Five businesses in the greater Kawarthas region are among 10 receiving nearly $6.6 million from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) to modernize operations, strengthen competitiveness, and expand products and services.
The five local recipients — Grayler Metals Corp., Kawartha Metals Corp., Merit Precision Ltd., Soluroc Cobourg Inc., and Thunderbird Farm — are receiving a combined $2.528 million in federal funding toward projects worth more than $5.36 million.
Peterborough MP Emma Harrison announced the funding on Thursday (October 15) on behalf of Evan Solomon, federal minister responsible for FedDev Ontario.
Three of the five businesses are located in the City of Peterborough.
Kawartha Metals Corp. is receiving $500,000 toward a $1-million project to expand its advanced steel-processing capabilities through specialized equipment.
Founded in 1994, the Peterborough company is one of the region’s largest suppliers and processors of steel, aluminum, brass, and plastic materials, serving customers in construction, manufacturing, and retail.
“This Kawartha Metals Corp. project, supported by FedDev Ontario, is key to reducing our production costs,” said company founder and owner Tom Elliott in a media release.
“In turn, it helps our manufacturing customers strengthen their operations, improve cost-effectiveness, and compete more successfully on the global stage.”
Grayler Metals Corp. is receiving $500,000 toward a $1.039-million project to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities through new equipment. The Fisher Drive company, which traces its history to 1990, supplies structural steel products and provides services including cutting, welding, sandblasting, drilling, and punching.
Merit Precision Ltd. is receiving $600,000 for a $1.385-million project to modernize its manufacturing operations while supporting the commercialization of new products and expansion into new markets.
The locally owned Fisher Drive manufacturer specializes in custom injection moulding and related engineering and tooling services, producing components for sectors including automotive, electrical, industrial, and sporting goods.
In Northumberland County, Soluroc Cobourg Inc. is receiving $700,000 toward a $1.713-million project to modernize and expand its domestic manufacturing capabilities. The company operates a facility on Brook Road North in Cobourg.
In the City of Kawartha Lakes, Thunderbird Farm in Woodville will receive $228,000, covering the full cost of its $228,000 project to expand its agri-tourism operations by introducing new year-round services and experiences.
A family-owned Indigenous business, Thunderbird Farm operates from a rural property on McIndoos Cemetery Road, where owners Brooks Johnson and Laurie Zacour have been developing the property as a destination for weddings, events, overnight stays, and other farm experiences since purchasing it in 2022.
The five businesses account for almost 40 per cent of the nearly $6.6 million being distributed through Thursday’s announcement.
“The City and County of Peterborough are home to innovative businesses and organizations that play an important role in strengthening our regional economy and supporting vibrant communities,” Harrison said.
“These investments will drive growth, foster innovation and support a strong future across our community.”
The other five Eastern Ontario recipients are CABN Co. Ltd. in Brockville, Continental Conveyor Ltd. in Napanee, FDF Race Shop in Trenton, Scapa Tapes North America ULC in Renfrew, and ZipGrow Inc. in Cornwall.
Brockville-based CABN, which manufactures prefabricated net-zero-ready homes, is receiving $521,500 toward a $1.477-million project to expand its on-site shipping and receiving infrastructure.
Continental Conveyor is receiving $1 million toward a $2.875-million project at its Napanee operation to adopt advanced manufacturing technologies and diversify into new markets.
Trenton-based FDF Race Shop, which designs and manufactures performance automotive components, is receiving $200,000 toward a $400,000 project to strengthen its supply chain and diversify into industrial manufacturing.
Scapa Tapes North America is receiving $2 million toward a $10.5-million project involving new advanced equipment and technologies at its Renfrew manufacturing operation.
Cornwall-based ZipGrow Inc. is receiving $300,000 toward a $600,000 project intended to diversify markets and improve productivity. The company develops vertical farming systems and technology.
According to FedDev Ontario, the 10 investments are intended to help the businesses adopt technology, increase production, strengthen supply chains, and move into new markets.
“Eastern Ontario’s businesses and organizations are driving innovation, economic growth and providing opportunities across southern Ontario,” Solomon said.
“Through today’s investments for these 10 businesses and organizations, the Government of Canada is supporting projects that will strengthen competitiveness, foster innovation and help pursue new opportunities for growth and success as we build Canada strong.”
