the vision and dedication of shareholders Frédéric Chabanne, Frédéric Albert, and Étienne Bouchard. Bringing the project to life took over a year of work. In his speech, Frédéric Albert thanked the team: “I want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude to everyone who helped turn this vision into reality. Your belief in SpaceKap and our mission has made this incredible milestone possible.”
The decision to build in Plattsburgh was strategic. The region’s skilled workforce and growth potential align with the values of innovation and dedication that have shaped SpaceKap’s reputation, and its U.S. division has since grown into a fully operational team of five sales representatives.
What did SpaceKap’s founder and original designer say about the milestone?
Robert Thibault, who founded SpaceKap in 1972 before selling the company in the early 2010s, witnessed the grand opening. Reflecting on the journey, he shared his pride: “It’s extraordinary to see how far my baby has come! The two Freds are like my sons. I always knew that our unique product would make its mark in the American market someday. They work hard and pour their energy into it.”
Paul Deutschman, one of the world’s leading automotive designers and the creative mind behind SpaceKap’s service bodies, shared the same sense of pride: “Seeing the company’s progress and where it stands today fills me with pride. It’s truly touching.”
Who else attended the grand opening?
Numerous customers, partners, and friends were also present, including Jean-François Arcand, President of Arcand et Associés, a recruiting firm partnering with SpaceKap. He highlighted the strategic timing of the expansion: “I’m here to support them. I’ve worked on several mandates with SpaceKap. Their decision to open a U.S. division, especially in the current tariff landscape, is spot on!”
The final word went to Michel Beaudry, a well-known Canadian radio host and columnist, who made a point of being there for his friend Frédéric Albert: “I’ve been a loyal customer for years. SpaceKap units have always been on my trucks. It’s a unique product, and I have no doubt it will succeed in the U.S. It took courage to make this move in today’s market, but it’s the right one.”
The SpaceKap US adventure was just beginning, and it’s already grown well beyond that opening day. Read more about SpaceKap’s history and mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did SpaceKap open its U.S. division?
SpaceKap officially opened its U.S. division in Plattsburgh, New York, in March 2025, with about a hundred guests attending the ceremony.
How much of SpaceKap’s business already came from the U.S. before the opening?
According to Garry Douglas of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, 50% of SpaceKap’s sales already came from the United States before the Plattsburgh division opened.
Who founded SpaceKap, and were they at the opening?
SpaceKap was founded in 1972 by Robert Thibault, who sold the company in the early 2010s and attended the U.S. grand opening in person.
