The provincial government has continued its efforts to support sectors vulnerable to U.S.-imposed tariffs.
Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie was at Unique Tool and Gauge Inc. in Tecumseh on Tuesday morning, to announce $4.8-million in provincial investments for four local companies.
These provincial investments will be added to a total of $38.3-million being pledged by the four companies to create 69 new jobs.
Dowie said the investments represent Queens Park's continued commitment to supporting manufacturers in the region.
"What these grants help to do is to solidify our footprint in manufacturing right here in our community," said Dowie. "These supports put us on a level playing field with our competitors overseas and in the United States."
Darcy King, owner of Unique Tool and Gauge, said his company never considered setting up shop somewhere else.
"This is where I grew up, and this is where our tooling headquarters is," said King. "To me, it's important to invest in our community and give back to our community. It's just close to my heart. I believe in this area, and I believe in our people."
Unique Tool and Gauge will receive $500,000 from the province. The company is investing $5,341,532 to create two new CNC universal machining centres and bring injection mold production in-house.
Delko Prebeg, COO of Omega Tool Corporation, said his company will be full strength with additional jobs added.
"We're probably looking at six to eight jobs in our area, looking at our integrated manufacturing to be able to improve our value proposition for our customers, and looking at something more than just a toolmaker, more of an execution partner," said Prebeg.
Omega Tool will get $1,350,000 from the province on top of the $10.2-million it is investing, to purchase a new injection molding press.
Also receiving provincial grants on Tuesday is Les Ailments Dainty Foods Inc. for a new production line in Windsor, capable of producing up to 60 million microwaveable retort rice pouches a year. The provincial grant is $2,431,095 along with the company's $16.2-million investment.
Paskal Canada Ltd will renovate its Tecumseh facility and purchase new equipment with the $607,200 in provincial grants. The company is putting up $6,646,203.
The provincial share of the funding is coming from Ontario's Regional Development Program-Southwestern Ontario Development Fund stream.
