Investing in First-Canada Technology, Supporting Ontario's Vital Manufacturing Sector

News Release

Harper Government invests in Hamilton's Advanced Manufacturing Sector, maintains and creates highly-skilled jobs

March 27, 2015 – Hamilton, Ontario – Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)

Today, FedDev Ontario Minister Gary Goodyear, along with Member of Parliament for Ancaster—Dundas —Flamborough—Westdale David Sweet, announced an important investment that will strengthen the water management infrastructure cluster in Ontario and grow the clean-tech industrial base in Ontario.

Fibracast, a Hamilton-based manufacturer of advanced membrane technologies used in water treatment, will receive a $10-million repayable contribution under FedDev Ontario's Advanced Manufacturing Fund (AMF).

The Harper Government's investment will lead to the development of transformative products and first-in-Canada technologies to help Ontario manufacturers create high-quality, highly-skilled jobs and compete globally.

The repayable contribution will be used to ramp up commercial scale production of Fibracast's FibrePlate technology in Ontario. The project will also involve marketing Fibracast's technology to wastewater treatment plants across North America, Europe and Asia. The total cost of the project is $20 million.

Quick Facts

The manufacturing sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy, employing more than 1.7 million Canadians, of which nearly 750,000 live in Ontario. It also accounts for half of the business R&D in Canada and generated sales of $621.7 billion in 2014, including $286.6 billion in sales for Ontario alone.
Nearly 80,000 manufacturing establishments exist across the country. More than 32,000 manufacturing establishments exist in southern Ontario and contribute enormously to local economies.
The Harper Government has provided 1.4 billion dollars or tax relief to the manufacturing sector and total business tax costs in Canada are now the lowest in the G7.
Fibracast is expected to create 64 new full-time, highly-skilled jobs and maintain 15 full-time, highly-skilled jobs as a result of this project. This is in addition to new jobs created through the company's Canadian supply chain.

Quotes

"Our Government's top priority remains creating jobs and opportunities for Canadians and our Government's Advanced Manufacturing Fund provides a major economic boost to Ontario's manufacturers. Fibracast's innovative and transformative membrane technology is a first in Canada and will help meet the growing global demand for water while creating long-term jobs to this region and across Canada. Our Government will continue to focus on our low-tax plan to create jobs and growth, establishing the right conditions for global trade opportunities, investment and a skilled workforce."
- Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (FedDev Ontario)

"Canadian manufacturers, like Fibracast, are integral to productive manufacturing and creating jobs. Our Government is committed to investing in manufacturers to help them become more productive and competitive, which keeps and creates jobs here in this region and across the country."
- David Sweet, MP for Ancaster—Dundas—Flamborough—Westdale

"The funding from FedDev Ontario's Advanced Manufacturing Fund is of great support to Fibracast, as we enter a new, key phase in our company's growth. The Government of Canada's support will allow us to accelerate the commercialization of our innovative FibrePlate membrane technology, and position Fibracast as a leader in supplying technology for better water across the planet."
- John Tomescu, CEO, Fibracast Ltd.

Associated Links

Contacts

Erica Furtado
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gary Goodyear
613-943-7599

Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
416-954-6652
FedDevMedia@FedDevOntario.gc.ca

Toll Free: 1-866-593-5505
Website: www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca
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Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario Economics and Industry

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Investing in First-Canada Technology, Supporting Ontario's Vital Manufacturing Sector

News Release

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