“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 Waterloo Region by helping to secure private-sector investments to create conditions for long-term economic growth and build an economy that makes Ontario the best place in the world to do business, work and raise a family.”
Huron Digital Pathology is investing nearly $4.7 million to expand its manufacturing capacity to meet global demand for its new TissueScope iQ digital pathology scanner. With $500,000 in support from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, the company will create five jobs and retain 22 positions. Hospitals and research centres worldwide use this scanner to digitize glass biopsy slides for disease diagnosis and advancing cancer research. The project will increase Huron’s production efficiencies and innovation and open new opportunities to access global markets.
“Huron Digital Pathology is a medical device technology company located in rural St. Jacob’s Ontario. We are very pleased to announce our collaboration with the Government of Ontario through the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund to expand our manufacturing capacity, and create high skilled, well-paying jobs in Ontario,” said Dr. Savvas Chamberlain, Chairman of Huron.
“Strengthening Waterloo Region’s economic growth by investing in business expansion and job creation is a priority for this provincial government,” said Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris. “Today’s announcement is welcome news, especially in Woolwich and Wellesley Townships, and demonstrates our commitment to both supporting our community’s urban and rural manufacturers.”
“I am very pleased that our government is making this substantial investment in Waterloo Region,” said Amy Fee, MPP for Kitchener South-Hespeler. “Our government’s support of these four manufacturers creates jobs, boosts the economy, and enhances the lives of families in our community. Today’s announcement is wonderful news that puts Waterloo Region further on track to a strong economic recovery.”
Ontario is also investing in three other Kitchener-Waterloo-area companies:
Blendtek Ingredients is investing over $6.2 million to expand and upgrade its ingredient solutions and product development facility. Ontario is investing $940,000 from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, which will support Blendtek to create 21 jobs and retain 37 positions. Serving customers across North America, the company manufactures and distributes ingredients for the food, pharmaceutical and industrial sectors, primarily the agri-food sector. Through this project, Blendtek will be in a position to meet consumer demands, support allergen segregation, reduce cross contamination and improve the traceability of its products.
“At Blendtek, we’re driven by our mission to fuel innovation in food and have made a conscious decision to support the ‘Made in Ontario’ movement,” said Steve Zinger, President, Blendtek Fine Ingredients Inc. “Our participation in the Regional Development Program will support the construction and expansion of our new processing facility in Cambridge, Ontario leading to job creation and purposeful investment into our food product Research & Development initiatives – keeping Blendtek at the forefront of consumer and industry trends.”
“There’s a growing hunger for innovation in the food industry, and companies like Blendtek are meeting this challenge,” said Lisa Thompson. Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “The research and development being done at the Blendtek Cambridge facility will not only create good paying jobs, but it will ensure that Ontario remains a world leader in food production and processing. Our government is proud to invest in businesses that take a collaborative approach in fostering technological advancements in the agri-food sector.”
RTS Companies Inc. is investing $5 million to construct a new 15,000-square-foot facility to accommodate production of disinfectant wipes for hard surfaces such as shopping carts. Ontario is investing $500,000 from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, which will support RTS in creating 12 jobs and retaining 23 positions. Locally sourced inputs will allow the company to control its supply chain and meet consumer demand for new products. RTS customers include major chains such as Loblaws, Home Depot, Canadian Tire, Lowes, and Tim Hortons.
“Regional Development Funding is allowing us to expand our domestic operations, providing locally manufactured PPE products to the market here in Canada, both through our own brands and private-label opportunities with our retail partners,” said Graham Lobban, CEO/President of RTS Companies Inc. “We are extremely proud to be expanding our operations here in St. Clements. This announcement combines our commitment to our local community and our trusted customers as well.”
Delta Elevator Company Ltd. is investing more than $4.5 million to help the company expand and modify operations at a new facility. Ontario is investing more than $227,000 from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, which will support Kitchener-based Delta Elevator in creating 47 jobs and retaining 151 positions. The project will improve efficiency and production capacity, as well as add new in-house capabilities and result in a 15-20 per cent reduction in outsourcing. The R&D is related to the development of novel elevator system configurations.
“With over 50 years of history in Southern Ontario, Delta Elevator is pleased to be able to continue its growth with the help of this grant,” said Andrew Friedel, President of Delta Elevator. “It will help create jobs, increase capacity, and improve production processes.”
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.