Provincial funding aims to strengthen supply chains and safeguard 758 manufacturing jobs in Windsor-Essex
WINDSOR — The Ontario government is investing more than $7.3 million to help manufacturers in Windsor-Essex withstand the impact of U.S. tariffs, supporting hundreds of workers and encouraging new investment across the region’s industrial base.
The funding, delivered through the Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF), will support eight companies operating in the region. The provincial government says the projects backed by the funding represent nearly $44 million in total investment and are expected to create more than 65 new jobs while protecting another 692 positions.
The Windsor region, one of Canada’s most significant manufacturing hubs and the country’s largest border city with the United States, has been particularly affected by cross-border trade tensions and tariff policies.
“As Canada’s largest bordering city to the United States, Windsor’s manufacturers have been disproportionately impacted by tariffs, which is why our government introduced strategic measures to drive forward their economic resilience,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Through the Ontario Together Trade Fund, we will ensure Ontario’s workers and businesses have the tools they need to adapt in the face of external pressures, protect jobs and enhance their long-term competitiveness.”
The OTTF program was first introduced in the province’s 2025 budget as part of Ontario’s broader tariff relief strategy. The program forms a component of the province’s nearly $30-billion plan designed to shield workers and businesses from global economic uncertainty while strengthening domestic supply chains.
The funding focuses primarily on small- and medium-sized manufacturers. Eligible projects include investments in new equipment, facility upgrades, product modifications to enter new markets and other initiatives intended to strengthen operations within Ontario.
The Windsor-area companies receiving support span several manufacturing subsectors, including automotive components, industrial chemicals, tooling and precision plastics. Among the recipients are Canadian Electrocoating Ltd., Central Stampings Ltd., Dimachem Inc., Jahn Engineering Ltd., Kringer Industrial, NextGen Mold Technologies Windsor Inc., Reko International Group Inc., and Stratus Plastics International Inc.
Provincial officials say the investments are designed to help companies reduce dependence on foreign supply chains, bring production capabilities back to Ontario and expand into new sectors less exposed to tariff risks.
Local political leaders say the funding reflects the region’s importance to Canada’s manufacturing economy.
“Windsor-Essex continues to stand as one of Canada’s most significant manufacturing regions, and our local workforce and businesses have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of global challenges, including U.S. tariffs,” said Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor—Tecumseh. “Through the Ontario Together Trade Fund, our government is providing strategic support to help our local companies reinforce supply chains, expand their operations within our community, and safeguard the good-paying jobs that are vital to families across Windsor-Essex.”
Municipal leaders also welcomed the investment, noting the region’s heavy exposure to cross-border trade dynamics.
“As an international gateway between Canada and the United States, and the largest bordering city between the two nations, Windsor stands at ground zero of this prolonged trade battle. Our families, workers, manufacturers and economy have felt the disproportionate impact of U.S. tariffs, placing livelihoods at risk and threatening the heart of our auto and manufacturing sectors in Canada. This $7.3 million investment through the Ontario Together Trade Fund represents a strategic commitment to help our local companies strengthen operations, re-shore critical supply chains, and protect and create hundreds of good-paying jobs right here at home. By advancing new investment and driving innovation, this partnership helps create opportunity and reinforces Windsor’s leadership in North American trade. We thank the Ontario Government, Premier Ford, Minister Fedeli, MPPs Andrew Dowie and Anthony Leardi for the continued support and investment in Windsor-Essex and for standing in lockstep with us to face down global economic uncertainties, as well as the businesses continuing to contribute to a strong regional economy through participation in this initiative. ” said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens.
Several of the companies receiving funding said the program will help them expand operations and invest in new technology despite ongoing trade uncertainty.
“Dimachem is incredibly grateful for the support of the Ontario Together Trade Fund, which allows us to invest and expand with confidence despite current global trade uncertainties. This funding is a catalyst for our new $9M plant expansion, enabling us to pivot away from tariff-exposed sectors and allowing us to provide domestic chemical product solutions for the manufacturing, aerospace, clean-tech, and agritech sectors. We are proud to strengthen Ontario’s manufacturing self-sufficiency while delivering innovative, Canadian-made solutions to our partners. We thank the Ontario government for supporting our vision to become a leader in sustainable, specialized chemical processing and packaging.” said Andrew Conway, Vice President at Dimachem Inc.
Manufacturers receiving support say the funding will help diversify production and maintain competitiveness in a rapidly changing global market.
“With support from the Ontario Together Trade Fund, our new investments have already provided opportunity in the nuclear industry and will only expand further once the equipment is up and running.” said Louis Jahn of Jahn Engineering Ltd.
Brendan Fehr of Kringer Industrial added: “Kringer Industrial is proud to receive support through the Ontario Together Trade Fund. This $364,500 investment will allow us to strengthen our manufacturing capabilities, expand our capacity, and continue delivering high-quality industrial solutions to our customers. The funding will help us invest in new equipment and process improvements that enhance productivity and competitiveness while reshoring and supporting customers across Canada. We are grateful to the Government of Ontario for recognizing the important role manufacturers play in driving economic growth and building resilient supply chains. At Kringer Industrial, we remain committed to innovation, operational excellence, and contributing to the continued strength of Ontario’s manufacturing sector.”
Since its launch, the Ontario Together Trade Fund has supported nearly $209 million in project investments across the province, helping protect and create more than 2,700 jobs.
The provincial government recently expanded the program to $150 million over three years in response to strong demand from businesses affected by tariffs and shifting trade policies.
“Our manufacturers are world-class and our government will continue to support them to ensure they remain competitive and resilient in these challenging times,” said Anthony Leardi, MPP for Essex. “The Ontario Together Trade Fund is just one of the many initiatives we launched to help companies stay strong, protect jobs, and keep investing right here in Essex County.”
Ontario’s manufacturing sector employs more than 800,000 workers and remains a central pillar of the province’s economy. Provincial officials say programs like the OTTF will continue to play a key role as Ontario navigates evolving global trade pressures and works to strengthen domestic production capacity.