About Us

More than a supplier. A trusted partner who understands your reality.

Since 1992, OEH has been supporting workers with lifting and handling solutions that transform their daily work. Founded by Gaston Lachance and Michel Pouliot, OEH has grown alongside its clients, guided by a single mission: to deliver honest, fast, and personalized service on every project.

Today, the next generation is led by Mathieu Pouliot-Tourigny and François Rochon, two professionals who worked their way up and remain as passionate about their field as ever.

A Story Built on Hard Work and innovation

1992

OEH was founded by Gaston Lachance and Michel Pouliot, two mechanics who shared a passion for delivering turnkey service to clients in search of high-performance hydraulic solutions.

2000-2010

OEH takes a bold step forward, acquiring its very own building on Edinburgh Place.

During this decade, OEH forges powerful partnerships with Manitou and Palfinger, two global leaders in lifting and handling equipment.

2009

A new chapter begins as François Rochon joins the team and emerges as one of the driving forces behind OEH’s success.

2010

Mathieu Pouliot-Tourigny makes a surprising career pivot. With a Police Foundations diploma in hand, he chooses instead to join OEH, discovering that his true calling lies in making an impact by supporting the workers who keep our communities moving.

2015-2020

OEH invests heavily in advanced technologies and expands its custom design services. This period cements its reputation as the go-to partner for tailor-made solutions in the region.

2022

Innovation takes center stage with the launch of a state-of-the-art paint shop, custom-built garage doors to welcome vehicles of all sizes, and a cutting-edge digital training center. These new facilities ensure OEH teams remain at the forefront of Palfinger and Manitou technologies.

2023

François Rochon and Mathieu Pouliot-Tourigny officially step into leadership. Guided by passion and commitment, they carry forward OEH’s legacy while staying true to its founding values.

2024-2025

OEH is investing in the renovation and expansion of its facilities. These improvements include a modern paint shop, the addition of eight garage doors to better accommodate all types of projects, and an interactive digital presentation and training room. With innovative, high-performance tools, our teams are working faster and more efficiently, thereby increasing overall production capacity.

A Vision for the Future

OEH continues to invest in its facilities, its people, and ongoing training to remain the trusted partner of workers, contractors, and municipalities. Our goal is simple: to keep growing while staying approachable, human, and proud of our roots.

A New Generation of Leadership

At OEH, leadership was earned through dedication and hands-on involvement. François and Mathieu both started at the ground level, learning every aspect of mechanics and shop management before stepping into their current roles.

“OEH gave me the chance to discover my passion for mechanics, and today I’m proud to help drive the company forward alongside an exceptional team.”
– François Rochon

“Every part we install and every client we serve makes a difference. With OEH, we know our work strengthens the local economy and supports communities across Canada.”
– Mathieu Pouliot-Tourigny

The Story of Mathieu and François

François’s path began far from the workshop. As a teenager, he worked on a farm while completing high school, later moving into residential construction before exploring electronic engineering and painting heavy equipment in the family business. In 2009, he discovered something unexpected at Ottawa Equipment and Hydraulics (OEH): a passion for mechanics. Each challenge and each client encounter fueled his drive to grow and learn, day after day. Now a co-owner, François brings the same enthusiasm to his role, firmly believing that OEH’s success is rooted in respect, inclusion, and the well-being of the people behind the company.

Mathieu originally envisioned a career in law enforcement. While studying, he worked part-time at OEH, only to realize he had found a place where his efforts made a difference. Driven and passionate, he developed deep expertise in Manitou equipment and quickly earned a reputation as a respected leader, valued for his hands-on approach and dedication to his team. For Mathieu, every project OEH completes has a real impact, not only on its clients, but also on local workers and the Canadian economy as a whole.

Why OEH Stands Apart?

Palfinger and Manitou expertise – offering you the best of both worlds for your lifting and handling needs.

A bilingual Ontarian team – proud to serve the National Capital Region and Eastern Ontario.

Tailored support – from simple jobs to complex projects, thanks to our technical customization expertise.

A constant commitment to innovation – with modern facilities designed to deliver efficient, safe, and reliable service.

At OEH, we believe in inclusion, in recognizing the value of every employee, and in respecting every client who builds, repairs, and transports to keep Canada moving forward.

Our Vision

OEH has grown by investing heavily in its facilities, its people, and its technologies. We continue to create room for innovation, develop custom solutions, and strengthen our role in the local economy. Our goal? To keep growing while staying true to our values of quality, integrity, and closeness to our clients.

OEH Expertise at the Service of Your Ambitions

Clients choose OEH for our expertise and integrity. We know how to combine technical customization with operational efficiency, working hand in hand with you to turn an idea into a concrete project.

We don’t just sell products. We deliver solutions that help your business grow.