$7.7M boost: Federal funding supports growth of six Southwestern Ontario manufacturers

The federal government has offered a combined repayable investment of over $7.7 million to six southwestern Ontario manufacturers that are working to scale up, meet increased demand for made-in-Canada products, and contribute to a stronger economy in southwestern Ontario, Canada and beyond. The six companies include Edge Automation, MTO Metal Products, New-Form Tools, Roden Manufacturing, Tradeline Products and UE Enclosures.

Bryan May, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Small Business and to the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), along with Arielle Kayabaga, Member of Parliament for London West; and Peter Fragiskatos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for London North Centre, visited Edge Automation to announce the funding. At Edge Automation, they met with employees and learned about their plans for growth, including becoming a first-of-its-kind woodworking robotics manufacturing facility. Later in the day, PS May visited New-Form Tools in Stratford, to learn about how the company is strengthening its made-in-Canada saw blade manufacturing for the wood manufacturing industry.

The six manufacturers will use the funds received in the following manner:

• With the $1,184,050 repayable investment, London-based Edge Automation will establish a woodworking robotics manufacturing facility to help meet the growing demand for automated solutions in the sector. The company will also increase productivity, and expand its U.S. market presence.
• The $1,077,486 repayable investment will help Woodstock-based MTO Metal Products increase its manufacturing capabilities with the adoption of advanced manufacturing equipment. As a result, the company will be able to meet the growing demands for electrification from its clients, including those in the construction equipment industry.
• The $1,550,000 repayable investment will support Stratford-based New-Form Tools to increase manufacturing capabilities and develop its own structural components of a saw blade in-house. This will increase its made-in-Canada saw blade manufacturing for the woodworking industry and new markets.
• The $1,257,200 repayable investment will help Comber-based Roden Manufacturing add state-of-the-art equipment to increase and modernize its manufactured parts capabilities. As a result, Roden will be able to take on larger contracts and diversify its automotive customer base, as well as upskill current employees.
• The $1,000,000 repayable investment will help London-based Tradeline Products expand its manufacturing capabilities to address the needs of customers in the automotive and heavy equipment sectors. As a result, the company will be able to pursue new business growth opportunities for its metal fabrications, including in the U.S. market.
• The $1,700,000 repayable investment will help UE Enclosures modernize its operations through the addition of new manufacturing equipment for its 35,000-square-foot facility expansion. This will help the company meet client demand for its custom enclosures, increase its made-in-Canada production and support local supply chains in Leamington and surrounding areas.

“When we invest in a business’ potential, we invest in a strong future for our country. The six businesses receiving support today are producing cutting-edge Canadian-made products and embracing next-generation innovations to build a stronger, more competitive future. Our government’s investments are putting people first and setting our businesses on a path to success,” said the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).