Today, the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced a combined investment of more than $20 million to support eight London and Chatham-Kent region businesses and organizations as they strengthen capabilities and seize new growth opportunities amid shifting global market conditions.
Recipient Name |
Project |
Funding contribution |
|---|---|---|
Wallaceburg‑based manufacturer to establish dedicated Gigacasting tooling and testing production capabilities. Established in 1977, AarKel Tool and Die Inc. specializes in the design and production of custom tooling, die cast dies, plastic injection and compression tooling serving the automotive, agriculture and housing industry, supplying both direct to OEMs and Tier 1 customers. |
$8,500,000 |
|
Thorndale‑based manufacturer to advance Canadian-engineered bridge technology and strengthen its position as a global leader in buried steel bridge solutions by validating advanced connection designs for longer-span, higher-capacity applications, while supporting skilled manufacturing and engineering jobs in Ontario and across Canada. Founded in 1965, Atlantic Industries Limited manufactures steel and aluminum infrastructure products for North American and international markets. |
$332,551 |
|
London‑based manufacturer to modernize its high‑precision metal component operations to support its growth. Incorporated in 2002, Attica Manufacturing Inc. is a Canadian advanced manufacturer specializing in the machining and fabrication of high-precision metal components for complex and high-reliability applications. |
$750,000 |
|
Wallaceburg-based manufacturer to diversify its operations with the adoption of new machining and tooling systems. Established in 1965, Five Star Tool and Die Ltd. has over 60 years of experience in the automotive industry, specializing in the design and build of magnesium and aluminum cast dies, trim dies, fixtures and components. |
$834,464 |
|
Wallaceburg-based tooling manufacturer expanding capacity by acquiring advanced machining and lifting equipment to support growth across automotive and industrial markets. Founded in 1999, Ritch-Meyer Machine & Tool Inc. specializes in manufacturing plastic injection molds, diecast molds, and precision CNC machining for Tier-1, Tier-2 and Tier-3 customers across Ontario and North America. |
$672,563 |
|
Wallaceburg-based manufacturer to enhance domestic production capabilities by modernizing and digitizing key operations. Incorporated in 2004, Select Finishing specializes in providing innovative and creative solutions for E-Coat, Powder Coat, and Liquid Coat services, offering a broad range of finishes and certifications up to Class A automotive base and clear coatings. |
$250,000 |
|
London‑based manufacturer to construct a new 10,000-square foot cleanroom facility at its London manufacturing plant, along with developing new technologies for its core markets. Established in 2002, Starlim North America Corporation is the largest manufacturer of liquid silicon injection molded parts used in the mobility and life sciences industry. |
$1,000,000 |
|
London-based agri-food organization to expand and modernize the Grove Innovation Hub, by providing agri‑food SMEs access to scale‑ready production and cold storage, helping tariff‑impacted firms diversify markets, strengthen supply chains, and support a more resilient regional economy. Incorporated in 1887, Western Fair Association is a not-for-profit agricultural society that supports the agri-food industry and broader community in the London area. Operating out of Western Fair Association, The Grove was established in 2019 as an agriculture and food entrepreneur business hub and incubator, bringing jobs, innovation and growth to the London region. |
$8,000,000 |
