Two Lindsay manufacturers are receiving more than $7 million from the Canadian government just two days before the Trump administration is scheduled to impose another round of tariffs on Canadian goods.
Federal artificial intelligence and digital innovation minister Evan Solomon, who is also the minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), was in Lindsay on Monday (August 17) to announce the funding for Mariposa Dairy and Armada Toolworks through the federal government’s Regional Tariff Response Initiative.
The announcement comes as additional 50 per cent tariffs on selected Canadian products are set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday. On July 20, U.S. President Donald Trump signed three proclamations imposing the tariffs in response to what his administration describes as Canada’s discriminatory treatment of American motor vehicle, alcohol, and dairy exports.
According to a White House fact sheet, the tariffs will apply to selected goods regardless of whether they comply with the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement. They will also be added to other applicable duties, although energy, potash, products already subject to certain sectoral tariffs, and some other goods are exempt.
The two Lindsay companies receiving federal funding operate in industries at the centre of the ongoing trade dispute. Mariposa Dairy produces goat and sheep milk cheese, while Armada Toolworks manufactures custom plastic parts and assemblies for the automotive sector.
Mariposa Dairy is receiving a repayable contribution of more than $6.5 million toward a $19.5-million expansion of its Lindsay operation. The project will expand the company’s facility and introduce advanced automated technology for processing, packaging, and shipping.
“FedDev Ontario’s funding has been instrumental in accelerating our automation journey, enabling us to invest in world-class manufacturing and shipping automation technologies that enhance efficiency, strengthen competitiveness, and support long-term growth,” said Mariposa Dairy co-owners Bruce and Sharon Vandenberg in a media release.
Incorporated in 2005, Mariposa Dairy grew from a small family-run farm business into one of Canada’s largest producers and processors of goat cheese. The company now operates two facilities with more than 80,000 square feet of combined space.
Armada Toolworks is receiving more than $650,000 toward a project valued at over $1.3 million.
The company will use the funding to modernize its operations by introducing new technology and manufacturing processes, increasing efficiency, and diversifying into the medical device industry.
“Armada is very excited about our business pivot into the medical device industry,” said company president Chris van den Berg.
“The federal government’s Regional Tariff Response Initiative investment will greatly assist the ability to invest in the capital equipment needed for this new venture. In the long term, this will allow Armada to continue to thrive and to retain and grow our Lindsay workforce.”
Founded in 2000, Armada Toolworks specializes in designing and manufacturing custom plastic components and assemblies for automotive customers.
“Local manufacturers are the backbone of Canada’s economy,” Solomon said. “Today’s investments in two Lindsay manufacturers, Mariposa Dairy Ltd. and Armada Toolworks Ltd., will support the adoption of advanced technologies, enhance productivity, help these businesses seize new opportunities, and remain competitive as we build Canada strong.”
Part of the Canadian government’s broader tariff response plan to protect Canadian businesses and workers, the Regional Tariff Response Initiative supports businesses affected directly or indirectly by tariffs and global trade disruptions.
Its goals include helping companies increase productivity, diversify into new markets, strengthen supply chains, and reduce their exposure to trade risks.
FedDev Ontario is continuing to accept applications from eligible southern Ontario businesses. Companies can normally request between $125,000 and $10 million in repayable funding or between $125,000 and $1 million in non-repayable funding.
Launch Kawartha, the local Community Futures Development Corporation funded by FedDev Ontario, has previously helped both Mariposa Dairy and Armada Toolworks access capital and business advice at earlier stages of their development.
Over the past four decades, the non-profit organization has provided more than $50 million in loans, contributed to the creation or maintenance of more than 9,400 jobs, and responded to over 17,000 requests for business support and capital advice across Kawartha Lakes.
