Ontario invests $3.4m to strengthen northern manufacturing and create 80 jobs

The Ontario Government is investing more than C$3.4m (US$2.5m) in 12 manufacturing companies across northern Ontario to expand production capacity, improve operational efficiency and create approximately 80 jobs, as the province seeks to strengthen domestic supply chains amid US tariff pressures.

The funding, delivered through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), will support manufacturers purchasing new equipment, upgrading facilities and expanding operations. The initiative forms part of the provincial government’s wider strategy to protect Ontario businesses from economic uncertainty, trade disruptions and US tariffs.

George Pirie, Ontario’s Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth, said the funding would help manufacturers increase production of locally made products while supporting employment and economic growth across the region.

“Northern Ontario’s manufacturing sector is robust, resilient and a vital part of the province’s economy,” Pirie said. “In the face of economic uncertainty, our government is taking action to protect manufacturing businesses and support the production of Ontario-made products.”

Investment to boost domestic production

Among the companies receiving funding is Jennmar Canada, a manufacturer of ground support tools and stabilisation systems, which will receive C$400,000 to expand its Sudbury facility. The project includes an 8,934-square-foot addition to accommodate new machinery and product lines, including a roll-forming line that will transfer production from the US to Canada. The investment will enable Jennmar Canada to manufacture friction bolts domestically, increase sales and reduce reliance on US supply.

The installation of our new roll form line will move production from the U.S. to Canada and allow for Canadian-made friction bolts to be manufactured locally at Jennmar Canada. This project will bring more employment to the Sudbury area and reduce dependence on U.S. supply.
Marty Desjardins, General Manager, Jennmar Canada Ltd

Meanwhile, R.F. Contracting, based in Sault Ste. Marie, will receive C$379,619 to construct a new workshop and purchase pipe and metal fabrication equipment. The investment will enable the mechanical services company to expand its operations, create jobs and reduce its reliance on outsourced supplies.

Andy’s Trailers & Manufacturing, which produces heavy-haul trailers in Timmins, will receive C$319,054 to purchase new equipment and upgrade its facility’s roof, walls and heating systems. The improvements will support increased production and additional hiring to meet demand from the mining, forestry and heavy equipment transportation sectors.

The remaining funding will support nine other manufacturing businesses across northern Ontario, although the provincial announcement did not detail their individual projects.

Strengthening supply chain resilience

The investment reflects Ontario’s efforts to improve manufacturing competitiveness and reduce exposure to international trade disruptions by increasing domestic production capabilities.

The province has also increased funding for the NOHFC, bringing its annual budget to C$110m. The corporation supports public and private sector economic development projects across northern Ontario, including initiatives in rural, urban and Indigenous communities.

Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than C$1.1bn across over 8,900 projects, leveraging more than C$3.4bn in additional investment and creating or sustaining over 13,850 jobs.

For northern Ontario manufacturers, the latest funding is intended to support investment in production equipment, facilities and workforce expansion while reinforcing the region’s contribution to the wider provincial economy.

The projects also highlight how regional investment programmes can help manufacturers localise production, build capacity and reduce dependence on cross-border supply chains at a time of continued uncertainty over US-Canada trade relations.