Ritch-Meyer Machine & Tool’s $1.3 Million project will protect and create 17 jobs
NEWS
WALLACEBURG —The Ontario government is investing $269,025 through the Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF) to help Ritch-Meyer Machine & Tool increase resilience, build capacity and re-shore critical supply chains to Ontario.
Through this investment, Ritch-Meyer Machine & Tool is investing $1,345,126 to increase manufacturing capacity through the purchase and installation of a 5-axis high speed machining centre and overhead crane. The investment will create one new, good-paying job and protect 16 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. “Ritch-Meyer Machine & Tool’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.
“As a second-generation family-owned manufacturing business, we are proud to continue investing in Wallaceburg and in the skilled people who make our company successful,” said Max Meyerink, Co-Owner/CFO of Ritch-Meyer Machine & Tool. “Support through the Ontario Together Trade Fund will help us expand our capabilities, take on larger tooling projects and attract new customers, keeping high-value manufacturing work in Ontario. In today’s economic environment, investments in advanced manufacturing equipment are critical to remaining competitive. Programs like OTTF play an essential role in giving Ontario manufacturers the confidence to continue investing, growing, and creating skilled jobs.”
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 Ritch-Meyer Machine & Tool 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.
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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 CONTACT
Kara Carther
Communications Coordinator
Office of MPP Steve Pinsonneault
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex