Ontario Welcomes $15.8 Million Manufacturing Investment in Southwestern Ontario

Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade/Media Release

EnerQuest Technologies Solutions Inc.’s expansion will support nearly 280 good-paying jobs in Essex County

ESSEX — The Ontario government is welcoming an investment of nearly $15.8 million by EnerQuest Technologies Solutions Inc. (‘EnerQuest’) to expand their manufacturing facility in Harrow and reshore the production of switchgears from the United States. Leveraging the province’s skilled workforce, this project will create 125 new good-paying jobs and protect 154 existing positions across Essex County. In support of EnerQuest’s investment, Ontario is providing $1.5 million in funding through the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund stream of the Regional Development Program (RDP).

“EnerQuest’s expansion speaks not only to the resilience of Ontario’s manufacturing sector, but to the reliability of our workforce and the power of partnership,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Through the Regional Development Program, our government is proud to support a company who is driving forward regional economic priorities and strengthening domestic supply chains through the reshoring of their operations.”

A custom manufacturer of prefabricated electrical equipment, EnerQuest’s expansion will bring their switchgear sub-assembly manufacturing in-house to their Harrow facility, reducing reliance on a U.S.-based sister facility. In addition to mitigating tariff risks and scaling production capacity, the investment will position EnerQuest to meet confirmed contract demands for critical data centre infrastructure, modular housing, and medical units.

“By supporting strategic investments from regional businesses, our government is protecting Ontario’s workers and creating the conditions for a strong, stable, and resilient economy that can weather any storm,” said Anthony Leardi, MPP for Essex. “EnerQuest’s investment will support growth and innovation across the local manufacturing sector and create more good-paying jobs for workers and families in Essex County.”

First launched in 2019, the RDP provides tailored supports to businesses and municipalities, helping them invest in the equipment, technologies and skilled workers they need to grow and remain competitive in a shifting economic landscape. To date, Ontario has welcomed more than $2.6 billion in new investments through the RDP, creating over 5,500 jobs across the province.

“While the technology is important, what truly makes this expansion possible is the community around us,” said Malena Marshall, Director at EnerQuest Technologies Solutions Inc. “Harrow has been more than just a location for our operations — it has been a partner in our growth. The support from local leaders, educators, and residents has helped create an environment where companies like EnerQuest can invest with confidence and build long-term careers for the people who live here. We are especially grateful for the support provided through the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund. Programs like this help companies invest in advanced manufacturing, strengthen regional supply chains, and create high-quality jobs right here in Southwestern Ontario. That kind of partnership between industry, government, and community is exactly what fuels sustainable growth.”

With U.S. tariffs impacting workers and businesses across key sectors, the government is protecting the province by lowering taxes, reducing red tape, and making strategic investments into key sectors, while supporting distinct regional priorities. More information about how the government continues to make progress on this plan and build Ontario into the most resilient, self-reliant and competitive economy in the G7 will be included in the 2026 Budget, to be released on March 26, 2026.


Quick Facts

  • Through the Eastern Ontario Development Fund and Southwestern Ontario Development Fund streams the government has announced investments of over $180 million in 145 companies. This has leveraged more than $1.9 billion in investments from industry, creating over 4,400 jobs.
  • Applications for the latest intake round of the Regional Development program began on February 26, 2026, and end on May 27, 2026.
  • Ontario’s manufacturing sector is a driving force behind Ontario’s economic strength and global competitiveness, employing over 800,000 workers across the provinces.
  • The government continues to provide tax support to Ontario manufacturers by continuing to offer the Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit to eligible businesses.
  • Additionally, Ontario has launched a new $150 million Ontario Together Trade Fund to assist local businesses in taking advantage of new interprovincial trade opportunities.