LISTOWEL – A local manufacturing company will receive funding from the province to assist with its expansion project.
The province announced on Sept. 24 that Weberlane Manufacturing in Listowel will receive $480,750 from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund.
Weberlane is a Canadian manufacturer of heavy-duty trailers for the agricultural and industrial sectors. The company produces a full line of highway and equipment trailers and has expanded into niche market segments, including the winery and livestock market.
A press release states Weberlane is investing $4.8 million to construct a new 115,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Listowel. The facility will include new production lines and advanced manufacturing equipment for large cargo trailers.
“With $480,750 from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, Weberlane will increase capacity and automate manufacturing operations, including producing large cargo trailers in Ontario that were previously manufactured by subcontractors located in the U.S.,” states the press release.
It is expected this project will create 40 new jobs and retain 33 positions.
“At Weberlane Manufacturing, we pride ourselves in excellent customer support and commitment to making top-notch products for the industrial and agricultural sectors,” said Stuart Reist, general manager of Weberlane Manufacturing.
“Support from the Ontario government will enable our company to make cargo trailers right here in Listowel without depending on the overseas subcontractors. We thank the Ontario government for this investment that’s helping Weberlane grow and contribute to the regional economy.”
Regionally, $2.6 million in funding was announced by the province on Friday. Other businesses receiving funding in Perth-Wellington include:
- Nieuwland Feed & Supply, Drayton – $1,293,500 to support efforts that will see a second feed mill built and installation of automation equipment to improve production capacity.
- Bold Canine, Erin – $500,000 to support research and development activities with a focus on food safety and automate manufacturing processes.
- Wellington Perforated Sheet and Plate, Fergus – $312,000 to increase in-house production capacity.
The province says this funding will help create 71 jobs and retain 150 jobs across Perth-Wellington.
“We are fortunate to have companies like Nieuwland Feed & Supply and Weberlane Manufacturing operating in Perth-Wellington,” said Randy Pettapiece, MPP for Perth-Wellington. “I am very pleased that our government is supporting their expansion projects. Our area will benefit from the good-paying local jobs that will be created.”
