Federal government invests in Techo-Bloc to establish state-of-the-art facility in Ayr

From: Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

News release

$2.5 million for sustainable pavement producer to expand, adopt Industry 4.0 capabilities and create 50 local jobs

March 4, 2021 - Ayr, 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, companies are expanding and innovating their processes to stay on the cutting edge while they seek opportunities for growth in the face of COVID-19.

Paving the way for economic growth and recovery in a vibrant rural community  

Today, Bryan May, Member of Parliament for Cambridge, announced a FedDev Ontario repayable contribution of $2.5 million for Techo-Bloc Inc., a leading manufacturer of permeable pavement, an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional concrete. 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).

With this investment, Techo-Bloc Inc. will establish a production facility in the rural community of Ayr, Ontario, creating 50 highly-skilled, full-time, permanent jobs in the areas of manufacturing, engineering and management. At this facility, Techo-Bloc Inc. will employ first-in-Canada, state-of-the-art production equipment, implement research and development facilities and an on-site product demonstration area.

The expansion will allow Techo-Bloc Inc. to meet rising demand in Canada and the United States for permeable pavement, which provides significant environmental benefits such as reduced flooding and soil contamination. Additionally, this solution requires less infrastructure such as pipes, storm drains, and retention ponds, further reducing the environmental impact and cost of implementation for municipalities.

It will also mean Techo-Bloc Inc. will increase its Ontario supplier purchases by an estimated $9 million annually.

Quotes

“Today’s investment enables Techo-Bloc Inc. to create 50 permanent, good jobs close to home in Ayr, supporting our community’s economic recovery. We welcome and support Techo-Bloc’s expansion in the region and look forward to seeing its continued success in Canada and across North America.”
- Bryan May, Member of Parliament for Cambridge 

“Our government is proud to have been there for Canadian businesses since day one of this pandemic, working to ensure they make it through this crisis and are well-positioned to succeed in our economic recovery. We are proud to support Techo-Bloc Inc. as it expands to retain, innovate and grow, while strengthening its position as a leading Canadian producer of environmentally-sustainable building products.”
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“Helping local communities and local municipalities create jobs will ensure that no region of Ontario is left behind as we emerge from the pandemic and lay the foundation for long-term growth and opportunity. By attracting private-sector investment, creating jobs, and supporting growth in the Ayr region, Techo-Bloc will be a corner stone in the community for years to come.”   
- The Honourable Vic Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

“Techo-Bloc’s decision to invest in Ayr is a proof point that Southwest Ontario will continue to be a major manufacturing hub today, and into the future. Our talented workforce will continue to attract investment and support growth as Ontario emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
- Amy Fee, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener South–Hespeler, and Mike Harris, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener–Conestoga

“We are thrilled to be establishing a manufacturing presence in Ayr, Ontario. The support from our government will help us continue to innovate, support the local community, and compete at a North American level.”
- Charles Ciccarello, Founder and President, Techo-Bloc Inc.

Quick facts

  • Advanced manufacturing has contributed to a large share of job creation in Ontario, accounting for half of the 45,000 skilled jobs created since 2010. 

  • In March 2020, Techo-Bloc Inc. was named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies by Canadian Business.

  • This investment will leverage an additional $28.3 million in other investment, including a $1.5-million contribution through the Regional Development Program Southwestern Ontario Development Fund through the Government of Ontario.

  • Established in 1989 and headquartered in St. Hubert, Quebec, Techo-Bloc Inc. is a family-owned advanced manufacturer of premier landscaping products.  

  • In addition to its Ayr, Ontario facility, Techo-Bloc Inc. operates three manufacturing plants in Quebec and five in the United States (in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Indiana and Illinois), employing more than 650 full-time employees across North America. 

  • Since November 2015, FedDev Ontario has invested $555.7 million in 322 manufacturing projects across southern Ontario.

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: 1-866-593-5505
Website: www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca

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