Five Star Tool & Die’s $1.4 million project will protect and create 35 jobs.
NEWS
WALLACEBURG —The Ontario government is investing $288,523 through the Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF) to help Five Star Tool & Die Ltd. increase resilience, build capacity and re-shore critical supply chains to Ontario.
Through this investment, Five Star is investing $1,442,617 to purchase new equipment and produce new die products used in hydroforming and low-pressure diecasting. The company has started to sell products to new customers in the Canadian auto sector and U.S. appliance and plumbing sectors, which are not subject to tariffs. The investment will create 7 new, good-paying jobs and protect 28 existing positions across the Wallaceburg area.
“Through the Ontario Together Trade Fund, our government is stepping up for the businesses in our community who’ve been directly affected by U.S. tariffs,” said, Steve Pinsonneault, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. “Five Star Tool & Die’s investment will help them adapt, stay competitive and continue creating good jobs in these uncertain times, all while helping make Ontario’s economy more competitive, resilient and self-reliant.”
First announced as part of the 2025 Ontario Budget, the OTTF is part of the province’s nearly $30 billion tariff relief and support plan, dedicated to protecting the province’s workers and businesses from economic uncertainty and building a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy. With a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises, the program will help businesses across a diverse range of sectors make the necessary investments to strengthen operations in Ontario, expand market reach and protect workers.
“Five Star Tool and Die Ltd. is pleased to be included in the OTTF funding offered by the government of Ontario,” said Scott Atkins, Vice President and Plant Manager of Five Star Tool & Die Ltd. “With more than 60 years in the trade, we look forward to maintaining and expanding our standing within the tooling industry.”
Since its launch, the OTTF has received overwhelming demand and in response to this, the government announced an additional $100 million investment into the program last year, bringing the total funding to $150 million over three years. The increased support will enable businesses affected by U.S. tariffs to return production to Ontario, identify new sales opportunities and expand interprovincial trade.
“As U.S. tariffs continue to threaten Ontario’s critical industries, our government remains focused on ensuring our businesses have the resources needed to adapt and expand,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “By investing in Five Star Tool & Die through the Ontario Together Trade Fund, we are taking decisive action to enhance the competitiveness of our economy and increasing opportunities for Ontario businesses and workers, now and for generations to come.”
As Ontario continues to navigate the impact of U.S. tariffs and global economic uncertainty, the government remains focused on delivering critical funding, cutting red tape, unleashing the economy and supporting workers.
QUICK FACTS
- The Ontario Together Trade Fund is a part of Ontario’s broader strategy to support advanced manufacturing and trade-impacted communities, launched or enhancedas part of the 2025 Ontario Budget, including the Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit, the Protect Ontario Financing Program and the Trade-Impacted Communities Program.
- Through the OTTF, the government is also providing complementary supports and services to help businesses navigate regulatory requirements, connect with skilled talent and access government programs that accelerate project success.
- Open to Ontario-based businesses investing a minimum of $200,000, eligible projects include modification of existing products to enter new sectors, procurement of advanced equipment and facility modification to enhance domestic manufacturing and sales expansion.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
MEDIA CONTACTS
Kara Carther
Office of MPP Steve Pinsonneault