Province Invests in Delta Manufacturer to Boost Regional Economy
Ontario supports more than $13 million surge into Eastern Ontario economy with $500,000 from Regional Development Program
March 16, 2022
BROCKVILLE – Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes announced that the Ontario government is supporting an investment of more than $13 million by Willows Agriservices in Delta to strengthen the regional Farming and Agri-food sector and attract new investments to the local economy while supporting the province’s economic growth. The province is investing $500,000 through the Regional Development Program to help create 12 new jobs and retain 25 existing ones, and to create a new feed mill to provide nutritional products for livestock and poultry.
“Our government is proud to invest in economic recovery and growth in Delta and across eastern Ontario,” said Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. “This announcement is a great example of how Ontario is leveraging public-private partnerships to create good jobs and support our farm industry.”
“Ontario is proud to be working with Willows Agriservices Ltd. to expand their manufactring capabilities and create good, local jobs,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “We look forward to seeing more of these kinds of private-sector investments that are creating the conditions for long-term regional economic growth. We thank Willows Agriservices Ltd. for contributing to our province’s dynamic and growing manufacturing sector and economic recovery.”
Willows Agriservices Ltd. is a full-service farm input supplier with four locations in Eastern Ontario. The company has served Eastern Ontario since 1947 by offering custom feed and nutrition, crop advisory and inputs, grain marketing and handling, and farming supplies. Willows operates a mash feed mill and grain roaster in Delta, ON.
Willows Agriservices is investing in a new feed mill to provide nutritional products for livestock and poultry species which will improve production capacity, accuracy, and quality through adoption of advanced technologies. The company plans to build a modern 33,000 sq ft facility which will incorporate improvements including robotics for automating the filling, weighing, sewing, lifting, and stacking of 18-40 kg bags.
The number of employees will increase by 12, of which five new jobs are for skilled labor (Millwright, logistics, manager, operator). The company will train new and existing staff on the new equipment.
“This project will allow Willows Agriservices to increase its capacity and productivity,” said Jennifer Cameron of Willows Agriservices. “The funding received through the Eastern Ontario Development Fund recognizes that this will be a great benefit to both the local community and the agriculture industry in Ontario. We are grateful to everyone who has supported the project.”
Ontario is investing more than $100 million through the Regional Development Program from 2019 to 2023 to support distinct regional priorities and challenges. The program provides cost-shared funding to businesses, municipalities and economic development organizations to help local communities attract investment, diversify their economies, and create jobs.
QUICK FACTS
- 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 (EODF) and Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) and guided access to a range of complementary services and supports.
- The government recently launched the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) 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.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Learn more about the Regional Development Program
MEDIA CONTACT
Erin Merkley
Constituency Assistant
erin.merkley@pc.ola.org