Home to a number of global manufacturers, Northumberland’s vibrant manufacturing sector has access to skilled, affordable labour in East Ontario - while still being closely connected to major markets in the GTA.
Frustrated with land availability in Toronto, Toronto North and Toronto West?
Northumberland County land is $200-$600k/acre cheaper than in Toronto and the GTA.
Access National and International Markets
- With two major 400 series highways running through the region, you’ll have access to markets in the GTA and Durham region.
- Reach international markets via Canada’s largest commercial airport, just 90 minutes by road.
- Alternatively move oversized freight by sea, through Oshawa’s intermodal harbour.
A Diverse Manufacturing Hub
| Subsector | Number of Businesses | % of Total Manufacturing Businesses |
|---|---|---|
| Food Manufacturing | 20 | 9 % |
| Beverage and Tobacco Product Manufacturing | 13 | 5.9 % |
| Textile Product Mills | 2 | 0.9 % |
| Clothing Manufacturing | 3 | 1.4 % |
| Leather and Allied Product Manufacturing | 1 | 0.5 % |
| Wood Product Manufacturing | 18 | 8.1 % |
| Paper Manufacturing | 4 | 1.8 % |
| Printing and Related Support Activities | 8 | 3.6 % |
| Petroleum and Coal Product Manufacturing | 1 | 0.5 % |
| Chemical Manufacturing | 10 | 4.5 % |
| Plastics and Rubber Products Manufacturing | 10 | 4.5 % |
| Non-metallic Mineral Product Manufacturing | 9 | 4.1 % |
| Primary Metal Manufacturing | 5 | 2.3 % |
| Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing | 39 | 17.6 % |
| Machinery Manufacturing | 19 | 8.6 % |
| Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing | 4 | 1.8 % |
| Electrical Equipment, Appliance and Component Manufacturing | 6 | 2.7 % |
| Transportation and Equipment Manufacturing | 8 | 3.6 % |
| Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing | 21 | 9.5 % |
| Miscellaneous Manufacturing | 20 | 9 % |
Home to a Number of Global and Local Manufacturers
Get things done quicker, with a centralized supply chain network. Northumberland County’s cluster of manufacturers, technology companies, and logistics firms improve efficiency, making it faster and cheaper for your plant to produce and distribute products.
Find Skilled, Dedicated Workers with Ease
Northumberland has a large, skilled labour market - with a higher concentration of people with college degrees and trade certificates than the provincial average.
708,195
Labour Force
13,889 (3%)
Employed in Manufacturing and Processing
36,695 (8%)
Apprenticeship or Trades Cert
Higher than Ontario’s 7%
152,327 (32%)
College or Diploma
Higher than Ontario’s 25%
91, 253 (20%)
Bachelor’s Degree and Above
Hire Graduates Ready for a Career in Advanced Manufacturing
Five universities and colleges in a 50 km radius provide a pipeline of skilled workers, by offering a number of tertiary programs related to Advanced Manufacturing.
- UOIT: Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and Faculty of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science
- Durham College: 100 + Programs in Engineering, Technology, and Automotive
- Loyalist College: 19 Skilled Trades Programs
- Fleming College: School of Trades and Technology
Healthier, Happier Employees Commute Less
Living in Toronto or Ajax? Drive against the traffic flow and spend less time commuting to work in Northumberland.
Alternatively, moving to Northumberland allows your employees to enjoy a better quality of life - with a lower cost of living, and access to a large number of sports and recreation centres to support a healthy lifestyle.
“When relocating Trade Tech Industries, we explored areas such as Peterborough and Bracebridge, but Port Hope offered my employees and I both business and quality of life. The progressive, new industrial park gave us immediate access to the 401 corridor, while the downtown and waterfront districts had a hometown feel.
Trade Tech and our 45 plus employees are happy and proud to have become members of this community.”
Walter Hillman, President of Trade Tech Industries.
Financing Available
Northumberland’s pro-business environment invites manufacturers to grow and innovate. Take advantage of financial incentives aimed at supporting Advanced Manufacturing in eastern Ontario.
- Invest Ontario - Incentive programs and services.: Find a number of incentives to support relocation, expansions, new investments, and workforce development.
- FedDev Ontario: FedDev Ontario provides a number of funding programs aimed at stimulating businesses in southern Ontario.
Ease of Process
Our economic development team is ready to help you navigate red tape, apply for funding and grow your company.
“We needed to expand our growing company, and we searched many location east and north of Oshawa. We made Port Hope our first choice, since it had available sites and offered an easier way of doing business, less red tape, and all the help we need!”
Tony Walsh, Sigus Heavy Machinery