Ontario is partnering with local businesses to help create 70 jobs and retain more than 330 others in Chatham-Kent.
Steven Del Duca, Minister of Economic Development and Growth, made the announcement today at Dana Canada in Chatham on behalf of Jeff Leal, Minister Responsible for Small Business.
A pair of Wallaceburg businesses were included in the announcement.
Ontario is investing $1,035,000 from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, supporting an additional investment of $9,310,900 from Aarkel.
The project is creating 15 positions, retaining 150 and is expected to be completed by December 2019.
Provincial officials say Aarkel Tool and Die is a manufacturer of die cast and plastic injection tooling, serving automotive sector clients such as GM, Toyota, Honda, BMW and Ford. With support from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, the company will increase their capacity, capabilities and product offerings.
The project includes integrating office and manufacturing space and housing new equipment, including Multi Axis CNC machines and 5 Axis Boring Mill.
Ontario is investing $499,550 from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, supporting an additional investment of $4,495,950 from Wallaceburg’s Rulmeca Canada.
The project is creating 21 positions, retaining 73 and is expected to be completed by December 2021.
Provincial officials say Rulmeca Canada is a leading manufacturer of rollers, idlers and pulleys for heavy-duty conveyors in quarries, mines, mills and bulk terminals. With support from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, the company will expand their facility by more than 21,000 square feet, and invest in new equipment such asa robotic welding cell, an assembly press and a paint line system.
“Supporting local business and bringing new investments to communities in our province are both essential elements for Ontario’s growth and prosperity,” stated Jeff Leal, Minister Responsible for Small Business, in a press release.
“I am thrilled to see our strategic investments in Chatham-Kent’s advanced manufacturing, auto parts and food processing sectors create good jobs and making differences in local economies.”
Provincial officials say Dana Canada is a leading manufacturer and supplier of power technologies for the automotive industry.
Their facility in Chatham produces heat shields — metal plates that prevent electrical components from being exposed to excessive heat. With support from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, the company will implement a new high-output production and assembly line for heat shields, which will expand their production capabilities and allow the company to introduce heat shields with greater strength.
Ontario is investing $662,229 from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, supporting an additional investment of $6,662,596 from Dana Canada.
The project is creating 14 positions, retaining 82 and is expected to be completed by December 2020.
“This partnership with the Ontario Government is a vote of confidence in our company and the Chatham-Kent economy,” stated Michael Faber, Plant Manager – Chatham, Dana Canada.
“With this funding, we are able to implement a new production line and expand our business capacity. We are thrilled to bring new jobs to this community.”
Waltron Trailers is a manufacturer of transportation systems for the agriculture, energy, marine and infrastructure sectors. They specialize in the design and fabrication of truck bodies, flat deck trailers, highway trailers, construction/utility trailers, boat trailers and custom trailers. With support from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, the company will expand their facility by 6,360 square feet to house new assembly lines and painting operations.
Ontario is investing $113,000 from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, supporting an additional investment of $1,018,000 from the company. The project is creating 10 positions, retaining 31 and is expected to be completed by July 2019.
The Barry Callebaut Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products. The company’s Chatham area facility manufactures a variety of cocoa-based products. With support from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, Barry Callebaut’s Chatham factory will significantly expand its operations capacity.
“This investment in Chatham-Kent highlights that Ontario is committed to strengthening our economy by investing in small businesses and local communities,” stated Steven Del Duca, Minister of Economic Development and Growth.
“This is a great partnership for the manufacturing sector in Southwestern Ontario. The support announced today will allow these companies to expand their capacity and maintain a healthy economy for the people who live here.”
#Ontario is finding success in a globally competitive #economy & today I’m pleased to announce #Ontario is partnering with 5 local #businesses in @MunicCK, helping them scale up, create #jobs, & stay competitive pic.twitter.com/Hg9nPAPxmp
— Steven Del Duca (@StevenDelDuca) 15 March 2018
Ontario is investing $339,000 from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, supporting an additional investment of $3,051,853 from the company. The project has created 10 positions and is expected to be completed by August 2019.
Since 2013, the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund has committed support of over $163 million, helping to create and retain around 41,000 jobs and leveraging over $1.92 billion in total investments.
Ontario is accepting applications for the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund from qualified businesses that are growing and creating jobs. Sectors eligible for the fund include advanced manufacturing, food processing, life sciences, information and communications technology, tourism and cultural industries.
– Photo credit: @StevenDelDuca, Twitter
