NEWS RELEASE
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA
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Canada is positioned as a global leader in innovation thanks to its thriving manufacturing sector, characterized by cutting-edge technology. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting our local manufacturing firms as they adopt new processes and develop made-in-Canada products to strengthen their position in global supply chains and create good jobs for Canadians.
Today, on behalf of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), Vance Badawey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport and Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre, along with Chris Bittle, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for St. Catharines, visited Niagara College to announce over $6.5 million for three projects supporting southern Ontario’s manufacturing sector.
During the visit, PS Badawey announced a Government of Canada investment of $4 million for the Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation (SONAMI). This Niagara College-led network is made up of 11 post-secondary institution (PSIs) partners across southern Ontario that pool together resources and expertise to match PSIs with the needs of manufacturers to find innovative solutions to their manufacturing challenges. This investment will support SONAMI as it continues to bring technical and industry leadership, equipment, expertise and solutions to participating manufacturers across southern Ontario with a focus on clean growth. SONAMI will also continue to foster future talent by involving students in projects with participating companies. The program is expected to support up to 90 businesses, create 45 new products, services or processes, and create or license 100 new intellectual properties.
While at Niagara College, PS Badawey also announced support for two manufacturers in the Niagara region: CMI Heavy Industries and Black Creek Metal Inc. With an investment of $1.5 million, CMI Heavy Industries will increase production capacity and automate operations through the purchase and installation of advanced manufacturing equipment.
Black Creek Metal, is receiving $1 million as they expand their second facility in Thorold. This project will support the company as it enhances production capacity by purchasing new equipment and adopting new technologies that will increase efficiencies.
The Government of Canada is supporting businesses, organizations and entrepreneurs to ensure they have the support they need to innovate and grow, creating good jobs for Canadians.
Quotes:
“The important work being done by manufacturers like Black Creek Metal and CMI Heavy Industries, as well as the SONAMI network of post-secondary institutions in collaboration with businesses, will have impacts throughout Ontario. The Government of Canada is pleased to support these significant investments in the manufacturing sector. These contributions not only reflect our dedication to promoting innovation and sustainable economic growth but also emphasize the tremendous potential of our region’s manufacturers.” The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“I’m incredibly proud to see these substantial investments in the manufacturing sector across southern Ontario. By supporting our region’s innovative spirit and expanding production facilities, we are ensuring that the region remains a key player in Canada’s manufacturing landscape, particularly with the vital contributions of SONAMI and our local manufacturers Black Creek Metal and CMI Heavy Industries.” Vance Badawey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport and Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre
“This support for the manufacturing sector in southern Ontario will be transformative for local businesses. As we continue to champion growth and innovation throughout the region, these investments will help position our region as a hub of manufacturing excellence, bolstered by the important work of SONAMI and local manufacturers like CMI Heavy Industries and Black Creek Metal.” Chris Bittle, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for St. Catharines
“On behalf of Niagara College, we’re grateful to FedDev Ontario for their continued investment in SONAMI. We are proud to have become a key resource for advanced manufacturing applied research in southern Ontario. With this new investment, we will further leverage the regional ecosystem to bring robust technical and industry leadership, equipment, expertise and solutions to manufacturers across southern Ontario, and give students valuable real-world job experience to help them succeed in their future careers. This investment will enhance our focus on clean growth outcomes, ensuring sustainable and innovative advancements in the manufacturing sector.” Sean Kennedy, President, Niagara College
“This investment from FedDev Ontario has accelerated CMI Heavy Industries’ investments and advancements allowing our company to be more competitive globally. This investment ensures that high-paying manufacturing jobs stay in Niagara.” Shawn Rapone, Controller, CMI Heavy Industries
“The generous support from FedDev Ontario highlights the government’s commitment to driving business growth and enhancing productivity across southern Ontario. This funding will be transformative, significantly improving the capacity and precision of our operations. It will strengthen our position as an industry leader and ensure we remain competitive in our field.” Merle Beam, President, Black Creek Metal Inc.
Quick Facts:
- Led by Niagara College, SONAMI is a network of 11 post-secondary institutions, including: Centennial College, Conestoga College, Fanshawe College, Fleming College, George Brown College, Lambton College, McMaster University, Mohawk College, Sheridan College, and Queen’s University.
- FedDev Ontario previously provided Niagara College with $21.3 million in investments to first establish and then expand SONAMI.
- Established in 1922, CMI Heavy Industries is a leading provider of heavy fabricated, forged and cast machined components and assemblies. The company specializes in the design, manufacturing and maintenance of heavy industrial equipment and provides a comprehensive range of services to various industries including steel and iron, oil and gas, power generation, mining, construction and transportation.
- Founded in 1975 and incorporated in 1979, Black Creek Metal Inc. specializes in designing and manufacturing custom metal and structural steel for building frameworks.
- Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $885 million in 415 manufacturing projects, supporting over 26,000 jobs.
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