News release
Full release here
With Government of Canada support, three local manufacturers scale up operations, boost competitiveness and create 42 skilled jobs in the region
February 12, 2020 – Windsor, Ontario
As the “automotive capital of Canada,” Windsor-Essex is rooted in more than 100 years of automotive manufacturing expertise, including three leading automotive manufacturers poised to evolve, innovate and compete to attract global investments.
Laval Tool & Mould Ltd. (Laval Tool), Precision Stamping Group (PSG) and SPM Automation (Canada) Inc. (SPM Automation) are local leaders in their fields in the auto sector. Collectively, with 160 employees and nearly 75 years in business in Windsor-Essex, these companies are working hard to find solutions to challenges in stamping, tooling, mould making and plastics. With growth plans underway, these community-oriented manufacturers are better positioning themselves to compete on the world stage.
Supporting manufacturers across the Windsor-Essex automotive industry
Today, Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, along with Kate Young, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, and Irek Kusmierczyk, Member of Parliament for Windsor–Tecumseh, toured Laval Tool & Mould Ltd. They met with leaders and employees who provided a demonstration of the company’s cutting-edge automated machinery. They also met with leaders of PSG and SPM Automation to better understand the needs and challenges unique to Windsor-Essex advanced manufacturing businesses.
Minister Joly announced a contribution totaling more than $7 million to support the scale up and growth of these three local companies. For more information, see the backgrounder.
These projects will generate more than $25.6 million in total investment for the region, significantly boost local supply chain spending, and create over 40 skilled jobs in Windsor-Essex.
While in the area, Minister Joly, Parliamentary Secretary Young and MP Kusmierczyk also toured APAG Elektronik Corp. (APAG), a manufacturer of electronic control parts and LED lighting for automobiles. The company’s newly operational 32,000-square-foot facility now serves as its North American headquarters. Employees demonstrated new state-of-the-art equipment that has helped to scale up productivity and boost market competitiveness to meet increased global demand, made possible through a $4-million FedDev Ontario contribution.
Quotes
“Strong regional economies are essential for Canada’s success and sustainability. Our role is to have the backs of regional workers and businesses, and that is exactly what we are doing with today’s announcement. These three companies are examples of businesses that are expanding their presence in new markets, leveraging innovation and driving the economy in Windsor-Essex.”
– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
“Today’s announcement will help this vibrant community further develop its network of incredible talent and leading-edge innovation in the evolving manufacturing and auto sectors. These sectors are playing a key role in shaping the future of Windsor-Essex. Our government is making investments that will enable businesses in all regions of the country to scale-up and access the capital needed to succeed.”
– Irek Kusmierczyk, Member of Parliament for Windsor–Tecumseh
“These funds will allow us to stay at the forefront of the ever-changing challenge of global tooling and composites. Investments in advanced technology today ensure all of us a better tomorrow.”
– Jon Azzopardi, President, Laval Tool & Mould Ltd.