Ontario investing more than $2.8M in Barrie area manufacturers

Ontario government announces over $2.8M in funding for Barrie area businesses

BARRIE — The Ontario government is investing more than $2.8 million in three Barrie-area businesses through the Regional Development Program. This support is part of a total investment of $19.6 million by local businesses, which hopes to strengthen domestic manufacturing and commercialization, attract investment, create 72 jobs, and help retain over 280 jobs in the Barrie area.

“As Ontario turns the corner on this pandemic, one of our top priorities is supporting economic growth across all regions of the province,” said Minister Fedeli. “These projects will make a significant impact in their local communities and economies. They will enable long-term measurable outcomes, including private-sector investments, job creation, job retention and strong regional growth.”

Tempo Plastics Limited, a manufacturer of custom printed flexible packaging for lawn and garden and food processors, is investing more than $14.4 million to expand their facility and acquire new technology. With $2.2 million from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, they are creating 26 jobs and retaining 144. This investment will increase their production capacity and replace manual, repetitive tasks in the operation. The enhanced productivity and innovation will allow the company to expand into new markets.

Tempo works closely with several post secondary institutions including; Georgian College, Humber College and Ryerson University to recruit interns and new graduates to fill open positions in the growing company. The company has positioned itself as the preferred partner for sustainable flexible packaging solutions and is an active member of the Canada Plastics Pact.

Ontario is also investing in two other Barrie-area projects.

Matsu Manufacturing Inc., a manufacturer of automotive parts and metal stamping, is investing over $2.6 million in new equipment that will improve its operations and open up new market opportunities. With $266,000 from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, the first phase of this project will create 24 jobs and retain 137. Matsu will purchase new assembly and stamping equipment, including a transfer press, robots, welding cells, turntables, conveyors – in addition to making modifications and upgrades to its facility. This investment will enable the company to undertake larger and more complex stampings and secure additional long-term contracts. With the second phase of the project, another 26 high-skilled jobs are expected to be created in the region.

“With the support of the Southwest Ontario Development Fund, our investment into the modernization of this critical piece of equipment has helped retain and create skilled jobs in Barrie,” said Bruce Nakashima, General Manager of Matsu Manufacturing Barrie.

Volatus Flight Systems Inc., a new Ontario-based company, is investing $2.5 million to establish an Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Centre of Excellence at the Lake Simcoe Regional Airport. With $375,000 from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, Volatus is creating 22 jobs. Their 32,000 sq. ft. facility will be fitted with new equipment, including a data processing centre, satellite communications technology, drone delivery system and drone taxi station. As part of the project, the company will assemble and commercialize multi-fuel and electric variants of their unmanned aerial vehicles. Volatus will also undertake research and development activities to enhance and develop its own unmanned aerial vehicles – and those of other late-stage developers.