Ontario is investing more than $3.4 million in 12 manufacturing companies across northern Ontario, supporting facility expansions, equipment purchases and operational improvements expected to create approximately 80 jobs.
The provincial funding, announced Sept. 24 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), is aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity while helping northern businesses respond to trade disruptions and U.S. tariffs.
Provincial Funding Targets Northern Ontario Manufacturers
The investment will support manufacturers seeking to increase production, improve efficiency and expand their operations. The province said the projects are part of a broader strategy to strengthen Ontario’s domestic supply chain and reduce reliance on external suppliers.
“Northern Ontario’s manufacturing sector is robust, resilient and a vital part of the province’s economy,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “In the face of economic uncertainty, our government is taking action to protect manufacturing businesses and support the production of Ontario-made products. This funding will help businesses grow and bring great opportunities to the region, including new jobs.”
Among the companies receiving support are manufacturers operating in Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins, with projects serving industries including mining, forestry, construction and heavy equipment transportation.
Jennmar Canada Expands Sudbury Manufacturing Capacity
Jennmar Canada Ltd., which manufactures ground-support tools and stabilization systems, will receive $400,000 toward an expansion of its Sudbury facility.
The project is expected to improve production efficiency and capacity while allowing the company to manufacture more steel products internally.
“Jennmar Canada would like to thank all three levels of government, including the NOHFC, for supporting the expansion at our plant in Sudbury. These funds have been instrumental in the upcoming completion of an 8,934-square-foot addition that will allow us to bring in new machines and product lines going forward and increase our sales base. The installation of our new roll form line will move production from the U.S. to Canada and allow for Canadian-made friction bolts to be manufactured locally at Jennmar Canada. This project will bring more employment to the Sudbury area and reduce dependence on U.S. supply.”
- Marty Desjardins, General Manager, Jennmar Canada Ltd.
Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins Companies Expand Operations
R.F. Contracting Inc., a Sault Ste. Marie-based mechanical company, is receiving $379,619 to construct a new workshop and purchase pipe and metal fabrication equipment.
The company provides mechanical, piping, ironworking, millwrighting and custom steel fabrication and installation services. The investment is intended to expand its operating capacity, create jobs and reduce its reliance on outsourced supplies.
“The support provided through the NOHFC has allowed R.F. Contracting to accelerate investments in equipment, technology and operational capabilities that strengthen our ability to safely and efficiently execute increasingly complex industrial and commercial projects. These investments are helping us improve productivity, expand our capacity, remain competitive within our industry and position the company for sustainable long-term growth. We appreciate the Government of Ontario’s continued commitment to economic development in northern Ontario.”
- Adam Carpenter, President, R.F. Contracting Inc.
Andy’s Trailers Adds Equipment and Facility Upgrades
Timmins-based Andy’s Trailers & Manufacturing Inc. will receive $319,054 to purchase equipment and upgrade the roof, walls and heating system at its manufacturing facility.
The company produces heavy-haul trailers used by the mining, forestry and heavy equipment sectors. The project is expected to increase production capacity and support additional hiring.
“Andy’s Trailers & Manufacturing Inc. is thrilled to have been chosen to receive funding from the NOHFC. These funds will help us increase productivity and capacity to service both our loyal and new customers in the logging and mining industries. The strong support of our partners and the NOHFC is allowing us to continue manufacturing and growing our product line of loggers, gravel pups, low beds and other specialized trailers. Andy’s Trailers is proudly building quality equipment right here in northern Ontario.”
- Andy Larochelle, Owner, Andy’s Trailers & Manufacturing Inc.
NOHFC Budget Reaches $110 Million Annually
Ontario has increased the NOHFC’s annual budget to $110 million, with the fund supporting public- and private-sector economic development projects across northern communities, including rural, urban and Indigenous communities.
Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $1.1 billion in over 8,900 projects across northern Ontario. According to provincial figures, those investments have leveraged more than $3.4 billion in additional investment and created or sustained more than 13,850 jobs.
The latest manufacturing funding reflects the province’s increased focus on projects designed to strengthen northern industries, maintain employment and expand Ontario-based production amid continuing trade uncertainty.