Speaking Points
Daryl Kramp, Member of Parliament for Prince Edward-Hastings
Belleville, Ontario
July 27, 2015
Check against delivery
Good morning.
Thank you, Minister Goodyear.
It's a pleasure to be here.
I'd also like to thank Rene Veillette and the entire team for hosting us today.
C'est un grand plaisir d'être ici avec vous aujourd'hui, mesdames et messieurs. Bonjour à tous.
Our Government understands that manufacturing is a vital part of our economy. As Minister Goodyear stated, the manufacturing sector employs more than 1.7 million Canadians. The measures we have put in place are designed to help businesses that fuel Canada's economic growth and help develop prosperous communities.
Our Government has cut taxes for job-creating businesses; invested in research and development; expanded markets for Canadian businesses abroad; committed unprecedented support for job-creating infrastructure; and established the framework for the responsible development of our natural resources. The Government of Canada is taking action to support the manufacturing sector as well.
As Minister Goodyear mentioned, Canada's auto parts industry is a fundamental part of our manufacturing sector.
Canadian automotive suppliers must increasingly make new product development central to their business strategies. This will help them to meet the demands of vehicle manufacturers for innovative products to address a range of needs, including new fuel efficiency standards.
Halla Visteon Canada is a great example of a manufacturer that is designing new, innovative products to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving auto industry.
This project will focus on manufacturing electronic throttle bodies and electronic coolant valves, parts that help control the temperature of an automotive engine. This will be important in developing the next generation of fuel efficient vehicles.
When Canadian companies invest in state-of-the-art equipment and structures, they increase their productivity and competitiveness. We must seize opportunities to leverage emerging technologies and improve productivity.
This is exactly what is going to happen with the introduction of Halla Visteon's new product line.
These are highly engineered products that require more advanced manufacturing processes, including robotics.
It is not easy making these changes, but they are necessary for the continued success of manufacturing businesses. It is important for the Government of Canada to continue supporting manufacturing businesses that are working to increase their competitiveness through enhanced productivity and product diversification.
With this in mind, I would like to announce that Halla Visteon Canada will receive up to $2.175 million from FedDev Ontario, to complete the upgrades to their facility and integrate new equipment for production of its new products.
(Pause of applause)
This funding will help leverage an additional $6.52 million in investment.
This is great news for your company and the automotive parts industry in southern Ontario. But I am most excited about what this means for Belleville.
The plant that we are standing in today was scheduled to close due to underutilization. This would have eliminated 25 jobs from hardworking members of this community.
The decision to close this plant was reversed and will instead be used for the new production lines. This will not only keep the existing 25 jobs in the community, but will also create 70 additional positions here in Belleville.
In this environment of globalization, it is natural to see businesses move, shut down or consolidate operations. Yet we can still build on opportunities to create, grow or attract businesses to the region.
Today's announcement will strengthen supplier relationships with southern Ontario-based companies and expand Halla Visteon Canada's production capacity.
I'd like to congratulate you all on this great news and wish you all the best in your future success.
Thank you.
