Two Brantford companies bring innovation to manufacturing processes
News release
Government of Canada supports longstanding local manufacturers to scale up, diversify and create over 30 new jobs
March 5, 2020 — Brantford, Ontario
With over 35 years in business, LC Bakery Equipment Services Ltd. (LC Bakery), recently rebranded as Casasanta Baking Solutions, is a family-owned designer, manufacturer and custom builder of a range of bakery equipment and accessories. Drawing on founder Luigi Casasanta’s long career in the industry, the next generation has grown the company to 50 employees and developed a reputation for quality bakery equipment and customer service. LC Bakery is now undertaking expansion plans to boost its production capacity and diversity to new markets.
Established in 1912, SLACAN Industries Inc. (SLACAN) is Canada’s largest designer and manufacturer of high-quality poleline hardware serving the growing electrical utility and communication markets. The company employs 176 people at its 150,000-square-foot facility on 14 acres in Brantford. With over a century of experience and evolution in forging, stamping and machining, SLACAN is embracing innovation to grow and help boost its competitiveness and expand its product offerings.
Increasing productivity and strengthening competitiveness
LC Bakery will add 16,500 square feet of production space to its facility, which includes a new test kitchen for customers, and a new automated processing line that can punch, shear and bend raw materials. The use of artificial intelligence will reduce lead times by up to 50 percent and material processing times by up to 97 percent. In addition, LC Bakery will be able to finalize the development of its first-to-market proprietary drying and racking system, and diversify into the emerging cannabis industry.
SLACAN will implement first-in-Canada green technology used in the protection, quality and increased strength of its products. This technology produces a minimal amount of waste and uses a shot blast to clean parts, which eliminates the use of environmentally harmful acids. SLACAN will also introduce an automated forging process, allowing for higher precision and optimal efficiency.
Today, Kate Young, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (FedDev Ontario), announced a FedDev Ontario contribution of nearly $1.5 million for LC Bakery and nearly $2.7 million for SLACAN to support these projects.
Creating local jobs and supply chain benefits
With Government of Canada support, LC Bakery will create 15 full-time jobs and will nearly triple its supply chain purchases by 2021, sourcing all of its raw materials from Canadian suppliers. SLACAN will create 16 full-time jobs in Brantford and will increase its supply chain purchases, sourcing the majority of its raw materials from suppliers in Ontario.
Quotes
“Today’s investments will help two important Brantford manufacturers to further develop their innovation to remain competitive in Canadian and international markets. Through FedDev Ontario’s investment, we have been able to not only support our local workers and local industries, but we are also driving economic growth across Brantford.”
- Kate Young, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (FedDev Ontario)
“Our government supports manufacturers like LC Bakery and SLACAN. By helping businesses to invest in equipment that will enhance their productivity and output, we are enabling them to strengthen their local economies and create good jobs for Canadians. We are proud to support these companies as they bring their innovative ideas to the work they do.”
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
“FedDev Ontario support will be critical in helping LC Bakery Equipment Services Ltd. (Casasanta Baking Solutions) stay at the forefront of the ever-changing emerging markets. Investments in advanced technology today ensure all of us a better tomorrow. We are grateful for the funding support and excited about the enabled export opportunities. We have built a reputation of quality and excellence in our field. We are proud of our heritage and the growth that has occurred over the past year. We are proud to be based in Brantford and represent our company’s innovations globally.”
- Vic Casasanta, Vice-President of Operations, LC Bakery Equipment Services Ltd
“The technological improvements sweeping through our manufacturing space are not only a huge step for the forging industry, but would rival any modern manufacturing facility. It is a unique blend of cutting-edge advanced manufacturing and century-old processes, which will enable SLACAN to continue our long tradition of manufacturing in Ontario.”
- Acey Kaspar, Director of Engineering & Quality Assurance, SLACAN Industries Inc.
Quick facts
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LC Bakery Equipment Services Ltd. provides baking solutions through modular designs, such as commercial and industrial baking ovens, automated proofing systems and material handling solutions. Its products are exported to customers internationally.
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SLACAN Industries Inc. develops distribution, extra high voltage (EHV) transmission and other hardware that is able to withstand extreme frigid weather and provide superior durability and longevity, relied on by the utilities sector across North America.
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FedDev Ontario’s repayable contribution for LC Bakery will leverage nearly $4.4 million in private sector investment, while its repayable contribution for SLACAN will leverage nearly $5.6 million in private sector investment. SLACAN also received $330,000 under the Steel and Aluminum Initiative to acquire equipment to help achieve improvements to quality, delivery systems and waste management.
Associated links
Contacts
Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
416-954-6652
fdo.mediarel-relmedias.fdo@canada.ca
Toll Free: 1-866-593-5505
Website: www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca
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