KTH expansion announcement good news for Shelburne economy

April 16, 2014 · 0 Comments

Most of the community members of Shelburne have already noticed the changing landscape of KTH’s west side as construction is well under way and now the secret is out. KTH was pleased to announce during a press conference held on site on April 14th they are expanding their facility to accommodate a new 400 ton press that will compliment their pre-existing stamping press area.

According to the KTH’s press release, since 1998 KTH Shelburne Mfg., Inc. has been in the business of producing frame components for the Honda Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline, Civic and CRV models, the Acura CSX, MDX, and ZDX models.

The additional business associated with the launch of the redesigned 2016 Honda Civic is responsible for KTH having to expand its facility. The production is scheduled to coincide with the launch of the redesigned 2016 Civic, July of next year. The 54000square ft. expansion is expected to be completed by mid-October at which time welding equipment will begin installation.

Local dignitaries were present to address KTH in gratitude and appreciation for their impact to the community.

Shelburne’s Mayor Ed Crewson commented, “The Town of Shelburne is honored to be celebrating this expansion. Since 1977 when KTH started to build in Shelburne, our citizens have enjoyed the brightness of economic opportunity, and the warmth of hope in their lives. According to my Toronto Star, there was $17.6 billion invested in new auto-assembly capacity worldwide in 2013 and none of it came to Canada; $12.7 billion or 72.2 per cent went to China while $1.6 billion went to Brazil. In fact, since 2010, Canada has received less than 1% of the global investment in new auto assembly capacity. So the decision by KTH to expand this plant in Shelburne is indeed a blessing and speaks to the confidence you the associates have earned, with your skills and initiative and the quality of products that together you produce here in Shelburne, in Ontario, in Canada.

The opportunities for economic growth that KTH is creating with this investment into Shelburne has a tremendous positive impact on us and has profoundly improved the lives of people in this community by giving them futures here. Thank you KTH for investing in our community.”

The KTH announcement was very important to MPP Sylvia Jones as she stated her gratitude towards KTH for their positive impact on Shelburne and the province. Jones wished KTH continued success praising the expansion in tribute to KTH’s drive and determination to succeed.

Bill Hill, Mayor of Melancthon and Dufferin County Warden, in his address commented, “This is exciting for me. I was a member of the Economic Development Committee when this all started. We’re here today to celebrate another milestone. KTH has created a lot of jobs and on behalf of Dufferin County I wish continued success.”

Thirty jobs have been created by this expansion and that number will undoubtedly continue to grow possibly reaching an estimated 60 jobs as KTH continues to thrive.

Shane Hall, KTH Assistant Vice President-Plant Manager had a direct message for the residents who live near the KTH property.

“I’ve never worked for a better boss. I’ve never known anyone like KTH President, Arthur Ansai. We are actually a very ‘green’ company. We will likely be seeding the newer hills that have been created to cut down on any noise and will be working with the Scouts with the intention of tree planting. Re-forestation and preserving ‘green space’ is very important to KTH,” commented Hall proudly further reassuring, “ When we get to installing the storm water pond on the south east corner, every tree that is currently in place will be relocated, planted and saved. One interesting fact in respect to Japanese custom and in respect to the environment is the tradition of planting a tree every time one our Japanese Executives returns to Japan.”

Hall also notes that tours can be booked mentioning students from Centre Dufferin District High School will be taking a tour this week. For more information, contact Sue Peterson, Assistant Manager for KTH Human Resources at 519 925-3030 X2208 or e-mail sue.peterson@ksm.kth.net

By Alex Sher

Photo by Alex Sher
(L to R) Shelburne CAO/Clerk, John Telfer, VP of KTH Ohio, Art Liming, President of KTH, Arthur Anzai (Speaking) KTH AVP/Administrator, Tom Cunningham, Assistant Vice President/Plant Manager, Shane Hall, MPP Sylvia Jones, Mayor of Melancthon and Dufferin County Warden, Bill Hill, and Mayor Ed Crewson shared the stage in thanks towards KTH’s profound positive economic impact on the Shelburne community, congratulating KTH on expansion plans involving the new 4 ton press, and well wishes for KTH’s continued success.