MSW Canadian Plastics has received $250,000 in provincial funding to assist in building four new state-of-the-art production lines to increase production and help the company pursue foreign markets.
The funding, through the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund was announced by Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Employment Dr. Eric Hoskins at the Palmerston production facility on Sept. 6.
MSW makes polyvinyl chloride (PVC) wall panels and ceiling liners for use in commercial, industrial, agricultural and residential construction. The company supplies customers in Canada, the U.S., Central and South America and has recently begun selling to Northern European markets.
“This important expansion will help to create nine new jobs and protect 12 more in this community,” said Hoskins at a press conference held to announce the funding. “
Today’s expansion is a smart strategic move that will open up more export opportunities for your company.”
“We’re thankful for the support of the Ontario government and the people of Ontario, which will help us expand production and also expand our reach into foreign markets,” said MSW vice-president Joel Koops, who also thanked the company’s employees, customers and suppliers for helping to make the operation a success.
Town of Minto councillor Mary Lou Colwell said the municipality is proud the company chose to make its home base in Minto.
“You have our 100 per cent support to continue growing as you are,” said Colwell.
MSW, co-owned by Koops and company president Steve Bosman, moved its manufacturing facility to the Palmerston Industrial Park from Listowel in October, 2012 and shares a building formerly used by Ebcotech for auto parts manufacturing with Listowel-based Ideal Supply, which uses part of the building for warehousing.
In June, MSW Canadian Plastics was ranked at number 17 on the 25th annual Profit 500 ranking of Canada’s fastest-growing companies. The company was also ranked number three in the category of manufacturing and distribution.
Ontario is accepting applications for the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund from qualified businesses that are growing and creating jobs. Hoskins said the program provides a 60-day turn-around time for applications.
Sectors eligible for the fund include advanced manufacturing, processing, life sciences, information and communications technology, tourism and cultural industries.
Since October 2012, the government has committed over $25 million through the fund, leveraging a total investment of $221 million. These investments have helped to create and retain about 6,000 jobs, states a press release from the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment.
During other stops in the region on Sept. 6, Hoskins announced $1.5 million in funding for a $15-million project to make pleasure boat engine components at Linamar Corporation in Guelph and $1.3 million for Elmira Pet Products to purchase new equipment and technology to increase production.
