Backgrounder: Government of Canada invests over $10 million to help Lower Mainland businesses navigate trade disruptions and seize new opportunities

Today, the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), announced an investment of over $10 million in RTRI funding for 12 businesses and organizations across B.C.’s Lower Mainland to help them pivot to new pathways for growth, improve productivity, expand into new markets, reduce costs, and build more resilient supply chains. This investment will also help protect jobs in key sectors affected by global trade disruptions such as advanced manufacturing, forestry, and steel and aluminum.  

The investments announced today are:

Apex Aluminum Extrusions - $947,500

Apex Aluminum is a Langley-based manufacturer of custom aluminum products for the architectural, construction, and industrial sectors. The investment will support upgrades to the company’s facility, including new automation technologies and expanded recycling and manufacturing capabilities. This will help Apex increase productivity, strengthen domestic supply chains, and create new jobs.

Acrocargo Express - $250,000

Acrocargo Express is a Richmond-based company that provides shipping, warehousing, and delivery services for businesses engaged in international trade. The investment will support the adoption of cloud-based, AI-enabled freight and warehouse management systems to modernize operations. This will improve efficiency, strengthen supply chains, expand market opportunities for B.C. exporters, and create jobs.

CEC Mining Systems - $900,000

CEC Mining Systems is a Vancouver-based manufacturer of specialized equipment used in mining and mineral processing. The investment will support the design and fabrication of advanced mining equipment in B.C. and the development of a rental and service-based business model. This will help the company expand into new markets, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and create jobs.

Coast Fraser - $1,000,000

Coast Fraser is a Vancouver-based exporter that helps Canadian wood product manufacturers sell to customers around the world. The investment will support business development and marketing activities to expand exports into new international markets. This will help Canadian wood producers diversify markets, grow sales, and strengthen forestry supply chains.

Innovative Aluminum Systems - $559,000

Innovative Aluminum Systems is an Aldergrove-based manufacturer of aluminum railing products for residential and commercial construction projects. The investment will support the adoption of advanced manufacturing equipment, new product development, and digital tools to modernize production. This will help the company increase productivity, strengthen competitiveness, support market growth, and create skilled jobs.

Loulou Lollipop - $338,000

Loulou Lollipop is a Richmond-based company that designs and sells baby and toddler products, including clothing, feeding accessories, teethers, and toys. The investment will support technology upgrades, supply chain improvements, and activities to expand into new international markets. This will strengthen the company's competitiveness and support long-term export growth.

Mar-Con Wire Belt - $1,000,000

Mar-Con Wire Belt is a Richmond-based manufacturer of custom stainless steel wire conveyor belts used in the food processing sector. The investment will support automation with new equipment to improve productivity and expand the company's product offerings. This will increase competitiveness, strengthen Canadian supply chains, and support growth in domestic and export markets.

Nickels Cabinets - $1,000,000

Nickels Cabinets is a Richmond-based manufacturer of custom kitchen cabinets for homes and businesses. The investment will support facility modernizations, advanced manufacturing equipment, software improvements, and the expansion of the company’s showroom network in B.C. This will improve productivity, grow domestic sales, and create jobs while supporting the domestic housing sector.

Plascon Plastics - $841,000

Plascon Plastics is a Delta-based manufacturer that produces sustainable plastic products using recycled materials. The investment will support automation, facility modernization, market expansion and increased use of Canadian-sourced materials. This will increase production capacity, strengthen domestic supply chains, reduce reliance on imported inputs, create jobs, and support growth in domestic and international markets.

Small Housing BC - $1,999,740

Small Housing BC is a non-profit organization that helps builders, manufacturers, and communities adopt innovative approaches to building homes. The investment will support training, financing tools, industry partnerships, and advisory services to help small and medium-sized builders use prefabricated construction methods. This will improve productivity, reduce construction costs, strengthen housing supply chains, and support the delivery of more homes across British Columbia.

Unilia (Canada) Fuel Cells Inc. - $786,250

Unilia (Canada) Fuel Cells is a Burnaby-based company that develops and manufactures hydrogen fuel cell technologies for transportation and clean energy applications. The investment will support the adoption of new testing and assembly equipment, expanded engineering services, and business development activities in new markets. This will strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities, support growth in new clean technology sectors, and create jobs.

Zaber Technologies - $1,000,000

Zaber Technologies is a Vancouver-based manufacturer of precision motion-control products used in scientific research, health sciences, and industrial manufacturing. The investment will help the company increase domestic production of precision components. This will strengthen domestic supply chains and support export growth.

Related products

• News release: Government of Canada invests over $10 million to help Lower Mainland businesses navigate trade disruptions and seize new opportunities