The federal government has approved up to $9.3 million in funding for Kumi Canada Corporation to modernize its manufacturing operations in southern Ontario, citing the need to strengthen domestic supply chains and help auto suppliers manage tariff-related pressures.
The funding, delivered through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, will support the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies at the company’s Bradford facility. The investment is part of the federal government’s new auto strategy and its Regional Tariff Response Initiative, which targets businesses affected by global trade disruptions.
The announcement was made Feb. 9 by the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and minister responsible for FedDev Ontario, during a visit to the facility.
According to the government, the investment is intended to improve Kumi’s competitiveness, support future growth and enhance supply chain resilience within Canada’s automotive sector.
“Our new auto strategy will integrate emerging technologies into our existing supply chains to support jobs and business across Canada,” Solomon said.
Kumi Canada Corporation is a Tier 1 automotive parts manufacturer specializing in plastic injection-molded interior components for automotive original equipment manufacturers. The company has operated in Bradford since 1998.
Justin Moreau, president of Kumi Canada Corporation, said the funding will support continued investment in machinery and automation and help the company manage cost pressures associated with tariffs.
The funding builds on a previous $2-million federal investment that supported the adoption of energy-efficient equipment and a 60,000-square-foot expansion of the Bradford facility.
Canada’s auto sector supports more than 500,000 workers and contributes over $16 billion annually to the national economy.
