Four local businesses receive provincial funding

New jobs are being created with five manufacturing projects in North Bay receiving $2.5 million in provincial funding.
MPP Vic Fedeli announced the money from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund today, which will help create 15 new full-time jobs and promote economic development in the north.
“Supporting businesses and local manufacturing in North Bay will help create jobs and contribute to our economic recovery from the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing. “As the economy continues on its path to renewal, growth and economic recovery, our government recognizes the importance of keeping the North competitive by supporting Ontario manufacturing and their Ontario-made products.”
The NOHFC investments include:
– Canadore College is receiving $978,000 to purchase and install equipment at the Innovation Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Prototyping, providing industry partners with access to state-of-the-art technologies, while helping local companies remain competitive and grow.

College president George Burton says the investments will support modelling software for 3-D printers.
“It’s allowing us to bring technology in to the region and work with companies on product development and process development,” he says.
– Nordic Minesteel Technologies is receiving $500,000 to help bring an innovative battery-powered jack to market and prepare its facility for full-scale production. The jack will assist with heavy truck repair;
-Nordic Minesteel Technologies is also receiving $150,654 to design and build a smaller, mobile version of a remote-controlled, battery-powered jack for lifting large mining trucks.
Marketing Coordinator Heather Johnston says this will create some employment opportunities.
“We’re always looking for welders. Right now, in Northern Ontario with battery technology we need some electrical staff who have that expertise,” she says.
-Drillco Mining and Exploration is receiving $500,000 to market its innovative clean-tech modular drilling system by building two demonstration prototypes to showcase to prospective mining industry clients;
– Boart Longyear Canada is receiving $374,035 to purchase and install new equipment and software to increase production of its wireline system, used by operators of oil and gas wells;

Fedeli says almost all of the companies are exporters so these Ontario made products are shipped all over the world.
“Investing in a broad range of industries is integral to creating jobs, prosperity and attracting new business in the north,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines. “Our government is making smart investments in manufacturing and technology to showcase Northern Ontario as an attractive place to invest.”

(photo by station staff)