FERGUS – As part of the Ontario government’s Regional Development Program, Wellington Perforated Sheet and Plate Inc. is investing $3.9 million to innovate processes, develop new products and produce more steel parts in-house.
On Sept. 24, Brent Renton, president of Wellington Perforated Sheet and Plate Inc., accompanied Vic Fedeli, minister of economic development and job creation, on a tour through the business’ warehouse, providing a breakdown of its day-to-day operations.
The business, previously located on Dickson Drive and now on Gregson Court in Fergus, made the move from 12,000 square feet to 36,000 square feet in January 2018.
“We are greatly appreciative of the support we have been provided through the Regional Development Program,” Renton said following the tour.
“It was an honour to meet Vic Fedeli today and this program has significantly helped us invest in new technology and expand our capabilities in an increasingly competitive global market.”
The Ontario government is supporting an investment of nearly $31.5 million by Wellington County manufacturers to help strengthen domestic manufacturing and attract investment in the local economy, states a Sept. 24 press release from the province.
Economic development and job creation minister Vic Fedeli and Wellington Perforated president Brent Renton. Photo by Paige Peacock
The province is investing nearly $2.6 million in four Wellington County businesses through the Regional Development Program, which the government says will help create 71 jobs and retain 150 jobs in the area.
Other area businesses that will benefit from the Regional Development Program funding are Weberlane Manufacturing, Nieuwland Feed and Supply, and Bold Canine.
“Through the Regional Development Program, our government is making targeted investments in local manufacturers to help them create good, local jobs,” said Fedeli in the news release.
“These projects are making a significant impact in communities and economies across the Halton Hills region and Southwestern Ontario by helping to secure the private-sector investment that will support strong regional growth.”
Wellington Perforated Sheet and Plate, a manufacturer and distributor of perforated metals, was founded in 1995 and currently relies on foreign vendors for the majority of steel parts due to the lack of automated equipment.
With the purchase of advanced machinery, the company will be able to produce more parts in-house, automate processes and make new products right in Ontario.
The government funding will also allow for the purchase of more steel from Canadian vendors and enable Wellington Perforated to compete with the U.S. manufacturers.
“Getting this support from Ontario means Wellington Perforated Sheet and Plate can manufacture our products in-house right here in Fergus,” Renton said in the news release.
“We no longer have to rely on foreign vendors and hinder our company’s ability to control quality, compete on costs, and acquire large infrastructure projects.
“We are excited to tackle this expansion and look forward to helping grow our regional economy and creating good jobs for our community.”
With $312,000 from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, the company will also have the opportunity to create six jobs and retain 11.
