July 9, 2019 – Vaughan, Ontario – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Canada’s automotive manufacturing sector is a driver of economic activity.  It creates well-paying middle-class jobs across the country, and it supports innovation and long-term prosperity.

Today, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development came to MP Sorbara's Vaughan-Woodbridge riding and announced a Government of Canada investment to Woodbridge Foam Corporation of up to $20-million. This investment will support a $100-million modernization project, which will create 110 jobs and maintain 727 more in Woodbridge and Blenheim, Ontario.

Woodbridge Foam Corporation will modernize two of its plants with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and create a Centre of Excellence where it will centralize its global research and development activities in advanced materials and product design of molded foam products, such as car seats and armrests. This will help the company increase production, better meet market demand for products, secure new business and create and maintain highly skilled manufacturing jobs in Canada.

Canadians will benefit from vehicles that are safer, more energy efficient, and offer a better driving experience. As part of the project, Woodbridge Foam will invest more in research and development, see more intellectual property developed and retained in Canada, and expand its collaboration with high schools and post-secondary institutions.

Quotes

"Our government's Innovation and Skills Plan is aimed at making this country a world-leading centre for innovation. It will mean middle-class jobs for our country and City of Vaughan, creating a hub of research and innovation right here in our own Vaughan-Woodbridge community."

– Francesco Sorbara, Member of Parliament, Vaughan-Woodbridge

“Our government has consistently stood behind Canada’s innovative automotive manufacturers, and the highly skilled women and men who work in this sector. Our unique combination of manufacturing expertise and technological leadership makes Canada a natural home for companies like Woodbridge Foam as they shape the vehicles of today and tomorrow.

– Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

“With the support of the Canadian Government’s Strategic Innovation Fund, this significant investment will result in world-class manufacturing capabilities and accelerated innovation in our technology advantage. We view this as an investment in our global competitiveness, supporting our purpose to create and sustain rewarding jobs, as we prepare for the future of a rapidly changing global automotive marketplace.”

– Charles Daly, President & Chief Executive Officer, Woodbridge

Quick facts

• Woodbridge Foam Corporation started with a single Canadian plant in 1978. It now operates 67 facilities around the world. The company specializes in the manufacturing of foam polymers and molding for the automotive industry.
• Through the Innovation and Skills Plan, the Government of Canada has invested $434 million in 40 projects in the automotive manufacturing sector, attracting investments worth over $6 billion.
• This investment is made through the Strategic Innovation Fund, a program designed to attract and support high-quality business investments in Canada’s most dynamic and innovative sectors.
• In addition to the Strategic Innovation Fund, there are hundreds of programs and services to help businesses innovate, create jobs and grow Canada’s economy. With its simple, story-based user interface, the new Innovation Canada platform can match businesses with the most fitting programs and services in about two minutes.

Associated link

•  Strategic Innovation Fund

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Contacts

Dani Keenan

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

343-291-1710

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777

[email protected]

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