Government of Canada invests over $15 million to strengthen innovation and advanced industries in Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area
News release
FedDev Ontario investment will help eight local businesses scale up, develop new products and solutions
January 13, 2026 - Scarborough, Ontario
The Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) is a vital driver of Canada’s economy, home to thousands of businesses that are producing essential goods, creating high-quality jobs and fueling innovation. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting these local manufacturers and innovators as they adopt advanced technologies, build production capabilities, and deliver smarter, more sustainable solutions.
Today, the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), visited Celplast Metallized Products Limited. While there, he announced a combined repayable investment of over $15 million for eight Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area companies: A.B.M. Tool & Die Company Ltd., Celplast Metallized Products Limited, GH Power Inc., Hitachi Rail, Imagoh Foods Ltd., Paradigm Shift Technologies, Redstone Food Group, and Quantum Bridge Technologies. The Minister was joined by Maggie Chi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Don Valley North.
Celplast is receiving over $1.6 million to scale up to meet demand through the adoption of advanced manufacturing equipment. The investment will strengthen the company’s domestic manufacturing capabilities for high-barrier metal coatings and transparent film products, helping it remain competitive and responsive to evolving industry needs.
Through this support, these businesses will enhance their competitiveness and local supply chains. Details on the projects receiving support can be found in the backgrounder.
The Government of Canada remains committed to helping scale local businesses as they increase productivity, create quality jobs, and ensure Canada remains competitive in a changing global market.
Quotes
“The GTHA has a proud manufacturing legacy, and today’s investments of over $15 million will help eight local companies continue to innovate and grow. From clean energy and food production to advanced cybersecurity and rail technology, these projects are building a stronger regional economy and creating opportunities for workers and communities across southern Ontario.”
- The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“Businesses in the GTHA are at the forefront of Canada’s innovation economy. By investing in advanced technologies and sustainable solutions, we are helping these businesses modernize, strengthen supply chains, and compete globally.”
- Maggie Chi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Don Valley North
“FedDev Ontario’s support has allowed Celplast to invest in the only machine in the world that has the ability to metallize film and apply a protective top-coat in one step. This capability continues to be unique to Celplast, which has allowed us to open up new international markets in building insulation and sustainable food packaging. This investment will allow us to grow by freeing up capacity on this unique machine, while driving productivity improvements in the rest of our operations as well.”
- Dante Ferrari, President, Celplast Metallized Products Limited
Quick facts
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Incorporated in 1969 in Brampton, A.B.M. Tool & Die Co. Ltd. (ABM) is a family-owned business that designs and produces high-quality stamped metal parts, automated assemblies, and welded components for the automotive industry.
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Incorporated in 1983 in Toronto, Celplast specializes in high-barrier metallized and transparent films for flexible packaging.
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Incorporated in 2017 in Hamilton, GH Power is a clean technology company producing alumina, hydrogen, and thermal energy through its proprietary reactor process.
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Located in Toronto and established in the 1970s, Hitachi Rail develops advanced rail signalling technology at its Global Competence Centre, employing 1,100 people and supporting rail networks worldwide.
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Incorporated in 2020 in Scarborough, Imagoh Foods Ltd. is a food manufacturer specializing in the production of Asian-inspired, ethnic food products for more than 500 stores across Canada, including retailers such as Farm Boy and Sobeys.
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Founded in 1995, Toronto-based Paradigm Shift Technologies develops sustainable, performance-enhancing coating solutions for the defence, petrochemical, nuclear, oil and gas, and aerospace industries.
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Incorporated in 1972 in Mississauga, Redstone Food Group manufactures private-label baked goods for the retail and foodservice sectors.
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Established in 2019, Quantum Bridge Technologies emerged from the University of Toronto to develop quantum-safe cybersecurity solutions protecting critical data and infrastructure.
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Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $475 million in nearly 520 projects in the manufacturing sector, creating and maintaining over 31,000 jobs.
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Learn more about some of FedDev Ontario's recipients by visiting our impact stories page.
Associated links
Contacts
Sofia Ouslis
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Innovation and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
sofia.ouslis@ised-isde.gc.ca
FedDev Ontario Media Relations
media@feddevontario.gc.ca
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