Province invests in four Tillsonburg, Ont. manufacturers as Siemens exits city
by Canadian Manufacturing.com Staff
The German conglomerate will cease operations at its wind turbine blade plant in Tillsonburg early next year, eliminating 340 jobs
TILLSONBURG, Ont.—The Ontario government has set aside approximately $3 million to support four businesses in Tillsonburg, Ont. as a major manufacturer prepares to close up shop in the city.
Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy said this July that it will shut its wind turbine blade plant in Tillsonburg—southeast of London, Ont.—putting 206 out of work immediately, as well as another 134 workers when the facility completely wraps up operations by early next year. The company, which only began producing blades at the site six years ago, blamed “dramatic changes” in the global wind market for the decision.
Though not directly related to the Siemens closure, the province said Sept. 18 it will commit fresh funding to four companies expanding in Tillsonburg. The nearly $3 million in provincial backing with spur just shy of $30 million in company investments and create 198 jobs.
Marwood Metal, a company that makes metal stamped parts for the auto industry, will receive the lion’s share of the funds. It will use a $1.5 million Ontario investment to help fund a $16 million expansion that will let it buy new equipment, boost production capacity and create 55 new jobs. The company expects the project to be complete by summer 2019.
The province has also announced $387,900 in funding from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund for Inovata Foods, a company that makes frozen entrees. The food company plans to invest $3,879,000 in new equipment in order to add a new line of products. The project will create 70 jobs by the time it’s complete.
Voth Sales & Services, meanwhile, is planning a $4,856,000 investment that will add floorspace and new equipment to its plant. The company makes aluminum and steel truck bodies as well as pickup truck inserts for a number of industries. The province will also invest $485,600 as part of the expansion. The project is scheduled to wrap up by spring 2021 and will create 23 jobs.
Finally, metal stamping and welding firm Fleetwood Metal has added new equipment to its 200,000 sq. ft. plant in Tillsonburg. The company recently completed work on the $5.1 million project and received $516,500 from the province. The expansion included the purchase of new equipment and added 50 jobs at the facility.
