Two automotive manufacturers in southwestern Ontario are receiving grants from the provincial government to help with expansion.
Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade Vic Fedeli visited Belle River Tuesday morning to announce the government's support through the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund.
"We want to make sure that the supply chain in solid, and so here we are at CNC Tech. They have a $1.7 million expansion coming as they makes tool and dyes and molds here in Belle River," said Minister Fedeli.
The expansion of the factory automation system will help the company purchase new machinery to double its current production. The company received $255,164 in a government grant toward the project. It will create around five more jobs and support eight existing jobs.
"The machines are so expensive these days, anything we can get from the government helps. These are million dollar machines so anything helps," said President of CNCTech Donny Butler.
Onbelay Automotive Inc. is investing $956,455 to upgrade equipment and machinery at its facility in Chatham. The company received $143,468 from the government to support the project. It will create around 50 new jobs and support 81 existing positions.
“Onbelay Automotive is pleased to make this significant investment to upgrade equipment and machinery, create new employment in the area and help make Onbelay more competitive in the global supply chain,” said owner and CEO of Onbelay Automotive Aly Rahemtulla.
The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund provides cost-shared funding to businesses, municipalities, and economic development organizations to attract investment and create jobs.