FedDev Ontario investment of more than $20 million supports eight London and Chatham-Kent region businesses and organizations to modernize operations and strengthen competitiveness
May 15, 2026 - London, Ontario - Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario - (FedDev Ontario)
London and Chatham-Kent regions are economic engines of Southwestern Ontario—driven by manufacturing, automotive, life sciences, and agri-food sectors. As global trade pressures persist, the Government of Canada is investing to strengthen resilience, boost competitiveness, and create good jobs.
Today, the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), visited The Grove. Western Fair Association’s agri-food business and innovation hub accelerates food and beverage companies through incubation, scale-up support, and commercialization. The Minister was joined by Peter Fragiskatos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Member of Parliament for London Centre, and the Honourable Arielle Kayabaga, Deputy House Leader of the Government and Member of Parliament for London West.
While there, the Minister announced an investment of more than $20 million to support eight businesses and organizations impacted by trade disruptions, including AarKel Tool & Die Inc., Atlantic Industries Limited, Attica Manufacturing Inc., Five Star Tool and Die Ltd., Ritch-Meyer Machine & Tool Inc., Select Finishing, Starlim North America Corporation and Western Fair Association.
This funding, through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, will support projects that improve efficiency, adopt new technologies, and expand growth opportunities, benefiting businesses in southwestern Ontario, and create good jobs. For information on the individual projects, refer to the backgrounder.
As part of today’s announcement, Western Fair Association is receiving $8 million to expand and modernize its Grove Innovation Hub. This new investment builds on FedDev Ontario’s previous investment of $8.2 million, which helped establish and grow The Grove as a cornerstone of the region’s agri-food innovation ecosystem. Building on that foundation, Grove 2.0 will address the needs of agri-food SMEs for scale‑ready production and cold storage, helping tariff-impacted firms diversify markets, strengthen supply chains, and support a more resilient regional economy.
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Canadian businesses and organizations, safeguarding workers, and strengthening competitiveness, economic resilience, and long‑term prosperity across the country.
Quotes
“Across southern Ontario, businesses are navigating trade disruptions and evolving markets, which are placing new strain on supply chains. Today’s investment for these eight businesses and organizations in London and Chatham-Kent shows our government’s commitment to helping companies and organizations adapt to trade disruptions, strengthen supply chains, reinforce resilience and build Canada strong.”
- The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“This funding will help these eight London and Chatham-Kent region businesses and organizations navigate the changing global landscape. Through targeted, practical investments, the Government of Canada is helping companies adapt, remain competitive and continue growing here at home.”
- Peter Fragiskatos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Member of Parliament for London Centre
“By supporting hubs like The Grove, we are helping food and beverage businesses grow, create jobs, and bring new ideas to market right here in Southwestern Ontario. Investments in innovation are not just about economic growth, they are about building stronger, more resilient communities where people can succeed close to home.”
- The Honourable Arielle Kayabaga, Deputy House Leader of the Government and Member of Parliament for London West
“We appreciate FedDev Ontario’s recognition and support of The Grove’s accomplishments thus far, which have already brought success to many agri-food businesses in the London region. Today, we thank them for their funding support of our Grove 2.0 expansion at a pivotal time for the agri-food industry. Their backing of our vision will create exciting new pathways for food and beverage SMEs in Ontario.”
- Reg Ash, CEO, Western Fair Association
Quick facts
- Through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), the Government of Canada is providing $1.5 billion to small- and medium-sized enterprises impacted by tariffs so they can diversify their markets, create new revenue sources, and adopt innovative technologies to boost competitiveness.
- The RTRI is part of a broad set of tariff support measures, including the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan Facility, the creation of a new $1 billion Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) program, a Pivot to Grow initiative, and support through the Strategic Response Fund, as well as the enhancements to the Work-Sharing Program. Together, these efforts demonstrate a commitment to reinforcing Canada’s industrial strength and defending good jobs across the country.
- Incorporated in 1887, Western Fair Association is a not-for-profit agricultural society that supports the agri-food industry and broader community in the London area. Operating out of Western Fair Association, The Grove was established in 2019 as an agriculture and food entrepreneur business hub and incubator bringing jobs, innovation and growth to the London region.
Associated links
Contacts
Sofia Ouslis
Deputy Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Innovation and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
[email protected]
Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
[email protected]
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