Province Investing in Local Businesses to Boost Growth in Brantford Area
Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
2021-07-28 09:00:00

BRANTFORD – The Ontario government is supporting an investment of $25 million by local manufacturers to help strengthen domestic manufacturing and attract investment in Brantford. The province is investing nearly $2.4 million in four Brantford-area businesses through the Regional Development Program that will help create 38 new jobs and retain 95 jobs in the area.

Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, made the announcement today in Brantford, where the four local manufacturers are located.

“As Ontario turns the corner on this pandemic, one of our top priorities is supporting economic growth across all regions of the province,” said Minister Fedeli. “These projects will make a significant impact in their local communities and economies. They will enable long-term measurable outcomes, including private-sector investments, job creation, job retention and strong regional growth.”

“This is good news for Brantford, southwestern Ontario and the whole province,” said Will Bouma, MPP for Brantford-Brant. “It is more important now than ever to make sure our local businesses have the support they need to invest, grow and attract talent.”

Brantford-based Grissin Bon is investing nearly $6 million to expand its food manufacturing facility by 26,000 square feet and add a new production line that will help the company enter a new segment of the bakery market and diversify its customer base. With $885,900 from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, they are creating 15 new jobs and retaining 20. The investment will allow the company to purchase new equipment to help expand its product offerings from breadsticks to other baked items.

“Grissin Bon is pleased to announce the expansion of its facility at 43 Roy Boulevard in Brantford and the acquisition of a state-of-the-art fine bakery production line,” said Grissin Bon CEO, Franco Veglio. “With support from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, the project will double food production capacity and offer quality products to Canadian businesses and consumers.”

Ontario is investing in three other Brantford-area projects.

Synergy Mouldworks is investing $3.5 million to expand its facility by 9,000 square feet, purchase new equipment, and increase capacity in research and development. With $500,000 from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, they are creating 5 new jobs and retaining 14,. With Ontario’s support, the company will optimize production efficiencies and innovation to enter into new markets. Synergy Mouldworks is a manufacturer of custom injection moulds for diverse markets including automotive, medical, pharmaceutical and consumer goods.

“Being selected for this funding allows Synergy to capitalize on new opportunities for innovation by investing in the latest developments in advanced manufacturing”, said Cory Robertson, President of Synergy Mouldworks. “This in turn creates an environment whereby we can further grow the efficiency and skillset of current and future team members. We’re excited for what the future holds for Synergy Mouldworks and the employment and economic opportunities for our community.”

Rembos is undertaking a $5.5 million investment in facility and infrastructure upgrades. Ontario is investing $500,000 from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund which will allow the company to increase overall production by 50 percent, increase efficiencies, develop new products and enter new markets. This investment will create 8 new jobs and retaining 36. Rembos is a wood products remanufacturer that creates high-grade wood from lumber mill seconds, including specialty trim, wall studs, fencing and pallet and truss components.

“Support from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund will enable Rembos to implement first-in-industry technology and innovation that will ensure our company’s long-term competitiveness and continued growth,” said Glenn Boothe, Rembos Vice President and Managing Partner. “This funding will support Rembos’ export expansion of remanufactured wood products to the eastern and southern U.S., create additional jobs at our Brantford facility, and expand our purchasing of Ontario forestry products by almost 200 per cent over the next 3 years.”

Elastochem Speciality Chemicals is investing over $10 million with $500,000 from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund to expand its product offerings, which are currently focused on sprayed polyurethane foam, to include low/non-combustible and energy-efficient insulation board. This new product would address two key issues facing architects and building designers: achieving a highly efficient thermal wall enclosure while reducing or eliminating fire risk. The company is creating 10 new jobs and retaining 25 with this investment. Elastochem specializes in polyurethane products for the construction industry.

“Elastochem is excited for its future here in Ontario. The investment from the South Western Ontario Development Fund helped finalize our decision to expand our current site in Brantford,” said Sam DiLoreto, Elastochem President. “The 50,000 sq. ft. expansion will allow us to implement newly developed resin manufacturing technology to meet the needs of the construction market for years to come.”

Ontario is investing more than $100 million through the Regional Development Program from 2019 to 2023 to support distinct regional priorities and challenges. The program provides cost-shared funding to businesses, municipalities and economic development organizations to help local communities attract investment, diversify their economies, and plan for long-term sustainability and growth.