Advanced manufacturing is a cornerstone of Canada’s economy, producing goods for domestic and international markets while supporting well-paying jobs. In the face of both of COVID-19 and climate change, southern Ontario companies are adopting innovative processes and products to stay on the cutting edge and spur growth.
Today, the Honourable Deb Schulte, Minister of Seniors and Member of Parliament for King–Vaughan, announced a total FedDev Ontario repayable contribution of $3.9 million to support the scale-up and growth of two leading manufacturers: Kumi Canada Corporation (Kumi Canada) and York Metal Products. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario.
Kumi Canada is a leading supplier of injection molding and assembly products for the automotive sector. With $2 million in FedDev Ontario support, Kumi Canada will expand its Bradford facility by 60,000 square-feet, install advanced energy-efficient equipment, increase production capacity by 40 percent, and create 60 new jobs in Bradford. The Industry 4.0 and Internet of Things-compatible equipment will allow Kumi Canada to automate and integrate its processes, reducing costs and energy consumption. This investment will leverage an additional $15.7 million in private sector investment and strengthen automotive sector supply chain spending in southern Ontario.
York Metal Products is a leading metal fabricator that works with customers in a range of sectors to develop improved designs and processes that lower cost and improve performance. With $1.9 million in FedDev Ontario support, York Metal Products will purchase advanced automation and robotic equipment to scale up production of its proprietary one-piece metal exhaust emission parts for the automotive sector and create 32 skilled manufacturing jobs in Concord. These parts drastically reduce greenhouse gases and reduce or eliminate other exhaust emissions and are more cost effective than competing products. This investment will leverage an additional $10.8 million in private sector investment and will allow the company to meet growing demand from the North American auto industry.
Quotes
“Today’s announcement for Kumi Canada and York Metal Products demonstrates our Government’s commitment to help businesses thrive and move forward in the face of the pandemic. As southern Ontario’s auto sector works to maintain its position both on the domestic and international stage, we are doing our part to help manufacturers boost production, increase operational efficiencies and strengthen the sector’s supply chain, while creating more than 90 jobs in Concord and Bradford.”
– The Honourable Deb Schulte, Minister of Seniors and Member of Parliament for King–Vaughan
“Our government is there to support businesses through this economic crisis and ensure they are positioned to succeed in a stronger, greener and more resilient economy post-recovery. Today’s announcement represents a step forward for our automotive manufacturers by increasing production capabilities and creating skilled manufacturing jobs, while helping Canada to achieve its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.”
– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“Kumi Canada continually invests in our people, equipment and facilities to further develop our class leading injection molding and automation technology. Our team on the plant floor uses their knowledge and experience to harness existing and emerging technologies to maintain our competitive advantage. FedDev Ontario’s support further leverages these advantages and empowers Kumi Canada to continue to be a world-class supplier to the automotive industry.”
– Justin Moreau, President, Kumi Canada
“On behalf of the employees, customers and suppliers of York Metal Products, I wish to express our sincere appreciation for FedDev Ontario’s support. The scale-up program is providing our company with the support needed to successfully grow our business through the acquisition and adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies. Many new jobs will be created through this initiative, while advancing Canada’s strategic initiatives to be a global leader in clean technology.”
– David Myers, President, York Metal Products
Quick facts
Advanced manufacturing accounts for half of the 45,000 skilled jobs created in Ontario since 2010.
Established in 1997, Kumi Canada is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kumi Kasei (Japan) and is part of the Kumi North American Group. In 2016, Kumi Canada was recognized as a top supplier to Honda for a fourth year in a row, receiving the Excellence in Delivery and Quality Award.
Incorporated in 2000, York Metal Products supports a number of applications in numerous sectors, outside the automotive sector, including the supply of positive seal proprietary air flow control valves that are used in hospitals, electricity transformer housings for the power industry and air supply components for the mining industry.
One hundred percent of the products manufactured by York Metal Products are targeted to reduce greenhouse gases and reduce or eliminate other exhaust emissions from reaching the environment.
In the Speech from the Throne, the Government of Canada committed to immediately bringing forward a plan to exceed Canada’s 2030 climate goal and to legislate Canada’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
Since November 2015, FedDev Ontario has invested $555.7 million in 322 manufacturing projects across southern Ontario.