Government of Canada supports the scale-up and growth of three southwestern Ontario businesses
News release
FedDev Ontario announces $5.6 million to help three local businesses scale up operations and create more than 115 new jobs
October 30, 2020 – London, Ontario
From world-class post-secondary institutions and urban technology firms, to the manufacturing and industrial corridor along the 401 and a strong agricultural centre, southwestern Ontario is a rich and diverse region, home to a variety of industries that are vital to Canada’s economy. During this time of economic uncertainty, businesses in the region need to focus on innovation, technology and the development of efficient processes to take advantage of new opportunities to come back strong, stay competitive and grow their workforces.
Helping companies innovate to bolster resilience and competitiveness
Today, Kate Young, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, announced a total FedDev Ontario investment of $5.6 million to support the scale-up and growth of three companies in the region: Factory Bucket, Titan Trailers and Oxford Pallet & Recyclers Ltd. (Oxford Pallet).
Factory Bucket is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) provider based in London, Ontario. Founded in 2016, the company continues to develop its digital platform to help manufacturers of all sizes digitize workflows and maximize the efficiency of their operations. The company is capitalizing on growing demand for its innovative solutions, including the opportunity to implement across a network of more than 1,000 suppliers locally and around the world. With a $500,000-repayable contribution from FedDev Ontario, Factory Bucket will scale up the development and sales of its software, configure solutions to specific supplier needs and market globally, continuing to diversify its client base. Through this project, Factory Bucket expects to create more than 20 skilled jobs in London.
Titan Trailers designs and manufactures custom aluminum trailers for bulk cargo and shipping industries, such as waste management, recycling, agriculture, forestry and construction. FedDev Ontario’s repayable contribution of $4.1 million supported the construction of its newly-modernized Delhi facility, the reconfiguration of its newly-acquired Tillsonburg facility and the purchase of advanced production equipment. With this support, Titan Trailers has increased its annual production capacity from 600 to 1,500 trailers, and created 75 skilled jobs between Tillsonburg and Delhi.
Oxford Pallet operates a wood pallet recycling business in Norwich, Ontario. Established in 1999, the company has grown from a small pallet repair shop with six employees to a multi-service, state-of-the-art facility, currently employing 68 full-time workers. It serves customers all over southern Ontario and is a critical part of the supply chain for many companies such as Scotts Canada and Lowe’s Distribution Centre. With a $1-million repayable contribution from FedDev Ontario, the company will install new, advanced equipment, including a custom-designed automated pallet sort line in its new 48,000-sq. ft. facility. This innovative technology will enable Oxford Pallet to increase productivity and completely recycle scrap pallets with zero waste, resulting in positive environmental impacts. Through this project, the company expects to create 20 quality jobs in Norwich.
Together, these investments will support the creation of more than 115 jobs and leverage more than $11 million in additional investments for the region.
Quotes
“Small- and medium-sized businesses are at the heart of our regional economies and a source of local employment and pride. Helping companies like Factory Bucket, Titan Trailers, and Oxford Pallet innovate, adopt new technology and equipment, expand and scale up at the right time so they can create jobs remains a top priority for our government.”
- Kate Young, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (FedDev Ontario)
“The Government of Canada is proud to support these three projects that build on the region’s ability to innovate across many sectors. As we work to build back better, it is encouraging to see these local companies seize opportunities for growth, not only strengthening our economy, but also creating more than 115 quality jobs in the region. We are here with them every step of the way.”
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario
“On behalf of our family and team here at Oxford Pallet & Recyclers Ltd., we would like to thank FedDev Ontario for the incredible financial contribution towards our project. This will further enable us to expand in our rural community, to create jobs, and to advance in creating a cleaner environment by continuing to recycle wooden pallets, cardboards, and plastics, thus eliminating mass waste being put into our landfills. We are excited for this new endeavor and adventure!”
- Henk Vrugteveen, President and Owner, Oxford Pallet & Recyclers Ltd.
“We are grateful to have the financial backing of our customers, local Roundhouse Accelerator program, London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) and now our federal government. It really does take a village to support up-and-coming companies like Factory Bucket. Adding FedDev Ontario to our list of partners helps Factory Bucket immensely in our mission to support our customers and grow key economic industries like manufacturing and information and communication technologies.”
- David Uram, Founder, Factory Bucket
“The funding assistance from FedDev Ontario enabled Titan to proceed with the expansion plans resulting in increased production capacity and employment. Titan is a world leader in trailer innovation and aluminum fabrication and continues to meet the demands of a challenging industry through its commitment to Research and Development”.
- Mike Kloepfer, President and Founder, Titan Trailers
Quick facts
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With over 20 years of expertise, Oxford Pallet’s products include: new wood pallets, refurbished pallets, wooden material handling bins, crates, flower racks, and mulch which is used for biofuel and bedding for cattle. FedDev Ontario’s contribution of $1 million to support the company’s expansion will leverage over $9 million in private investment.
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With a team of 15 employees, Factory Bucket is supporting the transition to Industry 4.0 by digitizing manufacturing operations through a no-code platform designed so non-technical employees can easily solve everyday business challenges.
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FedDev Ontario’s contribution of $500,000 will leverage over $1 million in private investment.
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This project opened opportunities for Titan Trailers in the global marketplace and doubled its supply chain spending. FedDev Ontario’s contribution of $4.1 million toward its expansion leveraged over $1.3 million in private investment.
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Since November 2015, FedDev Ontario has invested over $86 million in more than 130 projects in the Middlesex, Oxford and Norfolk census divisions.
Associated links
Contacts
Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
catherine.mounier-desrochers@canada.ca
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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