Government of Canada invests to help maximize business growth and advanced manufacturing opportunities in Thunder Bay
FedNor funding helps local manufacturers modernize their operations, scale up and create 22 jobs
Manufacturing is one of Canada's most important economic sectors, contributing a large share (1.7 million) of Canada’s full-time, well-paying jobs across a wide range of industries. With the help of the Government of Canada, Northern Ontario companies are innovating and modernizing their processes to stay on the cutting edge. This involves transforming their operations, adopting new technologies, improving productivity and maintaining a highly skilled workforce.
Marcus Powlowski, Member of Parliament, Thunder Bay—Rainy River, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor, today announced a Government of Canada investments totalling $848,748 to help three local businesses expand their operations, enhance competitiveness and boost profitability. Once complete, these strategic initiatives are expected to help create 22 high-quality jobs in the City of Thunder Bay.
The three local companies that will benefit from investments provided through FedNor’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program and its Steel and Aluminum Initiative, include: Nu-Tech Metals Sales & Service Ltd. , Thunder Bay Hydraulics and, Heartbeat Hot Sauce Co.
COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of innovation in manufacturing. With the support of the Government of Canada, industries are reassessing their models and adapting their operations to better serve clients, while continuing to find opportunities for development and growth. As we safely reopen Canada’s economy, the government will continue to support manufacturers in developing new technologies and creating highly skilled jobs for Canadians.
Quotes
“Thunder Bay—Rainy River has a wealth of manufacturing expertise and I’m thrilled that FedNor is lending its support to help maximize our region’s economic potential. I had the opportunity to see first hand how Nu-Tech Metals and Thunder Bay Hydraulics are using this investment to diversify their operations and create good jobs here in Northwestern Ontario. Heartbeat Hot Sauce has had amazing success as a relatively young company in our community and this investment will be put to good use as they expand their production and productivity and put their famous hot sauce and Thunder Bay on an even larger map than they already have.”
- Marcus Powlowski, Member of Parliament, Thunder Bay—Rainy River
“Today’s announcement is further proof of our government’s commitment to supporting manufacturers through these challenging times. With the help of our regional development agencies, like FedNor in Northern Ontario, we are making investments that enable manufacturers across Canada to expand their operations, enter new markets and take their businesses to the next level.”
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor
“Thunder Bay’s manufacturing sector continues to fuel our recovery efforts and drive our economy forward in a meaningful and positive way. Today’s announcement alone will create 22 local jobs and help three innovative firms scale up. The boost in production and increased sales these investments will help achieve are significant and will deliver lasting economic results for our region.”
- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, and Member of Parliament, Thunder Bay-Superior North
“We are thankful for this Government of Canada support through FedNor as it will assist us in growing our business and becoming more competitive. The purchase of a state-of-the-art fiber laser cutting table will not only help us to better service our clients, but it will also introduce a new dimension to the metal fabrication sector throughout the region.”
- Robert Felbel & Glen Major, Owners, Nu-Tech Metals Sales & Service
“Expanding into the commercial hydraulic scissor lift market is a game changer for our company. FedNor support is allowing us to expand our product line and upgrade our facilities. We fully expect this expansion will allow us double our annual sales and production, helping to take our business to new heights.”
- Jamie Crozier, Manager, Thunder Bay Hydraulics, Inc.
“Heartbeat Hot Sauce has become so popular that we need a bigger building, more capacity, larger workforce, and upgraded production processes to keep pace with demand. We have a hot commodity on our hands and we’re thrilled that FedNor is partnering with us to make this expansion possible.”
- Nancy Shaw, Owner, Heartbeat Hot Sauce Co.
Quick Facts
- The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, as well as its Steel and Aluminum Initiative.
- Funding made available through the Steel and Aluminum Initiative is provided on a non-repayable basis to steel and aluminum users for investments in innovative projects that create jobs and enhance business productivity and/or competitiveness.
- Accounting for approximately $174 billion of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP), manufacturing represents more than 10 per cent of Canada's total GDP, which includes more than $354 billion in exports each year.
- Since 2015, FedNor has invested over $47 million in 69 manufacturing projects across Northern Ontario.
