Government of Canada investment helps to create jobs and boost innovation in Kenora
News release
FedNor funding enables local businesses to adopt new technologies, expand operations and create nine local jobs
January 21, 2021 – Kenora, Ontario
Technology and innovation are key to driving our economy forward as we contend with and recover from the impact of COVID-19. Through Regional Development Agencies, such as FedNor, the Government of Canada is investing at the local level to enhance manufacturing, accelerate technology adoption, and support community and business growth while creating jobs and opportunities for Canadians. This involves helping businesses expand, transform their operations, purchase specialized equipment and attract and maintain a highly-skilled workforce.
Terry Sheehan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor, today highlighted the results of a Government of Canada investment of more than $1.1 million in support of two Kenora companies. In addition to helping kick-start and diversify the local economy, the investment is enabling the firms to create nine highly skilled full-time jobs in the region.
First, an investment of $903,510 assisted Atlantic Industries Limited in expanding its operations and establishing a new corrugated metal pipe manufacturing facility in Kenora, resulting in the creation of four new jobs. Specifically, the funding helped the company retrofit a 21,000-square-foot industrial building, purchase specialized equipment and complete site upgrades to accommodate pipe fabrication requirements.
The remaining $200,000 enabled FSET Inc. to expand its Kenora operations by acquiring additional datacentre capacity, allowing the company to meet existing demand and capitalize on future growth opportunities within the law enforcement industry. This repayable investment is expected to create five full-time local positions, while supporting FSET’s ongoing expansion efforts.
Quotes
“Today’s announcement is further proof of our government’s commitment to supporting businesses through these challenging times. We are helping entrepreneurs with start ups and enabling companies to scale up, creating jobs and contributing to our economic recovery. Our message to Canadians is clear: we’ve been here for you with immediate measures, we’re here for you now and we’ll get through this, together.”
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor
“Innovative companies like Atlantic Industries Limited and FSET Inc. understand that scaling up and investing in technology will open the door to new opportunities for sustainable growth and long-term success. This FedNor investment will help these local businesses expand, capitalize on immediate opportunities, reach new markets and create good-paying jobs right here in Northern Ontario.”
- Terry Sheehan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor
“Our new Kenora location will help drive future growth, create local jobs and allow us to better serve the infrastructure needs of Northern Ontario. We are thrilled that FedNor stepped up to help us expand and purchase new equipment, which is allowing us to improve production and market access, while meeting the growing demand for our products and services.”
- Jason Sherwood, VP Operations, International & Western Canada, Atlantic Industries Limited
“We welcome and appreciate this FedNor funding as it’s allowing us to serve an additional 450 users so we can capitalize on immediate and future growth opportunities. We’re currently running near full capacity and this repayable investment will allow us to expand, create jobs and take our business to the next level.”
- Nicole Brown, COO, FSET Inc
Quick facts
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The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, as well as its Steel and Aluminum Initiative.
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Manufacturing is one of Canada's most important economic sectors, contributing to a large share (1.7 million) of Canada’s quality full-time, well-paying jobs across a wide range of industries.
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Accounting for approximately $174 billion of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP), manufacturing represents more than 10 per cent of Canada's total GDP.
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Since 2015, FedNor has invested over $45 million in 67 manufacturing projects across Northern Ontario.
Associated links
Contacts
Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
catherine.mounier-desrochers@canada.ca
Barclay Babcock
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-690-0957
barclay.babcock@canada.ca
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