KB Media Corporation in Casselman is one of four Ottawa-area businesses that will be receiving funds from the Ontario government to help strengthen domestic manufacturing and attract investment in the region.
The province is investing more than $3.8 million in four Ottawa businesses through the Regional Development Program, to support an investment of $25.5 million by local businesses. The funds will help create 63 jobs, as well as retain 141 jobs in the area.
KB Media is building expanded, consolidated premises for the design and production of its print media, signage, wraps, and web services. The $898,000 project is being supported with $134,700 from the Eastern Ontario Development Fund. This investment will create seven jobs and help to retain 10 positions.
KB Media Corp, which was founded in 2009, offers a one-stop shop to help companies design and manage their corporate branding.
“Thanks to this funding, KB Media will greatly benefit from an expanded facility and a more innovative production flow to better serve our ever-growing business community,” said KB Media CEO Mark Kelly. “This program is truly adding to the success of small businesses in Prescott-Russell; we feel very fortunate to be a part of it.”
“Our government’s top priority throughout the pandemic has been protecting the province’s health and protecting our jobs and economy,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “These projects will make a significant impact in our Eastern Ontario communities and economies. They will enable long-term measurable outcomes, including private-sector investments, job creation and retention, and strong regional growth.”
Three other companies from the Ottawa region are also receiving funding through the Regional Development Program.
Beau-Roc Inc., located in Vars, is building a second facility to manufacture dump bodies for dump trucks in a$12-million project that will create 30 jobs and help retain 84 existing positions. Ontario is investing $1.8 million from the Eastern Ontario Development Fund to support Beau-Roc’s project. Founded in 1985, the company manufactures premium dump bodies for a wide range of customers and applications across Canada and the United States. The new facility will reduce lead times and enable Beau-Roc to take on custom orders for larger dump bodies.
Ottawa-based Lumibird Ltd. is investing $7.3 million (eligible project costs) in facility upgrades and new equipment, as well as boosting its R&D work for the company’s light detection and ranging technologies (LIDAR). Ontario is providing $1.09 million from the Eastern Ontario Development Fund to help the company create nine jobs and help retain 16 positions. The company specializes in laser technologies with applications in wind energy, meteorology, environmental safety, climate change monitoring, aviation safety, industrial automation, space and defence.
LTR Industries (Ottawa) Ltd. is expanding its millwork production facilities to compete for larger contracts and grow its business. This $5.2 million project is supported with $780,000 from the Eastern Ontario Development Fund, which will help to create 17 jobs and to retain 31 positions. LTR Industries supplies commercial millwork to the general construction industry, interior designers and individual commercial/residential clients, and offers complete design/build services or pre-costed tendered jobs.
Ontario is investing more than $100 million through the Regional Development Program from 2019 to 2023 to support distinct regional priorities and challenges. The program provides cost-shared funding to businesses, municipalities and economic development organizations to help local communities attract investment, diversify their economies, and plan for long-term sustainability and growth.
