Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade/Media Release
Provincial funding will help eight businesses stay resilient in the face of U.S. tariffs and support 758 jobs in the region
WINDSOR — The Ontario government is supporting companies and workers that have been impacted by U.S. tariffs by investing over $7.3 million through the Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF) to increase resilience, build capacity and re-shore critical supply chains to Ontario. Today’s announcement builds on the ongoing deployment and success of the OTTF program, with the eight recipient company projects amounting to nearly $44 million in near-term investments that will create over 65 new, good paying jobs, and protect 692 more across Windsor and the surrounding region.
“As Canada’s largest bordering city to the United States, Windsor’s manufacturers have been disproportionately impacted by tariffs, which is why our government introduced strategic measures to drive forward their economic resilience,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Through the Ontario Together Trade Fund, we will ensure Ontario’s workers and businesses have the tools they need to adapt in the face of external pressures, protect jobs and enhance their long-term competitiveness.”
First announced as part of the 2025 Ontario Budget, the OTTF program is part of the province’s nearly $30 billion tariff relief and support plan to protect Ontario’s workers and businesses from economic uncertainty and build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy. With a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises, the program will help businesses across a diverse range of sectors make the necessary investments to strengthen operations in Ontario, expand market reach and protect workers.
The latest fund recipients include:
- Canadian Electrocoating Ltd., an auto parts manufacturing firm specializing in metal stamping and electro-coating for complex fabricated parts and sheet metal, including for Ford Canada.
- Central Stampings Ltd., an auto parts manufacturer that supplies stamping and welding services directly to major auto manufacturers, including General Motors and Stellantis.
- Dimachem Inc., a manufacturing company that formulates, blends, and packages industrial and commercial chemical products.
- Jahn Engineering Ltd., a designer and builder of tools, metal stamping dies, and automated assembly equipment for the automotive, nuclear, and aerospace sectors.
- Kringer Industrial, an engineering company that produces protective materials and packaging solutions for the cargo industry.
- NextGen Mold Technologies Windsor Inc., a manufacturer of plastic injection and compression molds.
- Reko International Group Inc., a technology-driven automation and machining company that manufactures large, critical automation parts.
- Stratus Plastics International Inc., a precision automotive injection molding supplier supporting tier-1 and tier-2 original equipment manufacturers.
“Windsor‑Essex continues to stand as one of Canada’s most significant manufacturing regions, and our local workforce and businesses have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of global challenges, including U.S. tariffs,” said Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor—Tecumseh. “Through the Ontario Together Trade Fund, our government is providing strategic support to help our local companies reinforce supply chains, expand their operations within our community, and safeguard the good‑paying jobs that are vital to families across Windsor‑Essex.
Since its launch, the OTTF has supported nearly $209 million in total project investments, while protecting and creating 2,772 jobs across Ontario. In response to high volume of application intakes and growing demand, the government expanded the program’s scope, bringing the total funding to $150 million over three years to enable more businesses affected by U.S. tariffs to strengthen their domestic operations.
“Our manufacturers are world-class and our government will continue to support them to ensure they remain competitive and resilient in these challenging times,” said Anthony Leardi, MPP for Essex. “The Ontario Together Trade Fund is just one of the many initiatives we launched to help companies stay strong, protect jobs, and keep investing right here in Essex County.”
As Ontario continues to navigate the impact of U.S. tariffs and global economic uncertainty, the government remains focused on delivering critical funding, cutting red tape, unleashing the economy and supporting workers.
Quick facts
- The Ontario Together Trade Fund is a part of Ontario’s broader strategy to support advanced manufacturing and trade-impacted communities, launched or enhanced as part of the 2025 Ontario Budget, including the Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit, the Protect Ontario Financing Program and the Trade-Impacted Communities Program.
- Ontario’s manufacturing sector is a driving force behind Ontario’s economic strength and global competitiveness, employing over 800,000 workers across the provinces.
- Through the OTTF, the government is also providing complementary supports and services to help businesses navigate regulatory requirements, connect with skilled talent and access government programs that accelerate project success.
- Open to Ontario-based businesses investing a minimum of $200,000, eligible projects include modification of existing products to enter new sectors, procurement of advanced equipment and facility modifications to enhance domestic manufacturing and sales expansion.
Quotes
“As an international gateway between Canada and the United States, and the largest bordering city between the two nations, Windsor stands at ground zero of this prolonged trade battle. Our families, workers, manufacturers and economy have felt the disproportionate impact of U.S. tariffs, placing livelihoods at risk and threatening the heart of our auto and manufacturing sectors in Canada. This $7.3 million investment through the Ontario Together Trade Fund represents a strategic commitment to help our local companies strengthen operations, re-shore critical supply chains, and protect and create hundreds of good-paying jobs right here at home. By advancing new investment and driving innovation, this partnership helps create opportunity and reinforces Windsor’s leadership in North American trade. We thank the Ontario Government, Premier Ford, Minister Fedeli, MPPs Andrew Dowie and Anthony Leardi for the continued support and investment in Windsor-Essex and for standing in lockstep with us to face down global economic uncertainties, as well as the businesses continuing to contribute to a strong regional economy through participation in this initiative.” – His Worship Drew Dilkens, Mayor of Windsor
“Dimachem is incredibly grateful for the support of the Ontario Together Trade Fund, which allows us to invest and expand with confidence despite current global trade uncertainties. This funding is a catalyst for our new $9M plant expansion, enabling us to pivot away from tariff-exposed sectors and allowing us to provide domestic chemical product solutions for the manufacturing, aerospace, clean-tech, and agritech sectors. We are proud to strengthen Ontario’s manufacturing self-sufficiency while delivering innovative, Canadian-made solutions to our partners. We thank the Ontario government for supporting our vision to become a leader in sustainable, specialized chemical processing and packaging.” – Andrew Conway, Vice President, Dimachem Inc.
“With support from the Ontario Together Trade Fund, our new investments have already provided opportunity in the nuclear industry and will only expand further once the equipment is up and running.” – Louis Jahn, Jahn Engineering Ltd.
“Kringer Industrial is proud to receive support through the Ontario Together Trade Fund. This $364,500 investment will allow us to strengthen our manufacturing capabilities, expand our capacity, and continue delivering high-quality industrial solutions to our customers. The funding will help us invest in new equipment and process improvements that enhance productivity and competitiveness while reshoring and supporting customers across Canada. We are grateful to the Government of Ontario for recognizing the important role manufacturers play in driving economic growth and building resilient supply chains. At Kringer Industrial, we remain committed to innovation, operational excellence, and contributing to the continued strength of Ontario’s manufacturing sector.” – Brendan Fehr, Controller at Kringer Industrial
“Recent tariffs and US onshoring have called into question the viability of the Canadian automotive supply industry. With the continued support of Minister Fedeli and the Ford Government, Canadian Electrocoating Ltd. & Central Stampings Ltd. are positioning themselves to continue to be competitive domestically and globally into the future. We thank the Provincial Government for their assistance.” – Donald Rodzik Jr., Director of Operations & General Counsel at the NARMCO Group
“We are grateful to the Ontario government for their continued support of Ontario manufacturing and for their confidence in companies like NextGen. Through the OTTF grant, along with other government investments, NextGen has added 11 new jobs and invested in several advanced machining centers, allowing us to bring more work in-house and further strengthen our manufacturing footprint. The improved technology is also helping us diversify into new industries, add new team members, and better serve customers across the country.” – Dennis Goggin, President at NextGen Mold Technologies Inc.
“We are grateful for the support provided through the Ontario Together Trade Fund. Our Concorde Precision Machining operation has long been recognized for its advanced large-scale machining expertise, and this investment will allow Reko International Group to further expand those capabilities through new equipment and technology. Strengthening this capacity in Ontario will enable us to better support key customers in critical industries such as power generation, protect and create highly skilled manufacturing jobs, and contribute to a stronger and more resilient Ontario economy.” – Kim Marks, Executive Vice President & CFO, Reko International Group
“Receiving support through the Ontario Together Trade Fund has been a game-changer for Stratus Plastics. This investment has allowed us to strengthen our operations, expand our capabilities, and remain competitive on a global scale. We’re proud to be a Windsor-based manufacturer and grateful to the Ontario government for recognizing the potential of companies like ours. This kind of support sends a clear message that Ontario is committed to building a stronger, more resilient economy right here at home.” – Colby Wu. Vice President, Stratus Plastics