The new project is expected to generate jobs and stimulate the province's economy
The Ontario government is providing $500,000 in funding to the establishment of Greenlid's new manufacturing facility in Dundalk, which is expected to stimulate the local economy and generate more jobs in the province.
Greenlid is an Ontario company that produces compostable products, particularly one-time-use items such as plates, bowls, coffee cups, and lids. Its manufacturing is currently done in China, but with the construction of the 60,000-square-foot facility in Dundalk, the production and supply chain is expected to be brought back to Ontario.
The company is investing more than $14.8 million for the establishment of the new manufacturing facility, while the government is investing $500,000 in funding under the Regional Development Programme's Southwestern Ontario Development Fund to advance the project.
"This investment from Greenlid is another vote of confidence in Ontario's economy and shows there is no better place for business to grow and workers to thrive," said Premier Doug Ford in a statement. "We are thrilled to support this 'Made In Ontario' success story and to see Greenlid's entire supply chain return home again."
Members of the provincial parliament (MPP) also welcomed the investment from the manufacturing company, adding that they are expecting it to bring good-paying jobs in Ontario.
"It is very exciting to have this important investment by Greenlid, with support from our government, coming to Dundalk. This will bring jobs and economic growth to our Grey Bruce community and is a great example of our government's focus on both the economy and the environment," said Rick Byers, MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, in a statement.
"This significant investment demonstrates that small town, rural Ontario can provide the required infrastructure and supports to attract and sustain new manufacturing that will ultimately generate new, good jobs. Greenlid will truly be a made-in-Ontario success story," said MPP for Huron-Bruce Lisa Thompson.
Aside from jobs, the project is also expected to stimulate the economy, according to MPP for Dufferin-Caledon Sylvia Jones.
"Investments like these not only bring good-paying jobs into the community, but also stimulate the local economy," said Jones in a statement. "Ontario is one of the greatest places in the world to live, work and raise a family. Greenlid's decision to move their manufacturing back home will have an impact for generations to come."
The $500,000 funding from the government is under the Regional Development Programme's Southwester Development Fund, where businesses can get financial support and guided access to a range of complementary services and supports.
Greenlid CEO Morgan Wyatt said Ontario's further support to their project will help further the province's goals on sustainability and economic development.
"With the additional support of the Ontario government for this project and local community, Greenlid's state of the art Non-wood Fibre Manufacturing and Innovation Centre at Southgate EcoPark will now specialise in developing Ontario's agricultural fibre waste into high value compostable products with less impact on the environment and further Ontario's sustainability and economic development goals," said Wyatt in a statement.
The Ontario government has invested $66 million in 60 companies and organisations since 2019, supporting $716 million in investment from industry and created more than 1,200 jobs, according to the province's data.