Government of Canada supports seven Eastern Ontario businesses to scale up and grow

From: Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

News release

FedDev Ontario investment will help local businesses as they enhance their manufacturing capabilities

March 5, 2025 – Kingston, Ontario

Eastern Ontario is a thriving centre for research and development, where innovation drives a range of key sectors. To foster continued growth and ensure a strong economic future, the Government of Canada is making investments in local businesses, equipping them with the necessary resources and support to succeed now and in the years to come.

Today, on behalf of the Honourable Ruby Sahota, Minister of Democratic Institutions and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, visited SnapCab Canada (SnapCab) to meet with employees and learn how this company is designing and manufacturing custom modular interior spaces.

While there, MP Gerretsen announced a combined investment of nearly $5.9 million for seven Eastern Ontario businesses: Cancoil Thermal Corporation, Custom Plastics International Ltd., Kingston Frameworks, Lighthouse Cabinetry, OPTT Inc., SnapCab and Spectra Plasmonics Inc. With this funding, these companies will scale their operations and adopt new technology and equipment that will enhance their productivity and competitiveness as they serve new and existing markets.  

Part of today’s announcement includes an investment of $900,000 for SnapCab to scale its manufacturing capabilities for its modular and customizable privacy office pods at its Kingston facility. As a result, the company will be able to decrease lead times and improve its productivity. Information on the projects is included in the backgrounder.

Across Canada, businesses are developing the ideas and products of the future. The Government of Canada is investing in our businesses to ensure they have the tools they need for success and that Canada remains a competitive leader in new and emerging technological and manufacturing innovations going forward.

Quotes

“When we invest in Canadian innovation, we’re not only directly increasing Canada’s potential and economic growth, we are also helping make products that will benefit Canadians. Today’s announcement for these seven Eastern Ontario companies strengthens their competitiveness, supports good jobs and drives growth in the local economy.”
– The Honourable Ruby Sahota, Minister of Democratic Institutions and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)

"Today’s announcement is great news for Eastern Ontario and Kingston’s vibrant entrepreneurial and business community. These investments equip seven businesses with the support they need as they scale up and create local jobs that are critical to our future prosperity.”
– Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands

“My wife and I started the business 42 years ago and in that time all of our biggest leaps in growth happened due to dealing with problems that were out of our control, challenges that pushed us out of our comfort zone. Having the Government of Canada behind us gives us the confidence to make a major step forward with a building expansion that will allow us to double production of our custom office pods and video remand booths, creating more local jobs.”
– Glenn Bostock, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, SnapCab Canada

Quick facts

  • Eastern Ontario’s advanced manufacturing sector is a key driver of innovation and growth in the region.

  • Established in 1983 in Kingston, Cancoil Thermal Corporation is a family-run business that manufactures custom cooling and heating systems used for industrial applications.

  • Incorporated in 1965 in Cobourg, Custom Plastics International Limited is a family-owned plastic injection molding company that manufactures products for a variety of industries, including  building and construction, plumbing and telecommunications.

  • Founded in 1982 and incorporated in 1990, Kingston Frameworks creates custom picture frames and offers art installations, restoration, and digital printing to businesses and consumers.

  • Incorporated in 2018, Lighthouse Cabinetry in Lindsay, previously known as Kawartha Kitchens Inc., is an integrated cabinetry manufacturer that provides millwork installations, furniture, hardware and lighting services to interior designers, home builders and hotels.

  • Incorporated in 2018 in Kingston, OPTT Inc. specializes in AI-driven digital mental health technology that facilitates faster and more cost-effective methods for clinicians to triage, diagnose, and monitor treatment of mental health patients.

  • SnapCab, incorporated in 2011 in Kingston, designs and manufactures customizable privacy and video remand pods in Canada, delivering top-tier soundproofing, flexibility, and modularity for modern workspaces.

  • Incorporated in 2017 as a technology spin-off from Queen’s University, Spectra Plasmonics Inc. develops devices for analyzing chemicals and biological materials aimed to aid public health and law enforcement agencies in combatting the overdose crisis.

  • Since 2015, FedDev Ontario has invested more than $600 million in over 820 projects in the Eastern Ontario region, estimated to create and maintain more than 60,000 jobs.

Associated links

Contacts

Cindy Caturao
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Democratic Institutions and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Cindy.Caturao@feddevontario.gc.ca

FedDev Ontario
Media Relations
media@feddevontario.gc.ca

Stay Connected

FedDev-Ontario.Canada.ca

Follow us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Subscribe to FedDev Ontario's Southern Ontario Spotlight newsletter, featuring economic development news and updates from across the region.

Page details

Date modified: