Investing in New Technologies and Productivity in Southern Ontario's Manufacturing Sector

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - March 1, 2016) - Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)

Today, the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business and Tourism, along with Ahmed Hussen, Member of Parliament for York South-Weston, highlighted the success and resilience of Canadian manufacturing.

After more than 60 years manufacturing lighting and sheet metal products, Viscor Inc. is the leading independent producer of LED and fluorescent lighting products in Canada and is poised to expand further into international markets.

Viscor Inc. was awarded $100,000 to purchase equipment to produce the latest in lighting components for industrial, commercial, and institutional lighting markets. Acquiring new equipment helped the company become more competitive and strengthen its ability to participate in global supply chains.

Since July 2015, the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) has awarded over $4 million to 49 projects through the CME SMART Advanced Technologies for Global Growth program. This brings the total awarded to date to more than $7 million to 88 projects across southern Ontario. For a full list of projects, visit the CME SMART Advanced Technologies for Global Growth program website.

Quick Facts

• Established in 1952, Viscor Inc. specializes in LED and fluorescent lighting products and metal fabrication, and has been manufacturing products under the Visioneering, Certolux and TBR Lighting Brands. Viscor Inc. maintains the capability to manufacture almost any sheet metal product required or requested while leading the way with modern technology and advanced manufacturing processes.
• Since 2009, FedDev Ontario has committed more than $530 million to approximately 2,150 manufacturing projects. This includes both direct support to recipients and funding to third parties who further distribute the funding on behalf of FedDev Ontario.
• Canada's manufacturing sector is a cornerstone of the economy, accounting for more than 10 percent of Canada's gross domestic product and employing 1.7 million Canadians, nearly 750,000 of which live in Ontario. Its performance is central to the overall health of the economy.
• FedDev Ontario is providing $20 million to the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters to deliver the CME SMART Advanced Technologies for Global Growth program, which supports export-oriented manufacturers in southern Ontario looking to invest in advanced technologies.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is committed to supporting manufacturers like Viscor in adopting new technologies to become more innovative, increase productivity and build their competitive edge. Through strategic investments, such as FedDev Ontario's contribution to the CME, we are building a strong and competitive manufacturing sector in this region and across Canada."

• The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business and Tourism

"With funding from FedDev Ontario through the CME SMART program, Viscor was able to expand its operations, making the company more competitive in its industry, which will ultimately help strengthen the manufacturing sector. I'm proud to see the positive effects of this program here in Toronto as we continue to help manufacturers grow and create long-term economic growth in this region."

• Ahmed Hussen, Member of Parliament for York South-Weston

"Viscor is grateful for the support of the Government of Canada and the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters' SMART Advanced Technologies for Global Growth program. With over 60 years of manufacturing based in Ontario, Viscor has continually strived to remain at the forefront of commercial and industrial lighting technologies, and this assistance will ensure our ability to remain competitive and growing in the North American marketplace."

• Michael Wiener, President, Viscor Inc.

"Advanced technology adoption is a key strategic investment that boosts productivity for manufacturers of all sizes. The SMART program gives Ontario's manufacturers the leverage to be able to improve operations, increase global trade and become more competitive."

• Ian Howcroft, Vice President Ontario, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters

Associated Links

FedDev Ontario

Viscor Inc

CME SMART Advanced Technologies for Global Growth Program

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