As 2025 came to a close, Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff held a press conference in Beamsville to highlight investments by seven local companies to boost their manufacturing output in Niagara Region, creating more than 70 new jobs.
The companies will receive a collective $5.3 million through the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund of the Regional Development Program to support the job creation.
Oosterhoff was joined at his announcement by Rob Foster, who was then acting chair of Niagara Region, as well as Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton, and Executive Director of the Niagara Industrial Association Jordan Sherlock, as well as other municipal and business leaders.
“By supporting strategic investments from regional businesses, our government is protecting Ontario’s workers and creating the conditions for a strong, stable and resilient economy that can weather any storm,” said Oosterhoff.
“These investments by seven local companies across Niagara will support growth and innovation across the local manufacturing sector and create better-paying jobs for workers and families in our region.”
Recipients of government funding include:
- Ophardt Hygiene Technologies in Beamsville
- Galaxy Pallets in Smithville
- Bradshaw Iron Works in Welland
- Black Creek Metal in Thorold
- CMI Heavy Industries in Fort Erie
- Decora Powder Coatings in St. Catharines and the City of Port Colborne
“Niagara is home to an incredibly diverse economy, and one of the jewels of that economy is our advanced manufacturing sector,” said Foster. “These companies are bringing new ideas to market and are pushing the boundaries of what we can produce right here in Niagara. This funding will make sure those companies continue to thrive and continue supporting well-paying jobs in our communities.”
Sherlock weighed in as well, offering the perspective of the industrial sector.
“On behalf of the Niagara Industrial Association, I would like to commend the province for their investment in the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund and congratulate the Niagara recipients whose success strengthens our regional manufacturing sector,” said Sherlock.
“Programs like the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund of the Regional Development Program allow businesses to do what they do best – innovate, invest, and grow – helping to protect Ontario jobs, strengthen supply chains and keep meaningful work here at home.”
Jay Goldberg is the Canadian Affairs Manager at the Consumer Choice Center. He previously served as the Ontario Director at the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and a policy fellow at the Munk School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. Jay holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Toronto.
