Ontario supports $31.5-million surge in Southwestern Ontario economy with $2.6-million Regional Development Program investment
LISTOWEL – The Ontario government is supporting an investment of nearly $31.5 million by Wellington County manufacturers to help strengthen domestic manufacturing and attract investment in the local economy. The province is investing nearly $2.6 million in four Wellington County businesses through the Regional Development Program that will help create 71 jobs and retain 150 jobs in the area.
“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. “These projects are making a significant impact in communities and economies across the Wellington County region and Southwestern Ontario by helping to secure the private-sector investment that will support strong regional growth.”
Weberlane Manufacturing is investing $4.8 million to build a new 115,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Listowel. The facility will include new production lines and advanced manufacturing equipment for large cargo trailers. With $480,750 from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, Weberlane will increase capacity and automate manufacturing operations, including producing large cargo trailers in Ontario that were previously manufactured by subcontractors located in the U.S. Bringing this in house creates 40 jobs and retains 33 positions. Weberlane is a Canadian manufacturer of heavy-duty trailers for the agricultural and industrial sectors. The company produces a full line of highway and equipment trailers and has expanded into niche market segments, including the winery and livestock market.
“At Weberlane Manufacturing, we pride ourselves in excellent customer support and commitment to making top-notch products for the industrial and agricultural sectors,” said Stuart Reist, General Manager, Weberlane Manufacturing. “Support from the Ontario government will enable our company to make cargo trailers right here in Listowel without depending on the overseas subcontractors. We thank the Ontario government for this investment that’s helping Weberlane grow and contribute to the regional economy.”
Nieuwland Feed & Supply is investing $16.2 million to consolidate its production facilities and build a second feed mill on the property, doubling its manufacturing size from 10,000 to 20,000 square feet in Drayton. The company will install automation equipment to improve production capacity, productivity and manufacturing flexibility to meet the changing market demands, such as the shift to antibiotic-free and organic feed. With $1,293,500 from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, the company is creating 15 jobs while retaining 69. The support will help the company gain the capacity to focus on large-scale agricultural operations while continuing to serve small scale farmers. Nieuwland is a family owned and operated feed supply company that processes animal feed for the poultry, swine and ruminant industries.
“Nieuwland Feed & Supply is excited to be partnering with the Ontario government in our growth plan,” said Scott Nieuwland, Manager/Owner, Nieuwland Feed & Supply Ltd. “With this support, we will gain the capacity to expand our business to the next level and bring our vision for the company to life, all while helping to bring innovation and jobs to our great region.”
“We are fortunate to have companies like Nieuwland Feed & Supply and Weberlane Manufacturing operating in Perth-Wellington,” said Randy Pettapiece, MPP for Perth-Wellington. “I am very pleased that our government is supporting their expansion projects. Our area will benefit from the good-paying local jobs that will be created.”
Bold Canine is investing $6.5 million to expand and renovate its facility, purchase innovative equipment, and invest in research and development. Ontario is investing $500,000 from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, which will allow the company to conduct R&D activities with a focus on food safety and automate manufacturing processes. The company will renovate its 21,000 square foot facility to increase production capacity. This project will help Bold Canine create 10 jobs and retain 37. Bold Canine is a leading producer of all natural frozen raw pet food.
“Bold Canine is proud to be selected for this funding as we strive to grow and expand into new markets,” said Caroline Bolduc, President, Bold Canine Inc. “This support will help us invest in R&D to implement innovation for the pet food industry and expand our facility to accommodate increased production capacity.”
Wellington Perforated Sheet and Plate is investing $3.9 million to innovate processes, develop new products, and produce more steel parts in-house. With $312,000 from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, the company is creating six jobs and retaining 11. The company currently relies on foreign vendors for the majority of steel parts due to the lack of automated equipment. With the purchase of advanced machinery, the company will produce more parts in-house, automate processes and make new products right here in Ontario. Wellington will also purchase more steel from Canadian vendors and compete with the U.S. manufacturers with high-quality, cost-effective products. Wellington is a manufacturer and distributor of perforated metals for the agriculture, mining and construction markets.
“Getting this support from Ontario means Wellington Perforated Sheet and Plate can manufacture our products in-house right here in Fergus,” said Brent Renton, President, Wellington Perforated Sheet and Plate Inc. “We no longer have to rely on foreign vendors and hinder our company’s ability to control quality, compete on costs, and acquire large infrastructure projects. We are excited to tackle this expansion and look forward to helping grow our regional economy and creating good jobs for our community.”
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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