KTH Manufacturing set for expansion with help from the Province

September 16, 2016 · 0 Comments

By Brock Weir

KTH Shelburne is set to create new jobs with a boost from the Ontario Government.

The company, with support of the Ministry of Economic Development and Growth, announced Friday a $572,000 investment from the Province’s Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, will create 26 new jobs and keep at “at least” 337 jobs local.

“Ontario is partnering with KTH Shelburne Manufacturing to invest in new technologies and expand its plant, creating 26 jobs and retaining at least 337 positions,” said the Ministry. “KTH Shelburne Manufacturing is part of the Honda group of companies. It makes welding and stamping components for Honda Civics and CRVs.

“With more than $572,000 in support from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, the company will invest in stamping and welding equipment and expand its current facility to accommodate manufacturing parts for the next generation Honda Civic. The project has a total value of over $11 million and is expected to be completed in spring 2017.”

The Province has modelled the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund on a similar program designed for the east which combine to create and retain over 44,000 jobs and, according to their statistics, attract approximately $2 billion in investment.

“The auto sector, from the Big 5 to each of their suppliers, is a crucial contributor to Ontario’s economy. The strategic investments in the auto sector we have made across the province, such as this one at KTH Shelburne, are key to fostering innovation and growing Ontario’s economy,” said Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development and Growth. “Our government will continue to be a proud supporter of the auto sector.”

Added Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation: “KTH Shelburne’s expansion and additional capacity shows that the strength of our auto sector in the province is growing, and that is good news for all Ontarians. Investing in Shelburne’s largest employer is a great example of our government’s ongoing commitment to supporting Shelburne and Dufferin County.”

These funds cover up to 15 per cent of eligible project costs with each company funding the balance from their own coffers.

“This leveraging of private sector investment provides enhanced value for taxpayers,” said the Province in their announcement. “Attracting new investment to Southwestern Ontario is part of the government’s economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education.

“The plan is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit in Ontario’s history and is investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.”

KTH Shelburne has been in business since the summer of 1998 and is a significant supplier for the Honda plant in nearby Alliston.