By Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
The Ontario government is backing a $19.8-million investment by four companies to enhance local manufacturing and create 29 new jobs in Windsor-Tecumseh. Andrew Dowie, Member of the Provincial Parliament for Windsor-Tecumseh, announced the funding. “Our government is building a strong Ontario and creating the conditions for a strong economy by supporting key investments in our community,” said Dowie. “The investments made by Crest Mold Technology Inc., Select Tool Inc., Bears Performance, and the Corporation of the City of Windsor will boost the local manufacturing sector and create better-paying jobs for workers and families in Windsor and Essex County.”
The province is contributing $3.6 million to the projects through the Regional Development Program’s Southwestern Ontario Development Fund.
“Our government is proud to support local manufacturers across the province as they grow and create better-paying jobs in their communities,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
“We thank Crest Mold Technology Inc., Select Tool Inc., Bears Performance, and the Corporation of the City of Windsor for their investment and contribution to our province’s dynamic and growing manufacturing sector.”
Bear’s Performance Inc. will invest $3.7 million in new equipment to automate production, improve operational efficiency, and reduce reliance on outsourcing. The investment, supported by $500,000 in government funding, will expand capacity, improve quality control, and streamline tooling changeovers, creating five new jobs.
Crest Mold Technology Inc. is investing $8.7 million to expand operations and adopt advanced equipment, including CNC machines, to increase capacity and reduce labour-intensive processes. This will allow the company to produce larger, more complex moulds and enhance its cooling technology. The expansion, which includes reshoring previously outsourced manufacturing, is supported by $1.3 million in funding and will create 10 new jobs.
The City of Windsor is investing $4.8 million in infrastructure upgrades to support the NextStar Energy Inc. EV Battery Plant construction and adjacent municipal areas. The project, which includes demolishing structures, upgrading drainage and pavement, and extending Twin Oaks Drive, is backed by $1.5 million in provincial funding.
Select Tool Inc. is investing $2.5 million to expand its facilities by 26,000 square feet and acquire new equipment, including a 5-axis machine and CNC lathe, to enhance productivity and capacity. The expansion, supported by $375,000 in government funding, will create 14 jobs.
Ontario is investing $180 million through its Regional Development Program to help manufacturers grow while addressing regional priorities. The program has supported over 135 projects, leveraging more than $1.9 billion in investments and creating over 3,500 jobs.
“On behalf of the City of Windsor, I extend sincere thanks to the provincial government for this significant investment in our economy and community,” said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens. “This support helps prepare the EV Battery Plant site and supports innovation, creating around 3,000 jobs requiring a highly skilled workforce and thousands more through business opportunities for over 450 supporting firms in Windsor-Essex.”
“We are excited about the meaningful impact this opportunity will bring,” said Keith Grondin, President of Bears Performance Inc. “It will drive our mission forward, enable us to advance cutting-edge CNC and automation equipment, and attract new talent to strengthen our elite team.”