Ontario Investing More Than $3.4 Million to Protect Manufacturing Jobs in the North

Provincial funding will help 12 manufacturing companies increase revenue, improve operations and create approximately 80 good-paying jobs

The Ontario government is investing more than $3.4 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help 12 manufacturing companies in northern Ontario purchase equipment, upgrade facilities and expand operations, creating approximately 80 good-paying jobs. The investment delivers on the government’s plan to protect Ontario by bolstering the province’s domestic manufacturing supply chain and building a stronger, more competitive and self-reliant economy in the face of U.S. tariffs.

“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.”

Examples of projects across northern Ontario include:

• Jennmar Canada Ltd., a ground support tools and stabilization systems manufacturer, is receiving $400,000 to expand its facility in Sudbury. The project will enhance work efficiency and capacity, allowing the company to create good-paying jobs and make more steel products in-house to better serve its customers.
• R.F. Contracting Inc., a mechanical company based in Sault Ste. Marie, is receiving $379,619 to build a new workshop and buy pipe and metal fabrication equipment. The company offers mechanical, piping, ironworking, millwrighting and custom steel fabrication and installation services and this project will expand its operations, create new jobs and reduce the need for outsourcing supplies.
• Andy’s Trailers & Manufacturing Inc. makes heavy-haul trailers in Timmins and is receiving $319,054 to buy new equipment and upgrade its facility’s roof, walls and heating. This project will allow the manufacturer to hire more staff and build more trailers for the mining, forestry and heavy equipment haul sectors.

The Ontario government is prioritizing investments through the NOHFC that protect northern industries and jobs, mitigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions and secure new opportunities for the long-term prosperity of northern Ontario. The renewed focus is boosting competitiveness and ensuring the North remains a leader in Ontario’s economy. This new direction is in addition to the province’s increased investment, bringing the NOHFC’s annual budget to a total of $110 million. Together, these initiatives will benefit communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities.

Quick Facts

• Through its funding programs, the NOHFC offers support to public and private sector economic development projects across northern Ontario.
• Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $1.1 billion in over 8,900 projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3.4 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 13,850 jobs.