News
For Immediate Release
Belleville
02/24/2011
Avaya Moves Forward In Belleville: McGuinty Government Supports Seven Businesses, Creates and Retains 1,200 Jobs
NEWS
Ontario is supporting high-value jobs by partnering with a world-leading technology company that is developing new products in Belleville.
Avaya Canada’s Belleville location is among the company’s global research and development (R&D) Centres of Excellence. The Belleville team is active in the development of Avaya Flare Experience, one of the company’s flagship products, which integrates voice, text, and video communications. This technology helps a business operate more efficiently and makes it possible for families to work from home and avoid commuting.
Ontario announced a $5 million investment with Avaya to help strengthen the company’s R&D capabilities in Belleville and Ottawa, securing at least 350 good R&D jobs in Ontario. In Belleville, Avaya has just hired several new university engineering graduates and experienced software design engineers, with more recruitment to follow.
Avaya is the latest Belleville business that Ontario has helped expand and create jobs. The province’s support has included, Bioniche Life Sciences, Kellogg Canada, Electrolab Training Systems, Sigma Stretch Film, BelleTile and Autosystems (a division of Magna International). Provincial support for these companies has helped create or retain more than 1,200 jobs in Belleville.
Working proactively to promote the province's technology sector and support good jobs is part of the government's five-year Open Ontario Plan.
QUOTES
“We’re delighted that Avaya continues to flourish in Belleville and thank everyone at the Sidney Street location for their ongoing contribution to our local community and economy. This region has a tremendous heritage of technology and innovation and Avaya is the latest company to appreciate what our skilled workforce has to offer. Their technology also makes it easier for moms and dads to work from home."
— Leona Dombrowsky, MPP for Prince Edward-Hastings
“Here’s a tangible example of the province’s technology leadership at work. Avaya has found that the best place to develop one of its most important worldwide products right here in Belleville. That’s something we’re working hard to replicate across the province and is a roadmap to long-term competitiveness and good jobs for Ontario families.”
— Sandra Pupatello, Minister of Economic Development and Trade
“Innovation is key to Avaya’s business and growth strategy and our Belleville location is home to some of the company’s most critical Research and Development (R&D) activities and personnel. Building on our 30 plus years of R&D experience, we continue to deliver leading edge technologies to evolve Desktop Devices and Softphones, Messaging products, Core Communication solutions and System Management platforms. These products are revolutionizing the way people and businesses communicate and collaborate around the world.”
— Jeffrey Warren, Director of Research and Development and Belleville Site Leader, Avaya Canada Corp.
QUICK FACTS
- The City of Belleville is just one local organization using locally-developed Avaya products to help run its operations.
- Avaya is investing a total of $165 million for its Ontario R&D capabilities.
- Ontario’s information and communications technology sector employed about 272,000 people in 2010, roughly half of the Canadian total.
- In 2009, the sector generated around $26.7 billion in economic activity in the province.
- As a result of the province's tax changes, taxes on business investment were cut in half, making Ontario more competitive and encouraging new business investments.
LEARN MORE
- Check out government-funded programs and services for Ontario businesses.
- Learn more about Ontario’s information and communications technology sector.
For more information:
Leigh-Ann Popek
Minister's Office
416-325-0362
Neil Trotter
Communications Branch
416-325-6716
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