Photo via Twitter @VictorFedeli
Province Supporting Local Businesses to Strengthen Auto and Manufacturing Sectors
January 21, 2020 | Windsor — The government is helping build Ontario together by investing in local businesses to help create 194 new jobs and retain 199 positions in the automotive and manufacturing sectors.
Today, Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, announced the investment of $2,086,838 from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund to support five businesses in Windsor-Essex County.
“Today’s announcement is another example of our government’s continued commitment to supporting key Ontario sectors like automotive and manufacturing in regional and rural communities,” said Minister Fedeli. “Our government is supporting an environment where businesses can expand and create good jobs. Windsor-Essex County and Ontario are open for business and open for jobs.”
A pleasure to announce that we are investing nearly $2.1 million in five #WindsorEssex businesses. Our government supports an environment where businesses can expand and create good jobs. https://t.co/vMTfRJzFVq #OpenForBusiness pic.twitter.com/PZKtq38Ykl
— Victor Fedeli (@VictorFedeli) January 21, 2020
The investments include:
- Precision Stamping Group — Ontario is investing $813,750 for the company to invest in innovative technology for the automotive stamping industry to produce the next generation of high-strength steel products and technologies that can make vehicles lighter, fuel efficient, safer and more environmentally friendly. With Ontario’s investment, the company will expand its global presence by increasing exports to the USA and potentially opening new global markets. Precision Stamping Group Ltd. is a Windsor-Essex County-based company that offers high-quality stamping services for the auto parts industry in Canada and abroad. The project will create 20 new jobs and is expected to be completed by August 2021.
- APAG Elektronik Corp. — Ontario is investing $499,541 for the company to build its first production plant in North America. The project consists of adding production lines, research and development and distribution capacity, and investing in new equipment to serve the North American market. APAG Elektronik Corp. designs and manufactures lighting and electronics for cars, including electronic control units and LED-based lighting. The project will create 134 new jobs and is expected to be completed by March 2024.
- Universal Fabricating Inc. — Ontario is investing $295,462 for the company to expand its building by 21,600 square feet, doubling in size, to allow the company to install new equipment and boost production. This will help increase production by about 43 per cent and reduce production time by 40 per cent. Universal Fabricating is a home-grown fabricated metal products manufacturer serving largely greenhouse and automotive industries. The company makes structural columns, trusses and all things related to greenhouse builds, and frames and platforms for automotive companies. The project will create 13 new jobs and is expected to be completed by October 2022.
- Global Pack Packaging Solutions Inc. — Ontario is investing $292,875 for the company to expand its facility to accommodate increased demand for rigid plastic packaging products manufactured from post consumer recycled plastic. The company will invest in new automated manufacturing equipment to triple its production capacity, introduce advanced processing technology, such as rapid prototyping, and make more environmentally friendly packaging. Global Pack Packaging Solutions provides the fresh produce and food processing industries with recyclable packaging products, including a wide range of containers for fruits and other produce, as well as deli and bakery packaging. The project will create 15 new jobs and is expected to be completed by October 2022.
- Laval Tool & Mould Ltd. — Ontario is investing $185,210 for the company to diversify its product and services offerings, helping the company manufacture larger and more complex products, including insulated parts for aerospace applications. The project is expected to increase productivity, shorten lead times, and bring a range of service capacity under one roof. Laval Tool and Mould specializes in compressing moulds serving various industries, including the automotive and military markets. The project will create 12 new jobs and is expected to be completed by December 2023.
Quick Facts
- The government has launched a new Regional Development Program for eastern and southwestern Ontario. Businesses can get financial support through the Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF) and Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) and guided access to a range of complementary services and supports. The Ministry of Energy and Northern Development and Mines (ENDM) also supports businesses in Northern Ontario through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).
- There are over 470,000 small businesses (with 1-99 employees) in Ontario, accounting for almost 98 per cent of all businesses in the province.
- Ontario has over 10,000 businesses with 100 or more employees that account for roughly two per cent of the province’s businesses.
- According to Stokes Economics, eastern and southwestern Ontario accounted for over $184 billion or more than 23 per cent of Ontario’s economy in 2018.
- Since June 2018, employment in Ontario has risen by 296,700.