News
For Immediate Release
Kitchener
05/10/2010
Elevating Aerospace Innovation: McGuinty Government Supports Advanced Manufacturing In Kitchener
NEWS
Ontario is helping an aerospace technology company in Kitchener enhance its operations and create jobs.
The province is supporting Héroux-Devtek, which manufactures landing gear for airplanes. The company is investing in new technology and equipment that will help meet the technical and quality standards of the company’s aerospace customers. With this new technology, the company will be able to bid on more contracts and grow its business at the Kitchener plant.
Ontario is providing a grant of $3.975 million that will support a total project investment of
$26.5 million, retain 20 existing positions and create 20 new jobs over the next five years.
The project also offers environmental benefits as less raw materials will be used during the manufacturing process and lighter aircraft parts will result in lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions for aircraft travel.
This investment supports the province’s new five-year Open Ontario Plan to create new opportunities for jobs and growth.
QUOTES
“Working with companies like Héroux-Devtek to stay at the forefront of their field helps keep our manufacturing sector competitive and attract jobs and investment to the province.”
— Sandra Pupatello, Minister of Economic Development and Trade
“The Waterloo region has strong capabilities in advanced manufacturing and knowledge-based industries. Our government will continue partnering with local companies and academic institutions to enhance these strengths.”
— John Milloy, Minister of Research and Innovation, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities and MPP for Kitchener Centre.
“This is good news for our community, the company and its employees. Our government is proud to support innovative businesses like Héroux-Devtek as part of our overall plan for a strong economy.”
— Leeanna Pendergast, MPP for Kitchener-Conestoga
“This investment program is another key milestone in the ongoing development of our Kitchener facility and highlights its strategic importance for the company's development. Héroux-Devtek is committed to providing the very best quality and service for its customers and to continually invest in state-of-the-art technology and the skills of its employees.”
— Gilles Labbé, President and Chief Executive Officer of Héroux-Devtek
QUICK FACTS
- The project is being supported under the Next Generation of Jobs Fund.
- Héroux-Devtek’s Kitchener facility also received a $2.85-million loan from the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Strategy, announced January 8, 2008, that helped establish the company’s Centre of Excellence for Large and Complex Landing Gear Components.
- Ontario’s aerospace and defence industry employs around 19,000 people with annual sales of approximately $4 billion (source: Stats Canada), about 80 per cent of which are exports. Ontario companies represent a significant portion of worldwide landing gear production.
- As a result of business tax cuts and the move to a harmonized sales tax, the tax on business investment in Ontario is being cut in half, making Ontario businesses more competitive.
LEARN MORE
Check out government-funded programs and services for Ontario businesses.
Read about Open Ontario, the government's five-year plan for the economy.
Learn how Ontario’s comprehensive tax plan, including the HST, will help support business.
For more information:
Leigh-Ann Popek
Minister's Office
416-325-0362
Neil Trotter
Communications Branch
416-325-6716
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