Welland, Ontario
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.
