Ontario, Canada is a hub for some of the biggest chemical companies in the world. Five out of the top ten chemical companies have major manufacturing operations in Ontario.
Ontario’s strategic location and well-developed infrastructure are two of the main reasons why these multinational corporations have chosen to invest into their Canadian operations here. In addition, the province is home to numerous educational institutions and research centers which provide access to a highly skilled workforce.
Well-developed infrastructure and Supply Chain System
Ontario’s well-developed infrastructure and supply chain system has been instrumental in attracting foreign investment within the chemical industry sector. Existing companies have been able to use this system to reduce costs by optimizing production processes, developing innovative new products such as bio-hybrid chemicals, and providing businesses with essential resources and services.
Additionally, foreign investors have noted that Ontario’s sound infrastructure has enabled a smoother introduction of their business operations into the region while expanding their markets. This attractive environment has made Ontario an ideal destination for companies keen on participating in the global economy and a leader in sustainable business practices.
Strong Diverse Biomass Supply
Ontario’s substantial agricultural and forestry sector provides a wide range of feedstocks that can be utilized to produce biobased chemicals, fuels, and materials.
In 2020, foreign investment in the Ontario chemical industry sector was estimated at $25 billion. This investment has served as a catalyst for bio-hybrid chemicals production, made possible by the abundance of biomass material harvested from wood, winter wheat, grain corn, and soybeans grown in this region. 94% of Canada’s supply of corn and soybeans come from Southern Ontario alone.
Furthermore, Ontario yields an impressive 14 million cubic metres of har- vested wood every year, making its resources ideal for the development of vari- ous green fuel sources such as ethanol, butanol and biodiesel.
Research in Biotechnology
Ontario is one of the most attractive regions for foreign investors and businesses looking to capitalize on industrial biotechnology. With leading academic and commercial institutes, Ontario has become renowned around the globe in this field.
Our specialized centres offer the resources necessary to ensure commercial success while investing in technologies such as bio-hybrid chemicals developed from biologically oriented routes. Furthermore, Ontario provides unparalleled access to R&D matchmaking, advisory services and plug-and-play spaces to assist in business acceleration within the chemical industry sector.
This makes Ontario indisputably a global centre for industrial biotechnology research and development.
Educational Research
Ontario universities are leading the charge in industrial biotechnology research, drawing substantial foreign investment to Ontario and providing tremendous benefit to the local chemical industry sector.
Groundbreaking projects are underway at Ontario universities, with researchers exploring new methods in producing bio-hybrid chemicals that have a substantially reduced environmental impact. The impact of these Ontario universities’ initiatives will be felt far beyond provincial borders as further scientific breakthroughs are made and foreign firms look more closely at Ontario’s research capabilities.
Sarnia-Lambton – Ontario’s chemical cluster
Ontario’s Sarnia-Lambton region has become the hub for chemical and bio- chemical production plants, as well as petroleum refiners, making it Canada’s most concentrated and integrated chemicals cluster.
Boasting an abundance of energy resources, competitive energy prices and access to complementary services, the region has seen considerable foreign investment that is driving economic growth in Ontario. Having attracted 50+ companies over the past several decades, the region is a major contributor to Ontario’s chemical industry sector. Furthermore, with Ontario backing innovations including bio-hybrid chemicals, this cluster is positioned to become an even greater global force in chemical production in the years ahead.
Ontario has an abundance of talent
Ontario is home to a significant portion of Canada’s skilled trades workers and plays an important role in the nation’s economy. It is estimated that more than 26,000 people are employed in Ontario’s chemical industry sector alone.
As foreign investment in Ontario increases and bio-hybrid chemicals become part of everyday production processes, economic growth continues to pick up speed in the province across multiple sectors. Ontario is poised to be a major driving force within Canada’s economy for years to come.
Ontario chemical subsectors
Within Ontario’s chemical manufacturing industry lies a number of specialized sub-sectors
• Basic chemicals – ethylene, aromatics, styrene)
• Polymers, Resins, Synthetic Rubber, Additives • Fertilizer
• Industrial gases Linde
• Specialty chemicals – coatings, adhesives, paper chemicals, water • Biobased chemicals and materials
• Petroleum refiners
Ontario is a prime destination for chemical manufacturing and R&D operations due to its location, infrastructure, and educational hub. The province is not only able to attract established global firms, but also those starting up small-scale operations. With the promise of world-class talent and the latest research capabilities, this Canadian hotspot is well-positioned to capitalize on new industry trends.
Companies interested in entering the Canadian market need only look towards Ontario as a prime opportunity for investment. It’s clear that investing in this province can offer lucrative results for companies across all sectors of business—and chemical production is no exception. With its many advantages, it’s easy to see why Canada’s most populated province has become an NDPEC for international giants alike.
Visit investontario.ca to learn more.
For more articles, click here.
