Ontario government invests $1.5M in Techo-Bloc
by CM Staff
Techo-Bloc to open its first manufacturing facility in Ontario
Ontario government assisting manufacturers.
AYR — The Ontario government is investing $1.5 million in Techo-Bloc through the Regional Development Program as it establishes its first manufacturing facility in Ontario. This investment is expected to create 50 new jobs, supporting growth in Southwest Ontario’s manufacturing sector as the province prepares for leading the economic recovery after COVID-19.
The announcement was made on Mar. 4 by Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and Bryan May, Member of Parliament for Cambridge, on behalf of Melanie Joly, Federal Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario.
“Helping local communities and local municipalities create jobs will ensure that no region of Ontario is left behind as we emerge from the pandemic and lay the foundation for long-term growth and opportunity,” Minister Fedeli said. “By attracting private-sector investment, creating jobs, and supporting growth in the Ayr region, Techo-Bloc will be a corner stone in the community for years to come.”
With operations in Quebec and the United States, Techo-Bloc manufactures concrete pavement products primarily used for landscaping, such as paving stones. The company also produces permeable pavement solutions that allow water to penetrate into the underlying ground and return to the local aquifer, which is essential for regions that rely on groundwater.
The company plans to make the facility its worldwide centre of excellence and innovation and its R&D hub for new products and process development. Techo-Bloc will also purchase new equipment to boost productivity and increase capacity to expand into new markets. It anticipates a 40 per cent increase in revenues through the project, which will be a springboard for new sales in central and western Canada and the United States.
“Techo-Bloc’s decision to invest in Ayr is a proof point that Southwest Ontario will continue to be a major manufacturing hub today, and into the future,” said Amy Fee, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener South—Hespeler and Mike Harris, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener—Conestoga. “Our talented workforce will continue to attract investment and support growth as Ontario emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Techo-Bloc is also receiving repayable contribution of $2.5 million from FedDev Ontario for the project.
“Today’s investment enables Techo-Bloc Inc. to create 50 permanent, good jobs close to home in Ayr, supporting our community’s economic recovery. We welcome and support Techo-Bloc’s expansion in the region and look forward to seeing its continued success in Canada and across North America,” said Bryan May, Member of Parliament for Cambridge.
