7 local businesses receive provincial funding

The Ontario government is investing over $2.3 million in seven local businesses in North Bay, creating 61 new jobs.

The funding varies from $962,520 for Premier Mining Products Inc. to expand its manufacturing operation of diamond drilling components to $41,830 for FDM4 International Inc., a business software solutions company to expand its facilities.

Joe Guido, president of Premier Mining says they’ve already put the money to good use.

“We’ve purchased some high tech and one of a kind equipment that has actually doubled our sales. We’re at 35 employees and 4-5 months ago we had half as many workers,” Guido says.

Also receiving funds Foraco Canada Ltd, Twiggs Coffee Roasters, Miller Technology, Epiroc Canada and Drillco Mining to develop a diamond core drilling rig.

Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli says the companies work together on developing products.

He cites one example.

“There’s 14 North Bay companies that have made parts for the Drillco machine that is on its way to a mine in West Africa. They were designed, built and sourced in North Bay,” Fedeli says.

funding recipients

$962,520 for Premier Mining Products Inc. to expand its manufacturing operation of diamond drilling components and diversify its market.
$400,000 for Foraco Canada Ltd to purchase additional drilling equipment to expand its business.
$347,238 for Twiggs Distribution (Twiggs Coffee Roasters) to expand its storage and processing space.
$250,000 to Drilco Mining develop a diamond core drilling rig that can drill in reverse circulation, resulting in potential cost savings for the mining industry.
$251,277 for Miller Technology Inc. to develop a battery electric vehicle (BEV) to replace the diesel vehicles currently used in most mines.
$140,003 for Epiroc Canada to improve the resistance and performance of its mining equipment.
$41,830 for FDM4 International Inc., a business software solutions company that targets the fashion apparel industry, to expand its facilities.