The investment will be used to train the plant's employees on new Lean processes that will give the company a competitive edge in the marketplace.

"Goodyear Canada is on the right track with this retread plant. In a time when everyone is becoming more environmentally aware, Goodyear Canada is setting a great example," said the Hon. Monique Smith, MPP for Nipissing. "This grant will allow Goodyear to move forward with its implementation of its Lean manufacturing system."

AIME was introduced by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development to lessen the training costs manufacturers incur when trying to introduce cutting-edge processes, tools and technologies to their plants. Funding is available to any Ontario manufacturer that requires employee training to support innovation that promises to increase a company's competitiveness. The $25-million grant program is being administered by the Yves Landry Foundation. For more information, visit www.yveslandryfoundation.com.