Ontario Welcomes Over $5.7M Manufacturing Investment In Etobicoke-Lakeshore

Oakhill Distribution Inc. will create 20 new good-paying jobs in Etobicoke-Lakeshore

NEWS | AUGUST 29

ETOBICOKE — The Ontario government is supporting an investment of $5,751,100 by PurParket (Oakhill Distribution Inc.) to boost local manufacturing and create 20 new good-paying jobs in Etobicoke—Lakeshore.

This funding was announced today by Christine Hogarth, Member of Provincial Parliament for Etobicoke-Lakeshore.

“Our government is building a strong Ontario and creating the conditions for a strong economy by supporting key investments in our community,” said MPP Christine Hogarth.  “PurParket’s investment will boost the local manufacturing sector and create good-paying jobs for workers and families in Etobicoke-Lakeshore.”

PurParket is investing over $5.7 million to vertically integrate the entire floor plank manufacturing process into their existing facility. PurParket currently imports raw materials and finishes them in-house. Their new project will help to eliminate 80 per cent of their offshored inputs, creating 20new jobs.

“Our government is proud to support local manufacturers across the province as they grow and create more good-paying jobs in their communities,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “We thank PurParket for their investment and for contributing to our province’s dynamic and growing manufacturing sector.”

In support of their investment, the government is providing PurParket with $324,150 in funding through the Regional Development Program’s Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) stream.

“At PurParket, sustainability is our guiding principle. With our recent facility expansion and integration of energy-efficient technologies, we’re proud to announce a 70% reduction in our carbon footprint,” said Nicholas Zaremba, Founder & President, Oakhill Distribution Inc. “This milestone signifies our environmental commitment and dedication to local manufacturing, supporting regional mills, and fostering job growth within our community.”.

Ontario is investing $170 million through its Regional Development Program to help manufacturers across the province grow while supporting distinct regional priorities. To date, Ontario has supported more than 120 projects through the program, leveraging more than $1.8 billion in new investments and helping to create over 3,300 jobs.

Applications for the next intake round of Regional Development funding remain open until September 26, 2024.

QUICK FACTS

  • As part of the 2023 Ontario Budget, the government is proposing a new Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit, which would provide a 10 per cent refundable Corporate Income Tax credit to help local manufacturers lower their costs, invest in workers, innovate and become more competitive.
  • The government launched the Regional Development Program for Eastern and Southwestern Ontario in November 2019. Businesses and municipalities can get financial support through the Eastern Ontario Development Fund and Southwestern Ontario Development Fund and guided access to a range of complementary services and supports.
  • The government recently launched the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness stream of the Regional Development Program. It will support Ontario advanced manufacturers to invest in the equipment, advanced technologies and skilled workforce needed to improve competitiveness and growth, and to create, retain and bring jobs back to every region of the province. Applications are being accepted for this program till Sept 26th.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

MEDIA CONTACTS

Saurabh Kapoor
Senior Communications Specialist
Office of Christine Hogarth, MPP, Etobicoke-Lakeshore
saurabh.kapoor@pc.ola.org
416-259-2249
195 Norseman St. Unit 21, Etobicoke, ON M8Z 0E9