Techo-Bloc receives $1.5 million for facility build in Ayr
Quebec-based landscape product manufacturer Techo-Bloc has received a grant of $1.5 million from the Ontario government to build a manufacturing facility in Ayr.
The province announced the investment on March 4. Techo-Bloc intends to use the money from the Regional Development Program to fund construction of a facility in Ayr, in the Region of Waterloo. The project is expected to create 50 jobs.
"Helping local communities and local municipalities create jobs will ensure that no region of Ontario is left behind as we emerge from the pandemic and lay the foundation for long-term growth and opportunity," said Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli. "By attracting private-sector investment, creating jobs, and supporting growth in the Ayr region, Techo-Bloc will be a cornerstone in the community for years to come."
With operations in Quebec and the United States, Techo-Bloc manufactures concrete pavement products primarily used for landscaping, such as paving stones. The company also produces permeable pavement solutions that allow water to penetrate into the underlying ground and return to the local aquifer, which is essential for regions that rely on groundwater.
"We are thrilled to be establishing a manufacturing presence in Ayr Ontario," said Techo-Bloc founder and president Charles Ciccarello. "The support from our government will help us continue to innovate, support the local community, and compete at a North American level."
The company plans to make the Ayr facility its worldwide centre of excellence and innovation, and its R&D hub for new products and process development. Techo-Bloc will also purchase new equipment to boost productivity and increase capacity to expand into new markets. It anticipates a 40 percent increase in revenues through the project, which will be a springboard for new sales in central and western Canada and the United States.
"Techo-Bloc's decision to invest in Ayr is a proof point that Southwest Ontario will continue to be a major manufacturing hub today, and into the future," said Kitchener South—Hespeler MPP Amy Fee. "Our talented workforce will continue to attract investment and support growth as Ontario emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic."
Techo-Bloc is also receiving repayable contribution of $2.5 million from FedDev Ontario for the project.
"Today's investment enables Techo-Bloc Inc. to create 50 permanent, good jobs close to home in Ayr, supporting our community's economic recovery. We welcome and support Techo-Bloc's expansion in the region and look forward to seeing its continued success in Canada and across North America," said Bryan May, Member of Parliament for Cambridge.