Provincial funding will help eight businesses stay resilient in the face of U.S. tariffs and support 758 jobs in the region
The Ontario government is supporting companies and workers that have been impacted by U.S. tariffs by investing over $7.3 million through the Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF) to increase resilience, build capacity and re-shore critical supply chains to Ontario.
The announcement made on March 11, 2026, builds on the ongoing deployment and success of the OTTF program, with the eight recipient company projects amounting to nearly $44 million in near-term investments that will create over 65 new, good paying jobs, and protect 692 more across Windsor and the surrounding region.
“As Canada’s largest bordering city to the United States, Windsor’s manufacturers have been disproportionately impacted by tariffs, which is why our government introduced strategic measures to drive forward their economic resilience,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
“Through the Ontario Together Trade Fund, we will ensure Ontario’s workers and businesses have the tools they need to adapt in the face of external pressures, protect jobs and enhance their long-term competitiveness.”
First announced as part of the 2025 Ontario Budget, the OTTF program is part of the province’s nearly $30 billion tariff relief and support plan to protect Ontario’s workers and businesses from economic uncertainty and build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy. With a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises, the program will help businesses across a diverse range of sectors make the necessary investments to strengthen operations in Ontario, expand market reach and protect workers.
The latest fund recipients include:
- Canadian Electrocoating Ltd., an auto parts manufacturing firm specializing in metal stamping and electro-coating for complex fabricated parts and sheet metal, including for Ford Canada.
- Central Stampings Ltd., an auto parts manufacturer that supplies stamping and welding services directly to major auto manufacturers, including General Motors and Stellantis.
- Dimachem Inc., a manufacturing company that formulates, blends, and packages industrial and commercial chemical products.
- Jahn Engineering Ltd., a designer and builder of tools, metal stamping dies, and automated assembly equipment for the automotive, nuclear, and aerospace sectors.
- Kringer Industrial, an engineering company that produces protective materials and packaging solutions for the cargo industry.
- NextGen Mold Technologies Windsor Inc., a manufacturer of plastic injection and compression molds.
- Reko International Group Inc., a technology-driven automation and machining company that manufactures large, critical automation parts.
- Stratus Plastics International Inc., a precision automotive injection molding supplier supporting tier-1 and tier-2 original equipment manufacturers.
“Windsor‑Essex continues to stand as one of Canada’s most significant manufacturing regions, and our local workforce and businesses have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of global challenges, including U.S. tariffs,” said Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor—Tecumseh.
“Through the Ontario Together Trade Fund, our government is providing strategic support to help our local companies reinforce supply chains, expand their operations within our community, and safeguard the good‑paying jobs that are vital to families across Windsor‑Essex.
Since its launch, the OTTF has supported nearly $209 million in total project investments, while protecting and creating 2,772 jobs across Ontario. In response to high volume of application intakes and growing demand, the government expanded the program’s scope, bringing the total funding to $150 million over three years to enable more businesses affected by U.S. tariffs to strengthen their domestic operations.
“Our manufacturers are world-class and our government will continue to support them to ensure they remain competitive and resilient in these challenging times,” said Anthony Leardi, MPP for Essex.
“The Ontario Together Trade Fund is just one of the many initiatives we launched to help companies stay strong, protect jobs, and keep investing right here in Essex County.”
As Ontario continues to navigate the impact of U.S. tariffs and global economic uncertainty, the government remains focused on delivering critical funding, cutting red tape, unleashing the economy and supporting workers.
~ Image by Moira Gibson from Pixabay