Ontario supports more than $17.8 million surge in Southwestern Ontario economy with $1 million Regional Development Program investment
WATERLOO – The Ontario government is supporting an investment of more than $17.8 million by Onward Manufacturing Company Limited to help boost Ontario’s domestic manufacturing sectors, while attracting investment to the local economy. The province is investing $1 million in the company through the Regional Development Program, which will help create 158 new jobs.
“Through the Regional Development Program, our government is making targeted investments in local manufacturers to help them create good, local jobs,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “We thank Onward Manufacturing for contributing to our province’s vibrant and growing manufacturing sector. This project is making a significant impact on the Waterloo Region economy by investing in Ontario’s talented workforce and creating the conditions for long-term economic growth.”
Onward Manufacturing Company Limited will expand its manufacturing facility to support growing global demand of its traditional Broil King gas barbecues and its newly designed Broil King iQue smart gas, pellet and charcoal barbecues in Ontario. With an investment of $1 million from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, Onward Manufacturing will consolidate their full production, development, engineering, marketing, sales, distribution, customer service and management in Waterloo. Onward is a third-generation, privately-owned Canadian company that manufactures high-quality gas barbecue grills sold under the Broil King brand. Onward plans to increase its market growth in both the U.S. and Europe.
“As a family owned and operated business based in Waterloo for over 130 years, we work passionately to deliver on our promise to our customers,” said Colin Kirvan, Vice President of Product Management at Onward Manufacturing. “Regional Development Program support is helping us to enhance our factory operations here in our hometown. We are excited to enhance our production capabilities and expand our reach for our global brand Broil King while benefiting the local community.”
“Our Government continues to support jobs and communities in Waterloo Region through the Regional Development Program,” said Mike Harris, MPP for Kitchener-Conestoga. “Onward Manufacturing Company Limited has been a cornerstone of Waterloo’s manufacturing industry for generations, and I’m very glad we are investing in growing their business in the region.”
Ontario is investing more than $100 million through the Regional Development Program from 2019 to 2023 to support distinct regional priorities and challenges. The program provides cost-shared funding to businesses, municipalities and economic development organizations to help local communities attract investment, diversify their economies, and create jobs.
Quick Facts
- The government launched the Regional Development Program for Eastern and Southwestern Ontario in November 2019. Businesses and municipalities can get financial support through the Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF) and Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) and guided access to a range of complementary services and supports.
Source Province of Ontario
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