For Immediate Release
Kingston
06/23/2011

Manufacturing Investment Creating 20 New Jobs: McGuinty Government Helps Innovation At Company In Kingston

Ontario is helping MetalCraft Marine Inc. – an eastern Ontario boat manufacturer – double its production capacity and create 20 new jobs, with the potential to double its sales volume by 2015.

With support from the province, MetalCraft Marine Inc. will build a world-class manufacturing facility in Kingston.  The new facility will help the company meet the growing demand for larger and lighter boats and potentially double their sales by 2015. The company will also purchase new computer technology to design and manufacture patrol boats and research vessels with improved fuel-efficient capabilities.

Partnering with local business is a key component of the plan laid out in Ontario’s 2011 Budget — Turning the Corner, to create and support 10,000 new and existing jobs for Ontario families and strengthen local economies.

QUOTES

“Supporting new manufacturing facilities, new technologies and skills training is essential to remaining competitive. We’re helping a Kingston company expand its operations, while strengthening the regional economy and creating good-paying jobs for Ontario families.
– Sandra Pupatello, Minister of Economic Development and Trade

“Helping Eastern Ontario companies grow their businesses is an important part of our plan. By supporting innovative companies such as MetalCraft Marine Inc., we’re strengthening our communities.
– John Gerretsen, MPP for Kingston and The Islands

“KEDCO wholeheartedly congratulates Metalcraft Marine and their team on today’s announcement.  This investment is another step forward in Metalcraft’s continued growth and ability to support clients on a global basis. The Eastern Ontario Development Fund has once again invested in an innovative Kingston business which will generate new job creation and investment for the city.”
– Jeff Garrah, CEO, Kingston Economic Development Corporation

“MetalCraft Marine has a global market now and this Ontario government support will help us build up our exports. We are going to invest these EODF funds and much more of our own cash in greener and leaner boats and boatshops. We feel that’s the best way to stay ahead in the world markets that we currently lead or will be expanding into.”
– Tom Wroe, President, MetalCraft Marine Inc.

QUICK FACTS

• MetalCraft Marine Inc. is a two-time winner of the Great Boat of the Year honours at the New Orleans International Workboat Show, the largest commercial marine trade show in North America.
• In 2010, Ontario was named a top destination for foreign direct investment in North America, second to California. The province attracted a total of 127 Foreign Direct Investment projects which created more than 11,200 jobs.
• Over the last couple of months, Ontario had an increase of 38,000 jobs and the unemployment rate declined to 7.9 per cent.

LEARN MORE

• Visit the Eastern Ontario Development Fund or call 1 866-909-9951 for more information on funding opportunities for eastern Ontario.
• Review government-funded programs and services for Ontario businesses.   
  

For more information:

Tim Weber
Minister Pupatello's Office
416-325-4520

Eric Shapiro
MEDT Communications Branch
416-325-6698

ontario.ca/economy-news

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