This article originally was posted on Canada.ca on February 27, 2023 and can be viewed here.
February 27, 2023 – Smithville, Ontario
The manufacturing sector in the Niagara region is one of the largest in the country. Businesses in the region are making contributions to Canada’s transportation, food and drink, machinery, metal products, and furniture industries, to name a few. The important work they are doing will ensure Canada has a strong and growing economy for years to come. The Government of Canada is supporting these businesses as they grow. This includes investing in manufacturing projects that support greener products for Canadians.
Today, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), along with Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services; and Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced an investment of $5 million for Stanpac Inc. to scale up the manufacturing of its new compostable and recyclable packaging and create 30 jobs.
Stanpac, a family-owned company, is the largest manufacturing employer in Smithville, and an industry leader in paperboard and glass packaging for the dairy and beverage industry. This $5-million investment, through the Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF), supports the purchase of cutting-edge, advanced manufacturing equipment to expedite Stanpac’s transition to sustainable packaging. The new machinery produces fully recyclable and compostable products, including a new paper-based bulk ice cream container. Also, with the many innovations Stanpac has in development, the opportunity exists to further reduce plastic from the supply chain by 2.5 million pounds annually. The new equipment will improve productivity, enabling Stanpac to deliver products to customers faster, while also reducing its carbon footprint.
Stanpac is growing and adapting to ensure they will be able to meet market demand for years to come. The work they are doing will contribute to a strong economy and support Canada’s targets of a net-zero economy by 2050.
Quotes
“Ontario’s manufacturing industry is the engine that drives our national economy and our Government is investing in the people that make it run. I’m honoured to support Stanpac as they create good local jobs and develop greener packaging products. We will continue working together to deliver more for Canadians and grow an economy that works for everyone.” – The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“Today’s announcement is remarkable news for the Niagara region. This is a great leap forward in not only our regional economy, but also in a greener future for southern Ontario.” – Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre
“I am pleased that the Government of Canada is investing in an innovator like Stanpac. This funding is important because it will help the company to build and futureproof.” – Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines
“This investment from FedDev Ontario has a significant impact on how Stanpac will be able to take our sustainable packaging innovations to market, not only here at home but to the more than 30 countries we export to presently, and beyond those to new markets. In addition, we will create more employment opportunities which in turn drive our continued sustainable packaging advances.” – Matt Witt, Co-President, Stanpac Inc.
Quick facts
- Established in 1949, Stanpac operates three locations in North America (Ontario, Texas and New Jersey). It provides food packaging products.
- FedDev Ontario is delivering $224 million through the Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) to help businesses in southern Ontario and the organizations that support them to future-proof, build resiliency, and prepare for growth by transitioning to a green, inclusive and competitive economy.
- Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $790 million in over 380 projects in manufacturing creating over 10,400 jobs and maintaining over 11,500 jobs.
- Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $100 million in more than 135 projects in the Niagara census division estimated to create over 1,200 jobs and maintain over 3,500 jobs.