Funding awarded since the launch of O-AMP in 2019 has leveraged $22.2 million in industry investments.
O-AMP is a centrepiece of the recently launched Phase 2 of Driving Prosperity: The Future of Ontario’s Automotive Sector. The next phase of the 10-year plan will help Ontario’s auto sector pivot to producing the automotive technologies of the future, including the next generation of electric vehicles and the electric batteries those vehicles need. Phase 2 positions Ontario as a North American leader in developing and building the vehicle of the future through emerging technologies and advanced manufacturing processes.
“By helping Ontario-based companies grow in the globally competitive auto parts industry, O-AMP plays an integral part in the next phase of Driving Prosperity ― The Future of Ontario’s Automotive Sector,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “The auto and manufacturing sectors are cornerstones of Ontario’s economy, providing good jobs for local families and workers. Through O-AMP, our government is creating the right economic climate to encourage investment, innovation and growth.”
The relaunched O-AMP program is helping small and medium-sized automotive parts suppliers make Ontario a world-leader of the future of auto manufacturing. The program will help make suppliers better, stronger and faster by investing in technology adoption and/or training in lean manufacturing. More than 100 projects are either underway or completed under the program, and they are expected to create about 613 new jobs.
Examples of O-AMP projects from previous O-AMP rounds include:
Molded Precision Components The company, based in Shanty Bay, develops, designs, prototypes, manufactures and markets high-precision plastic injection molding tools and products. Molded Precision Components purchased and integrated a 3D blue light optical scanner with its current system to measure and validate the parts it produces. The company is now able to do this faster and collect better data, while increasing its overall productivity and efficiency. O-AMP funding of $100,000 was matched by an investment by Molded Precision Components of $120,738. The project assisted Molded Precision Components to add 62 new jobs.
APAG Electronik Corp. Located in Windsor, the company specializes in the design, development and production of concept lighting, electronic control units, assembled printed circuit boards (PCBs) and finished components for the automotive industry. APAG Electronik purchased a Quick Vision Measuring Machine and its related software and training to move weekly subcontracted inspections in-house, saving the company about $70,000 per year in production costs. O-AMP funding of $80,614 was matched by an investment by APAG Electronik of $80,616. The project helped the company add 24 jobs.
“Productivity is the great facilitator in today’s advanced technology world,” said Flavio Volpe, President of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association. “Make more things with better prepared people and processes – that is the proposition of O-AMP and we are very happy to partner with the Ontario government in delivering this program.”