An hour North of Toronto, Simcoe County is
home to world-class manufacturers
Simcoe County is emerging as one of Ontario’s largest and most innovative manufacturing hubs From automotive and food processing to glass manufacturing, med-tech and aerospace, Simcoe County is home to hundreds of world-class manufacturers operating in every niche.
The reason is simple: The County offers all the amenities of large cities, including access to talent, infrastructure and business supports, health and education, and quality of life, but without the gridlock, noise, pollution and high costs that come with major urban centres.
Simcoe County’s total labour force is 295,000 and more than 1.7 million workers live within an hour’s drive. More than 11 per cent of the labour force has manufacturing experience and Lakehead University and Georgian College both work in collaboration with regional manufacturers to develop talent by offering access to state-of-the-art manufacturing technology, research faculty and eager students. These institutions also possess strong expertise surrounding technology and automation, which supports the local workforce and highly skilled jobs required for the innovative companies in this sector.
“Manufacturing is at the heart of Simcoe County’s economy, and County Council is committed to helping our businesses to grow, develop and thrive,” said Warden George Cornell. “We have a diverse manufacturing sector and broad “Made in Simcoe County” product and equipment portfolio. From car parts, to personal protective equipment, from aerospace technology to construction supplies, we’re proud of our manufacturing businesses and our skilled labour force, and we’re truly excited about what our prosperous future will bring for our communities, residents and business partners.”
Simcoe County offers enviable infrastructure, including connections to major provincial and arterial highways, access to major markets by rail, and Lake Simcoe Regional Airport, a 24/7 operation designated as a commercial port of entry for both passengers and freight.
Manufacturers have access to significant employment lands in Simcoe County. Overall lower tax rates compared to other Greater Toronto Area locations, coupled with lower real estate prices translates into lower assessments, providing for lower overall taxes payable for companies and businesses locating in Simcoe County.
Workers are drawn to Simcoe County’s affordability, its four-season recreational lifestyle, and its terrific schools and health care.
The Made in Simcoe County campaign showcases the impressive range of products, services and career opportunities that are created in the County.
Did you know?
Honda of Canada Mfg. employs 4,200 in three facilities across almost 900 acres and produces 400,000 vehicles and 260,000 engines annually.
Molded Precision Components (MPC) is a precision injection moulding facility that produces upwards of 70 million plastic automotive and medical parts each year.
“Our quality and reliability are second to none and that’s because we have access to tremendous talent in Simcoe County,” said David Yeaman, co-owner and president.
Napoleon is a homegrown success story that has grown into North America’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of fireplaces, barbecues, and outdoor living products. The company employs more than 900 people in Simcoe County.
Baxter Canada is the only largescale manufacturing plant producing intravenous solutions in Canada.
Throughout 2020 and into 2021, many of the manufacturers in Simcoe County worked collaboratively to pivot production to address shortages essential supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic. These leading manufacturers quickly adapted and worked together on product development, supply chain, logistics and distribution.
The County Economic Development Office (EDO) plays an important role bringing the manufacturing community together to foster information sharing and collaboration, to support innovation and automation and to strengthen the regional manufacturing ecosystem. The EDO also provides: a site selector tool of land and building inventory; assistance identifying funding opportunities, contacts for suppliers and access to markets; labour force support; and events to explore trends and best practices including an annual manufacturers forum.
“Our close location to the GTA, quality of life, excellent air, rail and road links, combined with an abundant and accessible labour market, offer businesses endless potential for economic growth within Simcoe County,” said Stewart Strathearn, County of Simcoe Councillor and Chair of the County’s Economic Development Sub-Committee. “We are further establishing an economic climate in Simcoe County that performs for residents and businesses by creating new high-quality employment opportunities and investing in the infrastructure and community supports that our businesses need to thrive.”
For more information on the world class products and services created in Simcoe County, visit https://edo.simcoe.ca/made-in-simcoe-countyhttps://edo.simcoe.ca/made-in-simcoe-county
Made in Simcoe County #SimcoeCounty
