The original publication of this article was published on Canada.ca on December 6, 2022 and can be viewed here.
The Government of Canada is committed to investing in local businesses as they adapt, become more sustainable and create jobs for the future.
Today, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced an investment of $3 million for Niagara Pallet and Recyclers Ltd. (Niagara Pallet) to adopt new technologies that will allow the company to respond to wood pallet shortages across Canada and support the transition to a more sustainable and circular economy. This investment will also create 30 skilled jobs across the Niagara Region.
Located in Smithville, Niagara Pallet is a rural, family-run company that manufactures and repairs wood-related shipping materials, including wood pallets, for suppliers and distribution centres. With this investment, through the Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF), the company will implement new, first-in-Canada, custom automated systems to measure, sort and cut used wood pallets—allowing them to process more recycled pallets and identify a higher proportion for repair.
This investment will help Niagara Pallet meet industry demand, reduce waste, contribute to a greener manufacturing industry and a strong economic future.
Quotes
“Today’s investment in Niagara Pallet and Recyclers will create 30 skilled jobs and continue Canada’s path to be a global leader in cleaner and greener manufacturing. By making smart investments, we create good jobs and develop innovative solutions that will alleviate pressures on supply chains and support a growing economy that works for everyone.” – The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“By supporting manufacturers like Niagara Pallet and Recyclers Ltd. who contribute to Niagara’s regional employment and supply chain spending, our government is taking the necessary steps forward to help our communities and our businesses contribute to a greener and more resilient future.” – Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre
“Today’s announcement is truly exciting news for the Niagara region. Not only are we creating 30 new, skilled jobs in the region, but we are boosting southern Ontario’s innovation economy by investing in manufacturers that ensure we keep pushing the boundaries for a cleaner tomorrow.” – Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines
“We are excited to receive support from FedDev Ontario’s JGF program to allow us to develop and implement new technology in the repair and manufacture of wood pallets. Thanks to FedDev Ontario’s funding Niagara Pallet is positioned to be the leader in supporting our local markets with wood pallets to move their products to the world. We are creating efficient and replicable business processes that will be used to showcase new technology in our industry.” – Fred Vrugteveen, President, Niagara Pallet and Recyclers Ltd.
Quick facts
- Founded in 1993, Niagara Pallet and Recyclers Ltd., a family-run company with 65 employees, supplies, repairs and sells wood pallets and shipping related items. The company also offers complete recycling services of wood, corrugated fibreboard, and plastics materials, resulting in a positive environmental impact.
- FedDev Ontario is delivering $224 million of the Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) to help businesses in southern Ontario and the organizations who support them, 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 $817 million in nearly 600 manufacturing projects, creating over 10,000 jobs and maintaining nearly 20,000 jobs.