MINTO – A site plan agreement for a new manufacturing facility in the Palmerston Industrial Park was conditionally approved by town council on Dec. 7.
In May, council approved the purchase by Guelph-based Hammond Manufacturing Company of a 13-acre property at 215 Minto Road for $520,000.
In 2016 the property went through a provincial certification process and was deemed a certified industrial site.
The company, which manufactures electrical and electronic enclosures and components for North American and global markets, announced plans for a phased development, with a phase one investment of between $15 million and $20 million
Phase two would involve the construction of a second factory to be built on site as the location to produce metal stampings.
“So this one is quite exciting,” said Minto planning technician Ashley Sawyer.
The site plan agreement is for phase one, which is roughly 100,000 square feet.
“It is a one-storey manufacturing facility with office space as well. Initially, it’s going to employ 25 to 30 people and there are plans to grow and hire more in the next phase,” Sawyer told council.
“Phase two is also proposed on the drawings and that site plan would be coming forward again for consideration at a later date.”
Sawyer said county planning staff, town staff and Triton Engineering have all reviewed the plan “and we are now satisfied with recommending the approval of the site plan agreement.
“We’re just pending the review of the county roads (department) traffic impact study which we have received and are just waiting for their comments,” Sawyer explained.
“The owners will have one year from the date of occupancy of the building to finish all the works required in the site plan agreement, with the exception of the asphalt works, which will be required within two years of the town paving that portion of Minto Road, but ultimately we are recommending the approval,” she stated.
Council passed a motion to receive the planning technician’s report and conditionally approve the site plan agreement.
“It’s just great to see this happening,” said Mayor George Bridge.
