FedDev Ontario investment helps bring first-of-its-kind production line to the table for Woodlore International
News release
$2.5 million to help longstanding Brampton manufacturer scale up to meet demand and decrease environmental footprint
November 13, 2020 – Brampton, Ontario
Advanced manufacturing is a cornerstone of Canada’s economy, producing goods for domestic and international markets while supporting well-paying jobs for Canadians across the country. As technology transforms manufacturing, southern Ontario companies are innovating and revolutionizing their processes to stay on the cutting edge as they seek opportunities for growth and recovery in the face of COVID-19.
Automating processes to boost capacity and meet market demand
Today, Maninder Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Brampton East, announced a FedDev Ontario investment of $2.5 million to support the scale-up of Woodlore International Inc. (Woodlore), a family-owned manufacturer of commercial grade office furniture and storage units, and other products for the healthcare, education and hospitality sectors. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).
Through this expansion project, Woodlore will adopt a combination of Industry 4.0 manufacturing software and AI-enabled technologies to implement a state-of-the-art automated furniture panel production line—the first of its kind in Ontario—to increase capacity by nearly 50 percent and to satisfy market demand. In addition, Woodlore’s expansion will reduce raw material scraps to 13 percent, supporting Woodlore’s competitive sustainability efforts to divert waste from landfills.
With FedDev Ontario support, Woodlore will create six new full-time jobs and upskill 18 existing jobs to higher paid operating positions, with the goal of creating more jobs in the future. By 2022, Woodlore expects to inject $24 million into the regional supply chain each year, as it sources over 85 percent of its materials from local Ontario suppliers.
Quotes
“Today’s investment brings great news to the Brampton community. We proudly support local manufacturers like Woodlore International, who have been in operation here for nearly 40 years, as they work to adopt new production capabilities, meet market demand and create new jobs. Our Government is making investments that will enable businesses in all regions of our country to scale-up and access the capital needed to succeed in the post-pandemic economy.”
- Maninder Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Brampton East
“Now is a critical time for us to have the backs of our businesses and workers. Today’s announcement represents a step forward towards a stronger and greener economy by increasing our supply chain technology investments and creating good jobs in our communities. Our Government is working hard to implement numerous measures in support of businesses, organizations, communities and all Canadians as we navigate this uncertain time.”
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“We’re proud to be partnered with FedDev Ontario to help secure our 4.0 vision propelling our automated processes. Innovating our manufacturing capabilities now is critical to our future competitiveness.”
- William Phillips Jr., President, Woodlore International Inc.
Quick facts
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More than one in 10 of Ontario’s jobs are in the manufacturing sector, recognized as Canada’s manufacturing heartland.
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Advanced manufacturing has contributed to a large share of job creation, accounting for half of the approximately 45,000 skilled jobs created in Ontario since 2010.
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With its team of more than 300 employees, Woodlore currently operates from its recently expanded 140,000-square-foot facility in Brampton. The company continues to build upon its nearly 40 years of experience by adopting lean manufacturing processes to boost production capacity and stay competitive.
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FedDev Ontario’s repayable contribution will leverage an additional $9.5 million in private sector investment.
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Since November 2015, FedDev Ontario has invested over $18.3 million in nearly 62 projects in Brampton.
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
fdo.mediarel-relmedias.fdo@canada.ca
Toll Free: 1-866-593-55
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