Ontario Strengthening Auto Parts Manufacturing Sector in Durham Region
November 29, 2023
Province investing in local manufacturers to boost competitiveness and create good-paying jobs
The Ontario government is helping 26 small and medium-sized automotive parts suppliers invest almost $9.6 million in new tools and technology to enhance their competitiveness and create 111 new, good-paying jobs. As part of these investments, the province is providing a total of $3.5 million through the Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP), an initiative to support local manufacturers and expand Ontario’s end-to-end automotive supply chain.
“As we continue to grow our automotive and manufacturing sectors, we want Ontario’s auto parts manufacturers to remain competitive both domestically and internationally,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “When we invest in these companies, the economic benefits reach well beyond local communities, creating highly skilled and good-paying jobs right across the province.”
Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
Tool Die-Namics Inc., a Pickering-based tool and die manufacturer, is among the 26 companies to receive support. With $150,000 in O-AMP funding, the company will invest over $329,000 in state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment to increase the efficiency and productivity of their current operations, and to meet growing demand.
“Tool Die-Namics is committed to provide our industry with the best quality tooling possible to engineer and build,” said Robert Cake, President of Tool Die-Namics. “O-AMP gives us the feeling we, in Ontario, are a team and we are determined to succeed. Today we compete in a global marketplace and having the support of our provincial government provides the incentive to pursue business abroad.”
Robert Cake, President of Tool Die-Namics
Launched in 2019, O-AMP is a $22 million program to help small and medium-sized automotive parts suppliers adopt the tools, technologies and manufacturing practices needed to scale-up, modernize operations and increase competitiveness. Companies can apply to receive up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs of up to $150,000. To date, Ontario has invested $17.8 million to support over 170 projects through the program, leveraging $45.7 million in new investments and helping create over 870 new jobs.
Quick Facts
- O-AMP is a key part of Driving Prosperity, the government’s plan to position Ontario as a North American leader in developing and building the vehicles of the future through emerging technologies and advanced manufacturing processes.
- Over the last three years, Ontario has attracted over $27 billion in investments from global automakers, parts suppliers and manufacturers of electric vehicle batteries and battery materials.
- Vehicle assembly and auto parts production directly supports 100,000 workers in Ontario, as well as hundreds of thousands of indirect jobs. Ontario’s auto supply chain comprises over 700 parts firms, over 500 tool, die and mold makers and over 400 connected and autonomous companies.
- As part of the 2023 Ontario Budget, the government introduced the Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit, which provides a 10 per cent refundable Corporate Income Tax credit to help local manufacturers lower their costs, invest in workers, innovate and become more competitive.
Quotes
“O-AMP is not just a program; it’s a commitment to a brighter and greener future for Ontario’s automotive industry. Together, we will rev up the engines of progress and steer towards a more prosperous, eco-friendly, and innovative Ontario.”
– Peter Bethlenfalvy
Member of Provincial Parliament—Pickering – Uxbridge
“Our government is propelling Ontario to the forefront of global automotive innovation by investing in our skilled workforce and the small and medium-sized businesses that empower and train them. Durham Region welcomes these critical investments which are paving the way to maximizing our competitiveness and creating high-paying jobs across our great province.”
– Todd McCarthy
Member of Provincial Parliament—Durham
“The auto sector is one of the cornerstones of the Region of Durham’s economy, providing jobs for local families and workers in Whitby and other parts of the region. By reducing the cost of doing business in the Region of Durham through programs like the Ontario Automotive Modernization Program, our government is creating the right economic conditions to encourage innovation and growth.”
– Lorne Coe
Member of Provincial Parliament—Whitby
“While our government continues to attract investment in the automotive sector, it’s vital for small and medium-sized automotive parts suppliers to remain up-to-date and competitive. Ontario is the only location in North America that has five automakers building vehicles. With reduced red tape, small or medium-sized businesses can efficiently modernize their facilities to meet the demands of these automakers.”
– Patrice Barnes
Member of Provincial Parliament—Ajax
Additional Resources
- Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP) Round 4 Recipients
- Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP)
- Driving Prosperity: The Future of Ontario’s Automotive Sector
- Ontario’s auto industry
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