Ontario to invest $1.5 million in Linamar

The Ontario government is investing $1.5 million to help auto parts company Linamar develop and manufacture a new marine engine component program in Guelph. The investment is helping to create 51 new jobs and retain 374 existing jobs in the city.

“Ontario is Canada’s manufacturing heartland. We want to support companies that are growing and creating jobs,” said Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Employment. “Through our Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, our government is taking a proactive approach to attracting investment and jobs to communities across the region.”

With support from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, Linamar’s Comtech Manufacturing division will be producing marine engine cylinder heads and engine blocks. The parts were designed in Guelph and will help make the engines more efficient and easier to maintain.

“The marine engine project is the latest chapter in Linamar’s ongoing evolution as we leverage our technical expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to diversify our business into new markets,” said Linda Hasenfratz, CEO, Linamar Corporation. “We’re very excited to be taking our extensive cylinder head and cylinder block design and manufacturing capabilities to the marine market where we see lots of opportunities.”

Modelled on the proven Eastern Ontario Development Fund, the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund is helping to create jobs and diversify the economy by encouraging regional businesses to pursue innovation and new markets. Together these two funds have created and retained more than 21,000 jobs.

Ontario is accepting applications for the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund from qualified businesses that are growing and creating jobs. Sectors eligible for the fund include advanced manufacturing, processing, life sciences, information and communications technology, tourism and cultural industries. For more information on the program, click here.