On Friday, the Ford government announced nearly $7 million to help four local manufacturers in Niagara weather the tariff storm through the Ontario Together Trade Fund, with a focus on building capacity and reshoring supply chains.
The government support is leading those four local businesses to invest nearly $30 million to expand capacity, improve efficiency, adopt new technologies and enhance competitiveness, helping to create 48 new jobs and “protecting” 365 existing positions throughout Niagara.
Among the recipients include:
- Agri-Plastic Group of Companies, based in Grassie. This will see a $1.1-million investment from the Ontario government be met with a $5.6-million investment from the Grassie-based group. The goal of the investment is to expand their facility and purchase new rotational moulding equipment. It is expected to create seven new jobs and protect 71 existing positions.
- FBT Innovative Technologies, based in St. Catharines. This will see a $954,400 investment from the Ontario government be met with a $9.5 million investment grom the St. Catharines-based company. The goal of the investment is to expand their facility and purchase new metalworking machinery. It is expected to create 20 new jobs and protect 79 existing positions.
- CMI Heavy Industries, based in Stevensville. This will see a $1.2-million investment from the Ontario government be met with a $6-million investment from the Stevensville-based company. The goal of this investment is to lead to the purchasing of a new boring mill. It is expected to create 10 new jobs and protect 63 existing positions.
- Valbruna ASW, based in Welland. This will see a $3.4-million investment from the Ontario government be met with an $8.6 million investment from the Welland-based company. The goal of this investment is to purchase new steelmaking equipment and upgrade technologies to further diversify within the domestic market. It is expected to create 11 new jobs and protect 152 existing positions.
“Through the Ontario Together Trade Fund, our government is stepping up for the businesses of our community who have been directly affected by American tariffs,” said Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff. “This provincial investment will help these local manufacturers in Niagara adapt, stay competitive and continue creating good jobs in uncertain times, while helping make Ontario’s economy more competitive, resilient and self-reliant.”
Mishka Balsom, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce, also commented on the Ontario government’s announcement.
“The Ontario government is helping create the conditions for businesses to invest, expand and grow in Niagara,” said Balsom. “At a time of considerable economic uncertainty, this announcement is a welcome reminder that grow, investment and opportunity are still happening in our region.”
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.
