The province announced $3.7 million in funding to be shared between eight different Sault Ste. Marie-based companies to support economic development and growth.
George Pirie, Ontario's Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth and MPP for Timmins, made the announcement Wednesday at JD Aero Technical Inc., an aircraft repair facility located near the airport.
"Sault Ste-Marie has been particularly affected by the tariffs," said Pirie, referencing the ever-changing landscape surrounding steel tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Pirie said JD Aero, which is currently repairing aircraft for companies as far away as Australia, is a great example of how the Sault's economy isn't isolated, but instead tied to the global economy.
"Frankly, I was surprised. I didn't know that the supply chain associated with delivering this particular aircraft to Australia. I think it's magnificent and it really does show how interconnected the supply chain is globally," he said.
JD Aero's share of the funding was used to build an 11,250-square-foot storage facility, which went into service in the summer.
Terry Bos, CEO of the Sault Ste. Marie Airport, said that project has allowed JD Aero to expand its operation from only servicing propeller-based aircraft to now allow for repair of some jet aircraft.
"They're really our poster child and we certainly are invested in them and really want to see them do well and exceed and expand. They bring a lot to the airport," said Bos.
JD Aero is one of eight local companies sharing in $3.7 million in Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation funding as part of Wednesday's announcement.
Funding includes:
- $1 million for the Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation to fund the construction of an 11,250-square-foot storage facility to house aircraft maintenance equipment for JD Aero.
- $1 million for Palmer Construction Group Inc. to purchase asphalt recycling equipment that will allow for more efficient and environmentally friendly asphalt production.
- $593,926 for China Steel Inc. to purchase new production equipment.
- $522,422 for Ontario Concrete Finishing (Soo) Ltd. to purchase a new concrete pump and surveying equipment to expand its market base in Northern Ontario.
- $312,535 for Norquay Trusses Ltd., a manufacturer of prefabricated wood building products, to expand its business and create a dedicated facility focused on the production of panel products.
- $153,507 for Wolowich Tool, a family-owned business providing tool repair services, to relocate its operations to a newly built service centre to increase production capacity.
- $121,869 for Rolling Pictures, an audio and video post-production company, to expand its machine room and purchase new equipment.
- $45,277 for Hardwood Hill Enterprises, a family-operated manufacturer of cedar-barrel saunas, to purchase new equipment and construct a new building to increase production capacity.
Sault MPP Chris Scott noted the funding is about development and growth, supporting builders, innovators and getting them to that next stage.
"When you look at the list, there's China [Steel], it's a family company. You got the Wolowich family — there's a lot of success stories. A lot of things I think we can be proud of," Scott said.
Pirie said the announced funding will support up to 28 jobs in the Sault and area and is targeted to expand businesses, to attract new businesses and to grow the economy.