Ontario Construction News staff writer
Wellington County manufacturers will spend up to $31.5 million, including $26 million from the Ontario government, to strengthen domestic manufacturing and attract investment in the local economy.
“Through the Regional Development Program, our government is making targeted investments in local manufacturers to help them create good, local jobs,” said Vic Fedeli, minister of economic development, job creation and trade.
“These projects are making a significant impact in communities and economies across the Wellington County region and Southwestern Ontario by helping to secure the private-sector investment that will support strong regional growth.”
Weberlane Manufacturing is investing $4.8 million to build a new 115,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Listowel. The facility will include new production lines and advanced manufacturing equipment for large cargo trailers.
With $480,750 from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, Weberlane, a manufacturer of heavy-duty trailers for agriculture and industry, will increase capacity and automate manufacturing operations, including producing large cargo trailers in Ontario that were previously manufactured by subcontractors located in the U.S.
“At Weberlane Manufacturing, we pride ourselves in excellent customer support and commitment to making top-notch products for the industrial and agricultural sectors,” said Stuart Reist, general manager, Weberlane Manufacturing.
“Support from the Ontario government will enable our company to make cargo trailers right here in Listowel without depending on the overseas subcontractors.”
Nieuwland Feed & Supply is investing $16.2 million to consolidate its production facilities and build a second feed mill on the property, doubling its manufacturing size from 10,000 to 20,000 square feet in Drayton. The company will install automation equipment to improve production capacity, productivity and manufacturing flexibility to meet the changing market demands, such as the shift to antibiotic-free and organic feed – with $1.3 million from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund,
“We are fortunate to have companies like Nieuwland Feed & Supply and Weberlane Manufacturing operating in Perth-Wellington,” said Randy Pettapiece, MPP for Perth-Wellington. “I am very pleased that our government is supporting their expansion projects.”
Bold Canine is investing $6.5 million to expand and renovate its facility, purchase equipment, and invest in research and development. The company will renovate its 21,000 square foot facility to increase production capacity.
“Bold Canine is proud to be selected for this funding as we strive to grow and expand into new markets,” said Caroline Bolduc, President, Bold Canine Inc. “This support will help us invest in R&D to implement innovation for the pet food industry and expand our facility to accommodate increased production capacity.”
Wellington Perforated Sheet and Plate is investing $3.9 million to innovate processes, develop new products, and produce more steel parts in-house, with $312,000 from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund.
“Getting this support from Ontario means Wellington Perforated Sheet and Plate can manufacture our products in-house right here in Fergus,” said Brent Renton, president. “We no longer have to rely on foreign vendors and hinder our company’s ability to control quality, compete on costs, and acquire large infrastructure projects. We are excited to tackle this expansion and look forward to helping grow our regional economy and creating good jobs for our community.”
Ontario is investing more than $100 million through the Regional Development Program from 2019 to 2023 to support distinct regional priorities and challenges.