Hanwha investing $45.1M to double production, integrate robotics

Dec. 13, 2016 – Hanwha L&C Canada is receiving a $15-million investment from Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) to help double its production capacity and integrate robotics in a unique advanced manufacturing process that is the first of its kind in Canada, it says.

The repayable contribution will allow the London, Ont., facility to manufacture a new line of countertops and flooring, adding 85 new full-time jobs. According to the manufacturer, the expansion will provide consumers with Canadian-made, “higher-quality, lower-cost” engineered stone-based surface products.

The total project cost of $45.1 million will be divided between FedDev Ontario ($15 million), the Government of Ontario ($1.5 million), and Hanwha L&C Canada ($28.6 million).

“Canadian manufacturers are taking on the challenges of an increasingly global and competitive marketplace. FedDev Ontario’s investment will support Hanwha’s long-term success in London, create high-skilled jobs for Canadians, and pave the way for future foreign investment in the region,” said Peter Fragiskatos, MP for London North Centre.

“This investment demonstrates our commitment to Canadian manufacturers’ adoption of innovative technology that increases productivity, increases global exports and creates more high-quality manufacturing jobs and prosperity for Canadians,” added Kate Young, MP for London West.

Since 2009, Hanwha has been manufacturing stone-based products under its HanStone brand in London, Ont. Its products are marketed in retail outlets across North America like Home Depot, Rona and Ikea, and also sold to residential, commercial and institutional construction projects.