Government of Canada investing over $500,000 in support of manufacturing and innovation
FedNor funds will help grow Thunder Bay area businesses by supporting expansion of operations
Marcus Powlowski, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Rainy River, today announced a FedNor investment of $513,701 in support of two projects in the Thunder Bay area. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North.
Of the funding, $368,201 is supporting Venshore Mechanical to expand and upgrade their shop and acquire leading-edge equipment, including a metalworking brake and shear, and a plasma table. This project will create new capabilities in the region to produce ASME-certified, precision-fabricated tanks, pressure vessels, and plate.
BioNorth Solutions is receiving $145,500 to expand and upgrade their facility and to acquire laboratory equipment, including a large-scale centrifuge and bioreactors. This initiative will help develop environmental solutions including bio-products to encourage plant growth globally, and will foster the bio-remediation of contaminated properties found in Northern Ontario, in Canada, and internationally.
In addition to expanding two Northern Ontario businesses, anticipated benefits of these investments include: 17 jobs created, with 6 additional jobs expanded to full-time status and another 29 jobs maintained.
Quotes
“Thunder Bay is an important regional centre in Northern Ontario. When we invest in businesses here, we are laying the groundwork for growth and success across the region. Industrial operations are a big part of our economy, and these FedNor funds will support new infrastructure, innovation, and sustainability, all of which are critical to future development and prosperity.”
- Marcus Powlowski, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Rainy River
“This is an investment in innovation and growth for industries in Northern Ontario. It is also a clear signal from our government that we are here to support the creation of good-paying jobs for middle-class families in Thunder Bay.”
- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North
“These FedNor funds will allow us to build on and expand our fabrication services to include plate rolling and forming as well as pressure vessel manufacturing. Venshore Mechanical is well respected throughout Northwestern Ontario as the premiere industrial multi-trade contractor, and with the addition of our plate equipment work to our fabrication facility we can offer a complete package in house and build on our reputation for excellence, safety, and timeliness. We look forward to continuing to work with our industry partners across Canada.”
- John Jurcik, President, Venshore Mechanical
“At BioNorth Solutions, we work to address environmental contamination problems with innovative and effective technologies and products. We are proud to partner with FedNor and the Government of Canada to ensure that our communities are healthy and safe. We are passionate about improving and promoting plant and soil health, and being science-driven means efficient methods and natural results.”
- Amber Kivisto, President, BioNorth Solutions
Venshore Mechanical is the largest multi-trade industrial mechanical contractor and pipe fabricator in Northwestern Ontario. They provide mechanical services to various sectors, including pulp and paper, mining, energy, and transportation.
- BioNorth Solutions is a women-owned, women-led clean technology company that specializes in environmental remediation and plant growth promotion. Their products enable on-site treatment, avoiding transportation of contaminated soils to distant landfill sites, which results in simplified clean-up efforts and cost savings.
- The investments announced today are provided through FedNor's Regional Growth Through Innovation Fund (REGI), which supports the growth of Northern Ontario businesses, their expansion into new markets, and their adoption of new technologies and processes.
