Plants, Investment & M&A
GM commits more than $1B to Ontario operations under new Unifor agreement
GM has committed more than $1 billion to its Ontario operations under the new Unifor agreement, PLANT reports. The figure incorporates previously announced investments of $691 million for sixth-generation V8 engine production in St. Catharines and $63 million for stamping and upgrades.
A committed OEM capex cycle in Ontario pulls tooling, stamping and logistics work with it. Worth a call to your automotive tier-1 contacts this quarter.
Funding & Grants
FedDev Ontario puts $12.5M into nine Hamilton-area manufacturers
The federal government is investing more than $12.5 million through FedDev Ontario in nine Hamilton-area businesses across automation, steel, packaging and advanced manufacturing. Hamilton-based Max Aicher North America takes $7 million of it to modernise critical rolling mill systems.
This is the tariff-response funding stream actually paying out, and it is regional. If you are in Southern Ontario, check your FedDev eligibility now.
Policy, Trade & Economy
Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on US moulds and plastic products start 8 September
Canada will impose retaliatory tariffs on US moulds and plastic products, with the new tariffs taking effect on 8 September, Canadian Plastics reports.
If you buy tooling or resin product from a US supplier, your landed cost changes next week. Check open POs against the 8 September date.
Supply Chain & Reshoring
A Muskoka chair maker weighs moving most production to the United States
A Canadian Muskoka chair maker hit hard by US tariffs is considering moving the bulk of its manufacturing to the United States, Canadian Manufacturing reports — one of a set of smaller producers now running that calculation.
Tariff exposure is driving footprint decisions at SME scale, not just at OEM scale. Model the relocation case before a customer models it for you.
Workforce & Skills
Ontario puts $3.9M into training more women for the skilled trades
The Ontario government is investing nearly $3.9 million with four partner organisations to deliver training and workforce development opportunities for women across the province.
A funded pipeline into the trades is a hiring channel. Contact the delivery partners before the cohorts are placed elsewhere.
Automation & Technology Adoption
KUKA says it is the first robot maker with Security Level 2 certification
KUKA reports it is the first robotics manufacturer to achieve Security Level 2 certification, Manufacturing AUTOMATION reports.
Robot cybersecurity certification is becoming a procurement line item. Add a security-level question to your next robot RFQ.
Supply Chain & Reshoring
Ontario breaks ground on the longest stretch of the Ring of Fire road
Ontario has broken ground on the road to Marten Falls, spanning about 184 kilometres — just over a third of the proposed Ring of Fire network — and expected to open by November 2031, Canadian Manufacturing reports.
Domestic critical-mineral supply is a 2031 story, not a 2027 one. Plan sourcing on the current import reality, not on the announcement.
