Ontario Creating Jobs in Northern Ontario’s Advanced Manufacturing Sector

CONISTON — Ontario’s government is working for the people by investing in the province’s advanced manufacturing sector, which is helping to create and protect more than a hundred jobs in Northern Ontario.

Premier Doug Ford was at Lopes Ltd. in Coniston today to announce $1 million in funding that will support the company’s investment in new equipment to process steel plate in-house and build a 12,000 square-foot expansion to its current facilities. This will help create 20 new full-time jobs and protect another 100 in Northern Ontario.

“Our government was elected to bring good jobs to Northern Ontario,” said Premier Ford. “It’s great to see a company like Lopes Ltd. investing here in Coniston — we’re sending a clear message to the world that Northern Ontario is open for business and open for jobs.”

Steel is the leading structural framing material in Canada. It is used to build important infrastructure — including buildings and bridges — and is a critical material in the construction supply chain.

This investment in new equipment will let Lopes Ltd. create finished products that are ready for market, which will increase export dollars while lowering manufacturing costs. In turn, this will help create new, local jobs and more opportunities for people in Northern Ontario.

“Today’s announcement is great news for Coniston and all of Northern Ontario,” said Premier Ford. “We’re bringing prosperity to long-overlooked communities in the North. We will continue to support local businesses, like Lopes Ltd., that are bringing economic growth to every corner of our great province.”

Quick Facts

• Lopes Ltd. is a leading advanced manufacturing company with a variety of services, including electrical installation and construction. It has worked on large, complex projects such as the International Rail Bridge in Sault Ste. Marie.
• Since June 2018, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation has invested more than $82 million in 539 projects, which has helped to create or retain over 1,437 jobs across the province.