FedDev Ontario supports clean manufacturing growth in Kingston
News release
Government of Canada invests $2.6 million in woman-led manufacturer to commercialize clean technology, accelerate growth and create 29 skilled jobs.
April 15, 2021 - Kingston, Ontario
Ontario’s cleantech sector is helping communities, businesses and organizations across the globe implement effective, efficient solutions to environmental challenges. The City of Kingston, situated along Lake Ontario between Toronto and Ottawa, with its world-class research capabilities and highly-educated workforce, is well on its way to becoming a centre for clean technology in Ontario.
Kingston is also recognized as one of the best places in Canada to work as a woman. That is why Betty Pilon, President of Kingston Aluminum Technology Inc. (KAT), chose to relocate to the region in 2018 and join her sons in their clean manufacturing business. KAT is a family-run manufacturer of custom aluminum bottles that are easier to recycle, reuse, and transport than cans, plastic or glass bottles. The company uses patented leading-edge blow-molding technology to produce reusable bottle shapes for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical markets.
Kingston Aluminum Technology Inc. is receiving a FedDev Ontario repayable contribution of $2.6 million to support scale up and clean growth efforts, while maintaining 10 existing jobs and creating 29 new quality jobs in the region.
With FedDev Ontario support, KAT will further commercialize its unique blow-molding technology, enabling the company to implement an in-house production line to fulfill custom orders as well as manufacture and licence the use of its innovative aluminum technology. The company will also be able to increase the rate at which it can transform raw aluminum, producing 100 percent recyclable aluminum bottles, helping reduce the need for plastics in an industry currently consumed by plastic. Additionally, funding will allow KAT to boost its efforts to use BPA-NI free powder coatings—an environmentally conscious alternative.
This project will leverage an additional $11.8 million in private sector and other investments for the Kingston community. It will also strengthen the regional supply chain through increased purchases from local engineers and mechanical parts suppliers.
Quotes
“This investment from FedDev Ontario is great news for both the City of Kingston and for Canada as a whole. By investing in innovative clean manufacturing solutions, such as what Kingston Aluminum Technology offers, we are investing in a smaller carbon footprint, a greener future and the addition of 29 new skilled jobs for the region.”
-Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands
“Our Government understands that climate action and economic growth go hand in hand, which is why investments in clean manufacturers, like Kingston Aluminum Technology, are great examples of how the Government of Canada is supporting Canada’s transition to a greener economy. Our message to manufacturers is clear: we’ve long supported the manufacturing industry, and we’re working with you to support good jobs and help as you build back stronger.”
-The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“After completing the blow molding technology, our next goal was to redesign the production process of an aluminum impact extrusion line to reduce the carbon footprint of the preforms needed in the manufacture of our custom shaped aluminum bottles. We wanted an energy-efficient small footprint production plant for entrepreneurial run beverage companies to produce their own cost competitive small batch orders, close to their home markets. The funds provided by FedDev Ontario have helped us achieve these goals, and will help continue the development of the technology using the rich knowledge base that resides in our region and our country.”
-Betty Pilon, President, Kingston Aluminum Technology Inc.
Quick facts
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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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Since November 2015, FedDev Ontario has invested over $297 million in 675 projects in support of women entrepreneurship.
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FedDev Ontario has invested over $378 million in 117 clean tech projects since 2015.
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Since November 2015, FedDev Ontario has invested over $20 million in over 30 projects in Kingston City.
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
Stay connected
Website: www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca
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