March 5, 2020 - Gravenhurst, ON - Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario - FedNor
Established in 1982, Connor Industries is a Parry Sound-based business known across the globe for its custom-welded aluminum boats under the registered trademark name of STANLEY. The company has grown consistently over the past 31 years and continues to demonstrate its commitment to the marine industry by aggressively and progressively researching, designing, and developing high-quality boats. The company creates employment opportunities in the region and encourages skills training.
Connor Industries' STANLEY commercial boats are sought after by various levels of government for fire, rescue and patrol services.
Innovating to better compete globally
Looking to meet an increasing demand for its aluminum commercial boats, Connor Industries will build on its solid reputation as an innovative manufacturer of integrated design and construction by introducing robotics and new technologies to its manufacturing process. This will enable the company to not only maintain its complement of 48 full-time employees but also create up to ten highly skilled positions.
As part of a visit to Parry Sound today, FedNor Parliamentary Secretary Terry Sheehan announced a repayable contribution of $1,000,000 to Connor Industries to purchase equipment, streamline production processes and increase productivity. This announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages.
FedNor's Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) initiative helps companies in Northern Ontario modernize their operations by upgrading and improving equipment used in the manufacturing process. Through this initiative and its other programs, the Government of Canada continues to work with Canadian manufacturers to help boost their productivity, increase sales and exports, and create jobs.
Quotes
"Manufacturing is a cornerstone of the Canadian economy and the industry has huge growth potential both in domestic and foreign markets. With the help of our regional development agencies, we are making investments that will enable manufactures and businesses across Canada to expand their operations, enter new markets and take their businesses to the next level."
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, MP for Ahuntsic-Cartierville, and Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor
"Through the use of innovation and new technologies, Connor Industries will modernize its manufacturing plant, improve productivity and increase production to meet demand for its products, all while reducing costs. Our government's investment will also enable the company to maintain and create highly-skilled jobs right here in the North."
- Terry Sheehan, FedNor Parliamentary Secretary and Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie
"We would like to thank the Government of Canada for investing in our growing manufacturing plant. Our goal is to increase production by 30 percent and create an additional ten highly skilled positions right here in Parry Sound. This funding also allows our company to competitively bid at the global level. "
- Bill Connor, President Connor Industries
Quick facts
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FedNor is the Government of Canada's economic development organization for Northern Ontario. It works closely with businesses and community partners to build a stronger Northern Ontario. FedNor offers programs and services, as well as financial support of projects that lead to job creation and economic growth.
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The Honourable Mélanie Joly is the Minister responsible for the six regional development agencies, including FedNor.
