Ontario Manufacturers Invest $24 Million Across Southwestern Ontario
October 24, 2022
The Ontario government is supporting more than $24 million in investments by four companies in Southwestern Ontario to boost local manufacturing and create 52 new good-paying jobs. As part of those investments, the government is providing each company with $500,000 in funding through the Regional Development Program’s Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, for a total of $2 million in support.
“Our government is proud to support local manufacturers in Southwestern Ontario as they grow and create more good-paying jobs in their communities,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Investing in these types of community-building projects will help us continue to build Ontario and strengthen the economy. We thank Arvaspring, Sante Manufacturing, Idol Core Industries and MC3 Manufacturing for making a significant impact in their communities and for contributing to our province’s dynamic and growing manufacturing sector.”
Arvaspring, a family-owned company in Middlesex, is investing $5 million to build a new state-of-the-art poultry-processing facility to increase their capacity, capabilities and efficiency. With the new facility, Arvaspring will be able to export to other markets, while continuing to meet local demand for products. Eight new jobs will be created through this project.
“The new facility is designed to process poultry and poultry products to meet the increased demand from a culturally diverse marketplace while addressing the continually evolving need for environmental sustainability,” said Dale Donaldson, President of Arvaspring.
Sante Manufacturing Inc., a manufacturer of health and beauty products in Aylmer, is investing $7.5 million to vertically integrate their operations and diversify their product offerings to meet increasing consumer demand. The project will improve productivity and reduce reliance on third-party manufacturing. With this project, Sante Manufacturing will create 15 new jobs.
“Sante Manufacturing appreciates the financial support and partnership of the Ontario government to accelerate our manufacturing expansion,” said Wayne Kirby, Director of Sante Manufacturing. “Manufacturing efficiency is paramount in today’s global economy and in 2023 over 70 per cent of the products we produce will be exported, including products under our SpaSoap trademark, which is the largest Canadian-made and Canadian-owned exported liquid soap trademark.”
Idol Core Industries creates sustainable solutions for plastic products using compostable materials, mainly for the agricultural industry. The company is investing $5.1 million to relocate and expand manufacturing operations in Kingsville. Expanding their operations will enable Idol Core Industries to develop more innovative technology and products, including designing and engineering tools for niche market packaging. Idol Core Industries’ expansion will create 10 new jobs.
“Idol Core Industries is a leading mold builder and machine shop, focused on building molds that have the potential or are specifically designed to create products using bio resins or a carbon neutral material,” said Paul Incitti, President of Idol Core Industries. “Over the next four years, our grant will be put to good use as we upgrade to our larger facility and acquire new machines and technology. This will help generate new employment opportunities and will bring innovative capabilities to the community.”
MC3 Manufacturing is a machine tool and stamping conveyor systems manufacturer that produces and installs various types of conveyor systems. The company is investing $6.8 million to build a new facility in Kingsville that will house new, cutting-edge automated equipment, including a robotic powder coat painting system. With this new facility, MC3 Manufacturing will be able to increase their productivity, further develop their innovation, and provide opportunities in new markets. MC3 will create 19 new jobs through this expansion.
“MC3 is an inclusive company built on exceptional values. Our values include operating with integrity, delivering the highest quality results, and making a difference in the community,” said James Richards, plant manager for MC3 Manufacturing. “Our team holds these values at work, at home and in our community. Our commitment to these values allows us to work collaboratively, striving to make a positive difference in everything we do. This grant impacts our community, expands our workforce and helps us maintain a competitive edge in the global market. We would like to thank the support from our MC3 team, the Town of Kingsville and most of all, the Ontario government for this grant.”
As part of the government’s work to build the economy, Ontario is investing more than $100 million through the Regional Development Program from 2019 to 2023 to help meet regional needs. The program provides cost-shared funding to businesses, municipalities and economic development organizations to help local communities attract investment, diversify their economies, and create jobs.
Since 2019, Ontario has provided more than $68 million in support to 62 companies and organizations through the Regional Development Program. This funding has supported $736 million in investments to create more than 1,300 jobs in the province.
Quick Facts:
- •The government launched the Regional Development Program for Eastern and Southwestern Ontario in November 2019. Businesses and municipalities can get financial support through the Eastern Ontario Development Fund and Southwestern Ontario Development Fund and guided access to a range of complementary services and supports.
- •The government recently launched the Advanced Manufacturing and InnovationCompetitiveness stream of the Regional Development Program. It will support Ontario advanced manufacturers to invest in the equipment, advanced technologies and skilled workforce needed to improve competitiveness and growth, and to create, retain and bring jobs back to every region of the province.
Quotes:
“These initiatives in Southwestern Ontario demonstrate how the agri-food sector continues to innovate and drive value in local communities through great employment opportunities and economic impacts. These companies are demonstrating that Ontario’s agri-food industry has been and always will be a cornerstone of a thriving economy.”
– Lisa Thompson
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
“For 32 years, Everspring Farms has been putting fresh, quality food on the table of families in our community and across Ontario. The expansion of Arvaspring is great news for Middlesex and all our province. Through the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, our government will continue to invest in projects that create meaningful, well-paying jobs that are close to home.”
– Monte McNaughton
MPP for Lambton—Kent—Middlesex
“This grant is wonderful news for Sante Manufacturing Inc. and for Aylmer. The 15 new, skilled positions that are created will be an opportunity for local workers to stay local. By manufacturing their containers in-house, they are also securing their supply chain and reducing over-all costs.”
– Rob Flack
MPP for Elgin—Middlesex—London
“I am tremendously pleased about this investment in Essex County. MC3 Manufacturing, Idol Core Industries and the Ontario Government know that Essex County is a place to grow. I am thrilled to see these good skilled trades and other high-skilled jobs being created in my riding.”
– Anthony Leardi
MPP for Essex
“The investments by the Government of Ontario at Idol Core Industries Inc. and MC3 Manufacturing Inc. through the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund will support these local success stories that are leading the pack from among their peers across the world. The companies’ respective investments of several millions of dollars into their operations will retain and grow our local workforce, offering great careers to even more Essex County residents.”
– Andrew Dowie
MPP for Windsor—Tecumseh
Additional Resources
Learn more about the Regional Development Program
