MPP Oosterhoff Welcomes Over $31 Million in Manufacturing Investments in Niagara
December 19, 2025
Beamsville – The Ontario government is welcoming an investment of $31,980,128 by seven local companies to boost manufacturing and create over seventy new good-paying jobs in Niagara.
The investment was announced today by Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West, at Ophardt Hygiene Technologies in Beamsville.
MPP Oosterhoff was joined in Beamsville by Rob Foster, Councillor for the Regional Municipality of Niagara; Sandra Easton, Mayor of the Town of Lincoln; Ken Friesen, Chief Executive Officer of Ophardt Hygiene Technologies, and Jordan Sherlock, Executive Director of the Niagara Industrial Association, as well as several local municipal officials and business leaders.
“By supporting strategic investments from regional businesses, our government is protecting Ontario’s workers and creating the conditions for a strong, stable and resilient economy that can weather any storm,” said MPP Oosterhoff.
“These investments by seven local companies across Niagara will support growth and innovation across the local manufacturing sector and create better-paying jobs for workers and families in our region.”
In support of their investment, the province is providing these seven companies with $5,299,069 through the Regional Development Program.
Recipients of the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund of the Regional Development Program in Niagara include Ophardt Hygiene Technologies in Beamsville, Galaxy Pallets in Smithville, Bradshaw Iron Works in Welland, Black Creek Metal in Thorold, CMI Heavy Industries in Fort Erie, Decora Powder Coatings in St. Catharines and the City of Port Colborne.
“Employing more than 800,000 manufacturing workers across the province, Ontario’s manufacturing sector is the economic engine of our nation,” said Hon. Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
“Our government is proud to support local companies in Niagara as they expand their operations, and we thank them for their contributions to Ontario’s dynamic and growing manufacturing ecosystem.”
Ontario is investing over $220 million through its Regional Development Program to help manufacturers across the province grow while supporting distinct regional priorities. To date, Ontario has supported more than 170 projects through the program, leveraging more than $2.4 billion in new investments and helping to create over 4,300 jobs.
“Niagara is home to an incredibly diverse economy, and one of the jewels of that economy is our advanced manufacturing sector,” said Rob Foster, Councillor for the Regional Municipality of Niagara.
“These companies are bringing new ideas to market and are pushing the boundaries of what we can produce right here in Niagara. This funding will make sure those companies continue to thrive and continue supporting well-paying jobs in our communities.”
“It is a pleasure to join our community in recognizing the manufacturers across Niagara, including those here in Lincoln, who play such an important role in driving our local economy,” said Sandra Easton, Mayor of the Town of Lincoln.
“Through innovation, investment and the creation of skilled, good-paying jobs, these businesses strengthen supply chains and contribute to the vitality of our communities. Supporting manufacturers like these helps position Niagara and the Town of Lincoln for long-term, sustainable economic growth.”
“This announcement provides a significant funding contribution to the ongoing development of Port Colborne’s East Side Employment Lands,” said William Steele, Mayor of the City of Port Colborne.
“By enhancing the serviced industrial lands in Port Colborne and Niagara, we are growing our economy right now as well as enhancing our ongoing capacity to attract new industrial partners to the area for years to come.”
“On behalf of the Niagara Industrial Association, I would like to commend the province for their investment in the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund and congratulate the Niagara recipients whose success strengthens our regional manufacturing sector,” said Jordan Sherlock, Executive Director of the Niagara Industrial Association.
“Programs like the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund of the Regional Development Program allow businesses to do what they do best – innovate, invest and grow – helping to protect Ontario jobs, strengthen supply chains and keep meaningful work here at home.”
“This investment not only helps with local job creation and strengthens the manufacturing industry in Niagara, but also bolsters our ability to produce essential hand hygiene dispensers, pump and bottles right here in Ontario,” said Ken Friesen, Chief Executive Officer of Ophardt Hygiene Technologies.
“This provincial support has helped us increase our production capacity as we continue to grow and provide vital hand hygiene equipment.”
“The funds from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund have helped with our plant expansion, adding production and warehouse capacity,” said Tammy Zimba, General Manager of Galaxy Pallets.
“With this additional capacity we were able to grow our team, adding jobs to the community and further diversify in the industries we support,” said Brock Baldassi, Chief Executive Officer of Decora Powder Coatings.
“This investment puts us in the next league.”