Chatham-Kent_FINAL (2)-1

Keep company
with great companies.

successful businesses from around the world have choosen
Chatham-kent to continue their success.

There are many reasons why, find out more at www.investck.com

Designed by Fdi Alliance International

Chatham-Kent - one-stop investing
in the heart of North America

Prashant S. Pathak, CEO Ekagrata Inc

What FDI professionals Chatham-Kent’s charming communities provide affordable housing and an excellent quality of life
say about Chatham-Kent

“It’s a great community - we love the customer relationship management business “There were existing capabilities and expertise,
community!, ”says Prashant Pathak, there, expanded it, and sold it to a European both in terms of assets and in terms of people,
speaking of the Municipality of Chatham- group. At that point, Pathak was sold on the that were resident in the municipality in two
Kent in the very southernmost part of the virtues of Chatham-Kent. He and his partners areas that are a priority for us. The first one is
Canadian Province of Ontario. If you are an now have five name-brand investments there, food and agriculture, and related processing.
investor looking for profitable opportunities and he’s looking for more opportunities, The second area is in regards to manufacturing.
in the very heart of North America, and that’s particularly in food and agriculture, related In both, Chatham-Kent has expertise, assets
where Chatham-Kent is, you might expect that processing, and manufacturing, particularly and plants that are either available or can be
Pathak is a mayor or an economic development of machine and automotive parts. re-purposed.”
director just having an emotional moment
about his hometown, but that’s not the case. Pathak explains, “You need to keep in mind Pathak was also sold on Chatham-Kent’s
that this entire tract of southwestern Ontario charming communities, fertile farmland, great
Prashant Pathak is CEO of Ekagrata Inc. and is very close to the United States of America. lakes and greenery as a home for employees:
an international venture capitalist based in It’s a huge appeal for an investor that you “What we realized is that, for the people, it
Toronto, Canada’s financial hub. He is involved are extremely close to the US economy, and allows for a very good quality of life both in
in major ventures worldwide for Ekagrata especially if you are a foreign investor, some terms of affordability - what they can buy in
and often in partnership with his Indian and of whom we are working with - our Indian and terms of housing and homes, access to health
Chinese partners. His comments are heartfelt, our Chinese partners - to locate in Canada, care, access to retail and related services -
but he also has practical business reasons for benefit from the cost base and still have the and the natural surroundings. That was an
his regard for the Municipality of Chatham- US market within spitting distance, if I may important thing - we provide a very good
Kent. A decade ago, Pathak invested in a use that phrase. HR package.

Michael Krinner, President and CEO, Krinner Schraubfundamente GmbH Krinner Canada Inc. is an international hub for
ground screw and solar array components

“We’ve adopted it,” says Pathak of Chatham- in El Salvador in Central America and also in prosperity. Plant supervisors and workers
Kent. “We employ several hundred people Chile in South America,” he says. share tools and tasks. It has been described
there. We treat it like a home. Very, very much as a “family” environment, both at work and
we treat the community like a home!” Krinner says of the parent company, “After all in local society.
the construction applications, we started to
Pathak is one of a substantial group of foreign produce the components for solar projects, Michael Krinner says, “What was very
and domestic investors who are happy which is a big part of our business right now. important for us, since we were a company
to promote Chatham-Kent worldwide. A The project for which we are supplying the out of Germany without any big experience
few years ago, Michael Krinner, President ground screw and some parts out of Chatham- in Canada, was the support we got from the
& CEO of the German company Krinner Kent now is in Abu Dhabi… at the moment it’s local community in helping us to set up this new
Schraubfundamente GmbH, was looking to the largest solar project worldwide.” entity. Without experience in the Canadian
expand sales and service of the company’s market, for us it was important to set up in
innovative ground screw technology. The Certainly, Chatham-Kent has a fine set of a quite short time frame, setting up the legal
technology works just like it sounds, large geographical and economic advantages entity and the supply chain, and also finding
screws drilled into the ground that take the that put it in the running to begin with. So good reliable people.”
place of traditional foundations for structures, how did Michael Krinner progress from
while making a minimal impact on the site. touring southern Ontario with three or four Krinner says the final decision was clinched
sites in mind to running an international by the assistance of Chatham-Kent Economic
“First, we wanted to find a hub for the manufacturing, sales and service operation out Development Services, financial incentives
northeastern region of North America,” says of Chatham-Kent? What made the difference? from government, and the direct involvement
Krinner. “We investigated the Canadian of “…the Mayor who promoted us and really
market. After analysing the Canadian market in “The final decision,” says Krinner, “at least from wanted to support us in setting up our plant
general, we soon looked at southern Ontario, my perspective... always depends on the people in Chatham-Kent. I think that was a big piece
from our point of view economically the most you’re doing business with.” in our deciding to move to Chatham-Kent, as
important market for our product,” he says, well as some companies we talked to that were
adding, “We did a quite extensive tour and we Speaking of community support, Michael already in the community. We asked them for
broke it down to three or four names.” Krinner and Prashant Pathak agree that their feedback about their experiences and
Chatham-Kent offers a progressive, proactive we got some good feedback. So, that was also
Krinner’s final choice was Chatham-Kent, approach that attracts and greatly facilitates an indicator.”
where Krinner Canada Inc. is now the the business of new investors. The Mayor
Canadian hub for an expanding ground screw provides fast, hands-on assistance. The Prashant Pathak agrees: “They have a level
sales and service operation. “We’re starting to Economic Development Services office offers of development where they are comfortable
export our products to other regions and we’re one-stop shopping in accessing assistance from putting skin in the game, which makes the
doing that out of Chatham-Kent,” says Krinner. government at all levels. Other companies in investors and the owners comfortable. It’s a
“We’re exporting a lot into the USA, especially. the community welcome new companies progressive mindset.”
Outside Canada, we also have some projects for the sake of the economy and their own

Michael F. Burton, Director of Investor Attraction and Government Relations (L)
and Randy R. Hope, Mayor & CEO (R), provide one-stop community support for foreign direct investors

Randy R. Hope “I am also on the boards of directors of mutual respect, sincerity and a necessary basis
the electric and water utilities. I am always for proceeding with productive negotiations
Mayor & CEO available to any investors who contact us - between the communities, their leaders and
of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent before they arrive, when they do establish a their business people. Having a well-informed,
presence, and after they’re in business. If they actively involved Mayor is a huge asset!
“We want to attract companies that are have a problem, I will try to solve that problem
going to succeed,” says Chatham-Kent to the best of my ability. We know the support “The ongoing involvement of the Mayor can
Mayor Randy Hope, “and I, our Municipal of the community is critical for investors, and open doors, solve a multi-jurisdiction problem,
Council and municipal services, our Economic we will provide it.” or cement an agreement, depending on the
Development Services team, our business needs of the particular investor. I believe my
community and our workers will do everything Michael F. Burton job is to work with our Mayor to reach out
possible to make that occur. I believe it’s my to investors, demonstrate our community’s
job and responsibility to smooth the way for Director of Investor Attraction interest, help them fully explore Chatham-
these investors throughout the time that they and Government Relations Kent’s business potential, assist in setting up
are establishing themselves in Chatham-Kent. their business, and support that business on
“I am the Mayor and CEO of what we call “The involvement and support of the an ongoing basis.
a single-tier municipality, which means our community is critical for investors, especially
Municipal Council can effectively support for offshore investors,” says Michael Burton, “The influence of the economic development
economic development matters. I meet Chatham-Kent’s Director of Investor team somewhat depends on the geographic
regularly with local business groups, and our Attraction and Government Relations. origin of the investing company. US and
community supports information and training “Especially to many Asian investors, the early Canadian companies require less data support
programs for businesses and employees. We introduction of political leaders demonstrates
can and do work with the Province of Ontario
and the federal government as needed.

than offshore investors. In some cases, because
of their need for absolute confidentiality,
some companies will not share any details of
the investment locally, but that approach is
generally the exception.

“In most cases, a local economic development
director is asked to provide information that
will support a decision to invest in a particular
location. When comparing sites, investors
must consider data on labour force and
recruitment, land and building availability,
supply chain contacts, logistics, local and senior
government incentives, utility services and
costs. The local economic development office
is the best option to gather this information
and still maintain confidentiality.

“Off-shore investors generally require “When we say ‘one-stop shop’, we really mean it.” says Michael Burton, Chatham-Kent’s Director of
additional support. This might include Investor Attraction and Government Relations.
introductions to banking resources, legal and
accounting resources, residential realtors, after an investment is made, is to ensure that direct financial support for the first six months
local ethnic community leaders and local investors take advantage of any government that will assist the hiring of those employees
companies from their homeland. Winning incentives available from the federal and and the training of them. We are a rural area
the investments of offshore investors often provincial levels, and locally as well, because and so you tend to get more stability in your
depends on the degree of attention the we also have local incentives. This can save employee base. That’s just the nature of people
economic development team gives to these the investor money, or provide grants for the in a rural area. They’re not afraid of work.
additional needs. initial investment and expansion. It’s all driven
by the number of jobs. In some cases, if it’s “At three billion dollars, agribusiness is our
“Response time to requests for information an innovative venture, it’s much easier to get largest sector. We have a mild climate, some
is another critical element. In a competition investment support. Clients often don’t know of the world’s best farmland, and an extensive
among communities for investment, investors what incentives are available and it’s a huge system of hi-tech greenhouses. If it grows
can view response time as showing a particular amount of work to find out if you don’t know in Canada, we can grow it here. Currently,
community’s interest and degree of support where to look. we have more than 70 different products.
it will provide. They are putting their capital Food processors should know that within a
and future operations on the line, and so their “We will financially support grant and loan six-hour drive, in Canada and the USA, we
sensitivity is understandable. As economic applications to government. We get actively have something in the range of one hundred
development professionals, we must provide involved in that process. We also support and twenty-five million consumers. We’re in an
them with timely, accurate responses. existing and new businesses if they want to excellent position for both the supply chain and
get into new markets with financial support logistics of food processors, with good road
“When we say ‘one-stop shop’, we really mean to attend trade shows and promote their new and rail connections, seven entry points into
it, and I believe we’re unique in this. We provide activities. Some of these services are unique the USA, and direct connections to the most
investors with a one-stop shop for all levels to us. populated part of Canada. We also have a
of government. A foreign investor is usually network of skilled employees in this industry.
not familiar with all the resources available or “We will work with a new venture to ensure
challenges involved. In Chatham-Kent, if an it finds the kind of employee base and “The next largest sector is advanced
investor has an urgent question or a problem training needed to run the operation. There manufacturing. Chatham-Kent is home to
to solve, you call one person at Chatham-Kent are employee skills training programs and more than 180 manufacturers, many in the
Economic Development Services. That person incentives available to assist a new employer automotive industry, and over 6,000 skilled
won’t refer you to some other office. That and, in the case of unskilled workers, we have technical employees. Our industries are
person will get the answer and deliver it to
you. An investor needs to focus on establishing
his or her business, and not be running around
various levels of government to get answers.
“I think a key function we do, both before and

recognized around the world as innovators
and problem-solvers, and some have a multi-
national presence. We are grateful not only
that they have chosen Chatham-Kent as a base,
but also that many have chosen to work with
us to promote our community to the world.

“In terms of foreign direct investment, we are
focussed on attracting investment and new
ventures from the United States, Europe and
Asia. The support of locally-based companies,
with their solid reputations and experiences
in Chatham-Kent, are critically important
in promoting Chatham-Kent. We will be
focussing not only on investors themselves
through business contacts, trade shows
and other promotions, but we will also be
approaching the professional site selectors
they employ to recommend a suitable location
for expansion. We’re confident we can make
an excellent case for Chatham-Kent.”

Local companies are
glad to help

Just as global companies that have come to with the people you need to. Larry Delaey, President & CEO, AarKel Tool & Die)
Chatham-Kent are glad to promote the area, “When these big manufacturers come in, I
so are local companies, including some that think they will find that they’re going to get For all your one-stop investing needs,
have gone global. As one of Chatham-Kent’s support directly from the economic team, contact:
largest employers, in the local community of and companies like mine will support that… InvestCK
Wallaceburg, the roots of AarKel Tool & Die it brings people. It brings innovation. It brings Economic Development Services
go back to 1977. Now featuring four separate technology. 315 King Street,
business streams (diecast tooling, plastic P.O. Box 640
Injection tooling, lighting, and aluminium “I was born and raised in Chatham-Kent… we Chatham, Ontario, Canada N7M 5K8
production/prototype tooling), AarKel has have a small-town mentality, but we have the Telephone : 1.519.351.7700
grown with innovation within the automotive amenities, support and manufacturing facilities Toll free : 1.866.542.5994
industry. The company operates five plants of the larger cities. What makes Chatham-Kent E-mail: [email protected]
with 250 highly skilled employees - three better is, because of the small-town mentality,
facilities in Wallaceburg, one in Windsor, we share resources among all the companies.
Ontario, and another in Mexico With AarKel being one of the largest tool shops
The company also contracts engineering and in North America - we’re probably in the top
design teams in India and China. ten and in Chatham-Kent we are the largest
- we can work with smaller shops almost like
The President & CEO of AarKel, Larry Delaey, they’re family.
says, “The economic development team has
been nothing but fantastic in my support. “I do believe that when people makeinvestments
Whether it’s been for government grants or in Chatham-Kent, they won’t go wrong. There’s a
if I was changing something at Aarkel - there good skilled workforce here. By having further
was something available for support. investment, it’ll continue to grow.
It will continue to bring other companies to
“We meet with the economic development Chatham-Kent.”
team. They assist us. The Mayor sat down
and assisted us on what we needed. That’s
what I think separates Chatham-Kent from
the larger cities. You have that direct contact

Dajcor Aluminum Ltd. is the leading Canadian
supplier of aluminum components and assemblies

Dajcor Aluminium

The expanded Truly Green greenhouse operation will use waste heat in production Dajcor Aluminum Ltd. is the leading Canadian
supplier of extruded, fabricated/machined
Chatham-Kent business voices and anodized aluminum components and
assemblies to various markets including
automotive, renewable energy, and
transportation. Dajcor is receiving $1 million
from the Province of Ontario’s Southwestern
Ontario Development Fund as it spends $10
million on new equipment that will allow it
to expand.

Truly Green offers us a lot in the way of great schools Mike Kilby, President, says, “Chatham-Kent
and great recreation opportunities. It also is unique in its location because we’re very
This greenhouse operation covers 22.5 is quite an affordable community to be part central on the corridor between Toronto
acres/9.1 hectares, with expansion underway of. Working with our friends at Chatham- and the USA Midwest and, with the North
for 80 acres/32.37 hectares of greenhouse Kent Economic Development Services, they American Free Trade Agreement, it’s just
production. It will be one of the first of its offered us some guidance and made some paperwork that needs to be done to move
kind in North America to utilize waste heat partnerships with the landowners here so goods across the border. Chatham-Kent
in production, which is planned to be piped that we could establish first steps in making Economic Development Services has been
in from Greenfield Global nearby. this project happen. This is a growing industry really instrumental in allowing us to participate
- the greenhouse industry - and we’re just as in different industry events and sharing
Greg Devries, President & CEO, says, “So why proud of this project being developed as we insights into different funding sources. Even
Chatham-Kent? Well Chatham-Kent’s our are of being part of this community.” the Mayor picks up the phone and sends me an
home. For agriculture, this is a hub of activity, e-mail about something that may be of interest
and for our business, it gives us a competitive based on what he knows about our company
advantage. It’s no secret that this community and some of the things that we do.

“People who grew up here, live here, and they
want to stay here, and they want to work here.
It’s a rural location, an agricultural location,
and so a lot of people here have necessary
skills that they’ve learned on the farm. So, they
know how to fix machinery. They know how to
fix a wagon. They’re mechanically inclined and
they already know how to use tools.”

“Chatham-Kent Economic Development has been highly, highly
supportive. Right when we invested in the business, within twenty
days we got a phone call and visits from the Mayor and his economic
development team. We’re very, very impressed with them. These areas,
they provide affordable housing, reliable utilities and a community
feeling. One of my favourite things I like to say is, ‘The vegetable stands…
they don’t have anybody manning them! It’s just a money box there!’
It’s a trust-based system, which in today’s world is pretty rare to find,
and I find that really, really valuable.”

Greenfield Global is the largest supplier of ethanol, industrial fuel and beverage
grade alcohols in Canada

Greenfield Global

Plant Manager Veselin Nikolov says, “As business grows, we’ve had Sinteris manufactures custom-engineered powder metal components
several expansions. We’ve continued to work with the Mayor’s Office and sub-assemblies
and Economic Development Services. Businesses require an extreme
amount of cooperation. Chatham-Kent is blessed with closeness to all of Sinteris
the transportation - railroads, highways - and open land, inexpensive
labour, a good source of natural gas, and water nearby. When you put
all those things together, it’s a very nice model to attract industry.
Also, for people who are here, it’s relatively easy to expand. We chose
Chatham-Kent because of the corn. Our plant runs four hundred acres
of corn every day, twenty-four seven. All the corn that’s around us
makes us be here today and for a good long time.”

Sinteris manufactures custom-engineered powder metal components
and sub-assemblies for the North American appliance, manufacturing
and auto parts industries.

Milo-FAIS- one of the largest cold storage and food processing facilities in southern Phil Goodwin, President, says, “Our local representatives at Economic
Ontario Development Services in Chatham-Kent have assisted us in many
ways, most of which, for us, are international marketing activities.
Milo-FAIS Our location in Blenheim, Ontario, has proximity to Highway 401, a
major thoroughfare. Really, we’re a few minutes from the highway.
Milo Food and Agricultural Infrastructure and Services, or Milo-FAIS for That makes our customers happier since they are very often paying for
short, provides engineering services for the food processing industry. freight, very often shipping product to Europe and Mexico. You know,
It is one of the largest cold storage and food processing facilities in we have about a third of the USA population within a day’s ride… it
southern Ontario. certainly makes it easier.

Geetu Pathak, CEO, says, “What we do here is basically provide “In terms of growth and expansion, land is relatively inexpensive in
engineering services for companies that are doing food processing. Chatham-Kent and certainly on our property we have quite a few
We really like the region because it produces eighty percent of Ontario’s acres available for expansion should the business need it, and that’s
produce. It is nearest in vicinity to the USA markets, so I find, in a way, something that we’re looking at.
this location supports the farm to the table concept.
“I really can’t say enough about the Chatham-Kenteconomicdevelopment
group. They work with businesses in the area. They’re very active in the
community, and they make a very strong effort to enhance your business,
and to enhance your location, and to promote Chatham-Kent.”

Facts at a glance -
Chatham-Kent, Ontario, Canada

BDM Group provides millwright and engineering
services to the agribusiness sector

BDM Group

BDM Group provides millwright and
engineering services to the agribusiness sector.
Jim Waters, President, says, “In our business,
we do work literally from the northern border
of South America all the way through Canada,
as far east as Halifax, Nova Scotia, and as far
west as Washington State and Alberta.

“There isn’t a place I would rather be. It is Geography
literally a five-minute drive for me in one
direction or a fifty-five-minute drive in another
direction and I’m in an airport and I’ve accessed
anywhere in the world. To get our product to
market, we couldn’t ask for a better location.

“Our biggest marketing challenge at BDM The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is located in the most southern part of Canada, beside the
Group is not finding our next new United States of America border in the heart of North America:
customer. Our biggest marketing challenge is
getting our brand and what we do in front of • population 102,042
our next future employees. Here we have • area - 973 square miles or 2520 square kilometres
proximity to St. Clair College, which has a • rich productive farmland set between two freshwater Great Lakes
campus right here in town, and the University of • 23 vibrant communities in close cooperation with two First Nations communities,
Windsor and St. Clair College in Windsor,
Western University in London, and Lambton offering affordable living and great quality of life
College in Sarnia. Having proximity to them
has been a huge benefit to BDM Group. Excellent Access to USA and Canadian Markets

“Prior to moving here, I had maybe been to this • central to international air, road, rail, and shipping ports with strategic access to major
location two or three times in my life. Now that I markets
live here - I have a family here - I wouldn’t
trade it for anything. The cost of living here, as • 45 minutes from Detroit, Michigan
opposed to some of those more urban centres, • NAFTA Super Highway (Highway 401
and the proximity to three lakes, a great city • three major and four minor USA border crossings
like Detroit, and a great city like Toronto… I • more than 25 million consumers within 400 kilometres
can’t imagine living anywhere else.” • Toronto to the east and Detroit to the west

Food Processing Cluster

• We Grow For The World
• rich soil, abundant fresh water, mild climate
• 2,100 innovative producers
• a growing, progressive greenhouse sector with more than $120

million invested in expansion in the past four years
• more than 70 crop varieties
• the world’s largest freshwater commercial fishing port
• food processing and logistical enterprises
• applied research - modern, highly complex and internationally

competitive
• agribusiness is a $3 billion economic driver

Agribusiness is a $3 billion economic driver in Chatham-Kent

Advanced Manufacturing Cluster • 180 manufacturers and over 6,000 skilled and technical
employees
180 manufacturers are based in Chatham-Kent
• within six hours of 23 OEM assembly plants
• we supply performance-critical components to manufacturers

in the automotive, oil and gas, and chemical sectors
• precision moulds, tools and dies, jigs, fixtures, piece parts and

gauges
• integrated custom metal fabrication, advanced robotics, and

computerised control systems (PLC)
• processing exotic materials with intricate precision and

exceptional quality
• companies from around the globe - Autoliv (Sweden),

Continental Tire (Germany), Rulmeca (Italy), Barry Callebaut
(Switzerland), Krinner (Germany), Mahle (Germany), ConAgra
Foods (USA), Martinrea (Canada), Dana (USA), MSSC (Japan),
Union Gas Limited (Canada), KSR International Co. (Canada),
AarKel Tool & Die Inc. (Canada) and Pioneer (USA)

Skilled Workforce • a skilled workforce in agribusiness, manufacturing and
support services
Chatham-Kent offers a skilled workforce in agribusiness,
manufacturing and support services • the Chatham-Kent Workforce Planning Board works with
business and industry to attract, train and retrain workers
with in-demand skills

• government social programs support training and retraining
• located in Chatham-Kent, the University of Guelph

Ridgetown Campus is a leader in applied agriculture, animal
science, and environmental research
• the St. Clair College Chatham Campus operates a first-rate
Trades and Technology Centre and a newly announced
national powerline training centre
• Lambton College (Sarnia) is a nearby training and education
resource
• the University of Windsor and Western University (London)
conduct renowned educational and applied research
programs

Tax Relief and Incentives

• Chatham-Kent is named the second “Most Affordable Place to

Do Business in Canada” and is among the top 25 overall in the

2016 ranking of Canada’s Best Places for Business by Canadian

Business and PROFIT

• measures 20 indicators of cost, market trends and business

friendliness

• prolonged, sustained savings in a low-cost business operating

environment

• lower land costs, affordable building costs, decreased costs on

new construction, and inexpensive labour

• geographic location serving both the Canadian and USA markets

• current foreign exchange rate makes labour very competitive, an

average cost advantage of 20% over 20 years and approximately

• 30% at the moment • brownfield and employment incentives, agriculture and
• a wide range of local, provincial, and federal incentive programs • processing grants and loans, Community Improvement Plans
local incentives include the Employment Community subsidies for capital equipment purchases, leasehold
Improvement Plan – a maximum grant of 80% of the annual
improvements, training costs and job creation
tax increment up to 10 years for projects over 5,000 square
• InvestCanada and InvestOntario provide significant incentives
• feet/465 square metres in size to manufacturers for large-scale investments through the Jobs
• the Chatham-Kent Market Expansion Fund assists with costs • Prosperity Fund and the Automotive Innovation Fund
of attending trade shows for CK Brand Ambassadors • Ontario’s combined federal/provincial corporate tax rate is
the Employment Placement Program for Employers supports lower than the USA federal/state average
employee recruitment and screening, up to $4,500 in training since 2010, the general corporate tax rate has dropped 5.5
funding per hire, and Workplace Safety and Insurance Board points to 26.5% - for manufacturing, the rate drops to
coverage for six months

companies
 expanding
 into
 global
 markets.
 
 A
experRse
 and
 focused
 crflaoSusrmisahn.
s  hip,
 allows
 
flourish.
 Serviced and Certified - Prestige Industrial Land in Chatham-Kent

AutoLiv
(Sweden) AutoLiv
Contine(nSwtaedl eAn)utom(BSowatriitvrz
AutoLiv (Germany)Continental Au

(Sweden)

Continental Automotive (Germany) ConPre-qualified industrial properties have recently been certified under the
(Germany) (UniteOntario Certified Site Program
MSSC
(Japan) MSSC
(Japan)
MSSC Thom
(Japan)
MAHLE (Cana

(Germany)MAHLE
(Germany) UnioFor all your one-stop investing needs,
MAHLEBloomfield Business Park
contact:
(Germany)The Bloomfield Business Park at Bloomfield Road and Highway 401 is Chatham-Kent’s newest (Union
InvestCK
industrial park. It consists of 100 acres/40 hectares of prestige industrial land with visibility
on NAFTA Highway 401. Sites are already serviced with municipal water, sanitary and storm Economic Development Services
sewers, three-phase electrical, natural gas and fibre cable. The price is $50,000 CDN/acre 315 King Street,
or $123,552 CDN/hectare, however value pricing is available for larger acreage purchases. P.O. Box 640
Chatham, Ontario, Canada N7M 5K8
A western parcel of 32.48 acres/13.14 hectares and an eastern parcel of 19.42 acres/7.85
hectares have recently been certified as pre-qualified industrial properties, fully serviced and Telephone : 1.519.351.7700
free of major development constraints, under the Ontario Certified Site Program.
Toll free : 1.866.542.5994

E-mail: [email protected]

Keep company with great companies in Chatham-Kent’s Bloomfield Business Park!

Chatham-Kent offers a landscape that’s
rich in both resources and local culture.

A unique blend of 25 communities, including two First Nation territories, Chatham-Kent offers a landscape
that’s rich in both resources and local culture. From historically significant sites, to multi-million dollar facilities,
Chatham-Kent manages to marry the past with the present in a way that provides unparalleled opportunities
for the future.

Set between two fresh water Great Lakes and surrounded by rich, productive farmland, Chatham-Kent is a paradise
for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. We have one of the mildest climates in Canada…meaning our golfers hit the
links about nine months of the year.

“Living the dream without breaking the bank” sums up how most residents feel about Chatham-Kent. The beauty of
Chatham-Kent combined with the low cost of living has made us very attractive to businesses looking to give their staff
an ideal place to live, have fun and raise a family.

Excellent Access to U.S. and Canadian Markets

About 45 minutes from Detroit, Michigan, Chatham-Kent is uniquely positioned central to international air, land, rail, and
shipping ports providing investors with the right routes to market, both domestically and abroad. The community offers
accessibility to three major and four minor U.S. border crossings. The region is bisected by the NAFTA Super Highway
(better known as the 401) with Chatham-Kent located in the heart of one of North America’s most prosperous industrial
and technological markets. Locate here and you will be bringing your product to a market of over 25 million consumers
within 400 kilometres of Chatham-Kent. Toronto is two and a half hours to our east and Detroit an hour to our west.

Food Processing Cluster

If it can be grown in Canada, it can be grown in Chatham-Kent. With over 70 different crop varieties in production, there
is a combination of factors at play resulting in Chatham-Kent being a key location for agricultural companies including
food processing. Thanks to a unique combination of rich soil, abundant fresh water, warm climate, effective and applied
research and over 2,100 innovative producers, Chatham-Kent really does grow for the world. The agriculture and agri-food
system in Chatham-Kent is a $3 Billion economic driver and is modern, highly complex and internationally competitive.

Chatham-Kent has a growing and progressive greenhouse sector with approximately 350 acres of greenhouses and
plans for future development underway. Our growers lead the way in finding opportunities to reduce operating costs
and increase yield. Over $120 million has been invested in greenhouse expansion in the past 4 years.

Chatham-Kent is home to the world’s largest fresh water commercial fishing port and the number one producer

of tomatoes, seed corn, carrots, cucumbers, Brussels sprouts and
pumpkins in all of Canada.

Advanced Manufacturing Cluster

Our industries are recognized around the world as innovators and
problem-solvers that improve products and processes to be leaner and
smarter. Integration is the key with custom metal fabrication, advanced
robotics and PLC experts and other specialists creating solutions
utilizing exotic materials with intricate precision and exceptional quality.
Cutting edge materials and emerging capabilities are expanding the
limits of local productivity.
Global leaders live here, do business here and invest millions of dollars
annually in the next wave of technology. Chatham-Kent is home to over
180 manufacturers and over 6,000 skilled and technical employees.

Highly demanding manufacturers in the automotive, oil and gas,
and chemical sectors depend on Chatham-Kent for performance-
critical component parts. From precision moulds, tools and dies, jigs
and fixtures to piece parts and gauges, local manufacturers deliver
components that are tested daily by highly demanding manufacturers
with stringent quality and exotic material requirements.

Keep company with great companies from around the globe. Chatham-
Kent hosts a number of multi-national companies with headquarters
across Europe and the United States as well as Canada, including
Autoliv (Sweden), Continental Tire (Germany), Rulmeca (Italy), Barry
Callebaut (Switzerland), Krinner (Germany), Mahle (Germany), ConAgra
Foods (USA), Martinrea (Canada), Dana (USA), MSSC (Japan), Union
Gas Limited (Canada), KSR International Co. (Canada), AarKel Tool and
Die Inc. (Canada) and Pioneer (USA).

Skilled Workforce

Your company is only as good as the people you employ.
Here in Chatham-Kent, you can rest assured knowing you’re employing the very best, thanks to the region’s growing
population of skilled and experienced workers. From skilled labourers to highly educated individuals, Chatham-Kent’s
workforce is as diverse as the crops we grow, the products we manufacture, and the energy we produce.

Ongoing education and workforce training is a major focus in our community. Whether it’s collecting labour market
research, or hosting training seminars, Chatham-Kent’s Workforce Planning Board provides the local business community
with ongoing support and solutions designed to attract, train and retain workers with in-demand skills. The Planning
Board works with local business and industry to identify needs and gaps in training in order to help customize future
educational and training opportunities.

Post-secondary education opportunities abound in our community, thanks to the University of Guelph, Ridgetown
Campus and the St. Clair College, Thames Campus. Both are located in Chatham-Kent and are critical to the ongoing
growth and development of the local workforce.

Home to progressive thinking and state-of-the-art training, both schools contribute to the Chatham-Kent community
through projects that support our economy, enrich the surrounding region, and create sustainable environmental
solutions across a variety of industry sectors.

Outside of these campuses, investors will find an additional three universities and three colleges in the region, each
with its own unique focus. From health sciences to advanced technologies, our region offers some of the best-educated
and trained labourers in Ontario.

Named the “2nd Most Affordable Place to do Business in
Canada” by Canadian Business and PROFIT, the Municipality
of Chatham-Kent is comprised of 25 communities including
seven urban centres across an area of 2,400 square
kilometres – about three-quarters the size of Prince Edward
Island. With a population of approximately 104,000, scenic
Chatham-Kent spreads from the shores of Lake St. Clair to
the shores of Lake Erie.

Created in 1998 by the merger of Kent County and its communities, the current single-tier municipality of Chatham-Kent traces its
history back to the 1790s, when it served as a naval dockyard on the Thames River. An important site during the War of 1812, the
area was also an integral part of the Underground Railroad during the 19th century, serving as a refuge for many slaves who escaped
the United States for a life in Canada.

Emerging over the years as a key agricultural location, Chatham-Kent’s climate and soil make the area ideal for a wide variety of crops.
“We can grow just about anything, based on our climate, and the soils we have here in Chatham-Kent,” says Mayor Randy Hope.

“Agriculture and advanced manufacturing are still the primary industries,” he says.
“Agriculture is a $3 billion a year industry here in Chatham-Kent. We grow for the world.”

Chatham-Kent continues to be the home of numerous companies engaged in automotive
parts manufacturing, food processing and other areas. One newer area is the wind power
industry, and Chatham-Kent is one of the largest industrial wind areas in all of Ontario.
Additionally, the area is known for its trailer manufacturing, agricultural conveyors and
storage bin manufacturing.

The area is attracting businesses across a wide variety of areas. Primarily, Chatham-Kent
is looking at four basic sectors: food processing and adding value to crops, advanced
manufacturing, chemical fertilizer production and greenhouse expansion. Some of
these require considerable amounts of water for processing, along with natural gas.
Others are engaged in alternative methods of manufacturing and production, such as
GreenField Specialty Alcohols.

“We are also looking at spin-offs utilizing steam and carbon dioxide to support agricultural
growth in the greenhouse industry, which is a large growth area and a high added-value
in labour,” comments Mayor Hope.

Greg Devries, President/CEO of Truly Green Farms, a large “I would say that the number one business advantage of being in Chatham-Kent is our
green house operation in Chatham-Kent dedicated workforce,” states Mayor Hope. “I say that with all sincerity, because we are
coming from an agricultural base where most people are familiar with hard work and
dedication to an employer to make success.”
With infrastructure already in place, Chatham-Kent has a dedicated Project Manager to
support industry looking at investment or growth which, by its projections, could add a

2015 Sugar Beet Harvest in Chatham-Kent, home to the 2nd largest Sugar Beet crop in Canada

significant number of people to the area. The area is building on what it does best, namely promoting itself and its access to water,
natural gas, available land with infrastructure and a great deal more.

In addition to the Blenheim Industrial Park, the area offers the Ridgetown Industrial Park and its newest industrial location, The
Bloomfield Business Park.

Situated at Bloomfield Road and Highway 401, The Bloomfield Business Park is located on approximately 100 acres, with sites
already serviced by municipal water, storm sewers, natural gas, fiber optic cable and three-phase electrical services. Value pricing
is available for larger acreage purchases and the park is very reasonably priced at $50,000 per acre, compared to anywhere from
half a million dollars to $2 million per acre for industrial land in the GTA. Geographically situated to serve both the Canadian
and American markets, Chatham-Kent is attracting interest from companies not only across Canada and the United States,
but internationally.

“We have one of the best business retention programs around,” says Mayor Hope. “We support them in grant applications. We have
also established a local workforce planning board that takes in the needs of employers for today and tomorrow, along with our
economic development staff on the doorsteps of local businesses... We work with them in a number of other areas. It is not just a
matter of them coming in and establishing their company; we make sure their continued relationship can be a part of the family as
they move forward.”

Chatham-Kent is becoming increasingly popular with both families and couples who want to retire in comfort. In fact, the area was
recently profiled in Canada’s national newspaper, The Globe and Mail, and identified by readers as a great Canadian community for
retirement.

Among the reasons cited for the area’s popularity? Friendliness, very affordable housing, proximity to Canadian and American airports,
plenty of parks and beaches, a mild climate and a laid-back lifestyle. Despite Chatham-Kent’s relatively small population, it still has
many of the amenities of larger cities, including big box stores, movie theaters, libraries, top-notch schools and hospitals.

For outdoor lovers, there is never a shortage of things to do, from boating and fishing to golfing, motorcycling, camping and more.
All activities are much more reasonably priced than in larger centres.

The best part about these benefits? They’re all waiting for you in beautiful Chatham-Kent. From taxes and incentives to logistical
connectivity and site availability, the community of Chatham-Kent has all the resources you need to reap the rewards of doing business
in Ontario and Canada.

www.investck.com | www.wegrowfortheworld.com

Speaks to What makes your location in Canada the perfect location
for international trade?
Michael F. Burton
There are a number of excellent criteria that make CK the perfect
Director, Investment Attraction location for International Trade. First the geographic location which is
and Government Relations excellent for serving both the Canadian and US markets. The current
foreign exchange rate makes the labour input very competitive. That
Municipality of Chatham-Kent rate has provided an average cost advantage of 20% over the past 20
years. At the moment the cost advantage is approximately 30%. The
What companies and target industries do you aim to FTZ designation will provide companies an excellent tool to avoid
attract in your region in 2017? duties and taxes and further provide a cash flow advantage to enhance
their operations efficiency. As well, the current trade agreement with
both the EU and the US will enable companies to serve both markets
with competitive pricing.

Chatham-Kent (CK) has some of the best agricultural land in North Over the past while we have attracted fourteen new companies to the
America. Hence we are targeting food processors from abroad who are area. Part of the service provided by the municipality is to ensure they
interested in entering the N.A. market. We produce over 70 different get all the on-going support they need once they land in the community.
crops in the community and have the necessary feedstock for major food They are assigned one contact point for any questions that may arise,
processors. As well our geographic location and logistics hub for both local provincial or Federal. They simply call one person and we get the
Canadian and US markets is perfect for market access at competitive answers, we do not refer them to other people or departments. They
rates. Also in this sector we have targeted food distribution companies have a “one stop” shop.
that will be able to service the existing and future processors.
Our rural setting of CK provides new companies with an excellent
A further key investment opportunity with excellent returns is the workforce that is loyal and hard-working. Companies that have located
investments in the Greenhouse sector. There is exponential growth in our community are very satisfied with the level of education in the
occurring in this sector these days. Specialized suppliers to the sector local workforce and the skills available.
including specialized maintenance companies would all find CK an
attractive location to service this industry. What has been the best acquirement in your region in the
last 12 -36 months and what positive impact did it have
Another sector targeted is the automotive supplier manufacturers. on the community?
We are uniquely situated geographically in the automotive business
with twenty-three auto assembly plants, both in the US and Canada, Dajcor Aluminum
within a six hour drive of CK. Our access to the major 401 Highway An aluminum company in Chatham, Ont., plans to add 35 jobs. Dajcor
trade route which passes through CK and access to seven US ports of Aluminum Ltd. is getting $1 million from the province’s Southwestern
entry makes CK an attractive location for parts suppliers. The recently Ontario Development Fund, as it spends $10 million on new equipment
signed trade agreement with the EU along with the NAFTA agreement, that will allow it to expand. The investment is for state-of-the-art
provides Ontario a competitive advantage when attracting off-shore fabrication equipment to increase capacity and efficiency and enable
manufacturers. Dajcor to expand into new markets with more technically demanding
components. A new extrusion press was installed and the company
What new strategies will you put in place to better the also automated its anodizing line. They will be building a co-generation
community in 2017? plant, which is expected to be finished sometime this year. The company
makes components used in cars, boats, bathroom fixtures, sliding
In 2017 we hope to apply for the Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) designation doors and the construction industry. Some of the new areas Dajcor
which will allow manufacturers to import product and add value without is exploring include transit door assemblies, ventilation systems, LED
incurring taxes or duties for all product shipped back out of Canada. light enclosures and high-end furniture. The expansion work should
We also will introduce a program, the Employment Community be finished by the end of 2018. Currently, 140 people work at the
Improvement Plan (ECIP) to provide some property tax relief and Chatham company.
incentives for new investment in CK. These two initiatives will provide
CK with a competitive edge in the market and investors will find these
two programs to be attractive.

Voorwinden sub-zero temperatures.
With the intention of constructing an assembly facility, a greenhouse TekSavvy
builder has purchased property in the Blenheim Industrial Park. A Chatham based company is looking to build on some momentum
Voorwinden Greenhouse Buildings Inc. made a successful offer to gained in 2015. TekSavvy Solutions hired approximately 160 new staff
purchase four acres for a total of $80,000. The business park was over the past year and are projecting more positive growth this year.
established to “provide competitively priced industrial sites to attract Senior Finance Leader Christine Havens says the Chatham location
new industry to establish greenfield operations in the community of now employees about 450 people. “Just an increase in sales,” says
Blenheim.” Voorwinden Greenhouse Projects, established in 1987, Havens. “We need the employees on the floor to meet the needs of
is one of the largest greenhouse subcontractors, with offices in the the customers that we’re taking on.” Officials say the Richmond St.
Netherlands and Lansing, Michigan. The company builds and glazes office continues to expand to fill their 8,000 sq. ft. location.
greenhouses, and provides excavation work, water drainage, air
ventilation and other services. Voorwinden intends to establish a Where do you see most investment coming from in
light assembly facility which would include repairs and maintenance, your region?
fabrication and a sales office in the business park.
In addition to the USA and Canada, we have focused our prospecting
GreenField Specialty Alcohols & Truly Green Farms efforts in China, India, Germany and Italy. As a result we expect that
GreenField Specialty Alcohols and Truly Green Farms announced a most investment will locate from those off-shore areas. We have a
$7.8-million investment into a new heating and CO2 system between number of files open from those regions.
their respective facilities, located on Bloomfield Road. The system will
transport the gas and waste heat from GreenField’s industrial alcohol Briefly outline your incentive programs for new businesses
plant to Truly Green’s greenhouses. This will limit the carbon footprint relocating to your region.
of both companies. Truly Green Farms has finished the second of its
four-phase plan, and is now up to 44 acres across two greenhouses. As noted above we hope to introduce both the Foreign Trade Zone in
The plan is to finish the third stage by 2018 and the fourth shortly CK and to launch the property tax relief program in 2017. Furthermore
thereafter. Truly Green will be up to more than 80 acres when the for larger installations we have the option of investing in co-generation
project is finally complete. for plants to limit their electricity costs. The co-gen investment would
be considered via our electric utility, Entegrus, which is 90% owned
Cross Country Manufacturing by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.
A Blenheim business with expansion plans partnered with the province
to help create 100 new jobs. Cross Country Manufacturing builds There are also training grants available for certain positions, along
premium trailers for such industries as agriculture, infrastructure, with Ontario and Government of Canada zero interest loans and
construction, oil and gas, logging, and mining. Ontario invested grants available.
$550,000 from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund for
the project. The funding is also expected to help increase quality and How important is it to expand and retain existing
efficiency with the introduction of new, innovative projects to increase businesses in your region.
productivity. The project will help increase revenue annually, and
increase export capacity by 70 per cent. Most of our effort is to support our existing employers in CK. We
have a “call” program where we visit with companies to learn of their
Nature’s Finest Produce Ltd. expansion plans and assist them in applying for grants and low or zero
Jason and Kevin Stallaert were honoured as industry of the month by rate loans for their capital requirements. We have had an exceptional
the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce for their company, Nature’s track record in getting funding for local companies looking to expand.
Finest Produce Ltd. in Pain Court. Six years ago, they applied for a
patent concerning a new way to grow carrots during winter months,
meaning residents can buy local carrots. Their unique process also
makes spring carrots sweeter. Usually, carrot crops cannot survive

Phone: 519-351-7700 | www.investck.com

sA
 c
 coommpflmaoniQiueesrd
i ( w
Ss  wwhietodh.re
k
 n  a)f
o  forcceu
s  w
 oitnh
 i
 ngennoevraaRRoonn
fl  tsoo
 o
u   fr
 ish(S.w
  itz

KCoenetinpentacl Aoutmompotiaveny Con
(Germany) AutoLiv (Unite
with gAruetoaLitvcompanies.vrzyeerlCanadl)lebaut

utomot(Siwvedeen)

nAgra

Continental Automotiveed
 Stat(Geersm)any)
(C(M(MaGJn(aGa(eUB(T(C(depASUSCarSrm(()AahwmaaSoaGSn)HnnnoyriiCwan))tetarezLnmdyAreedyEmar) d
gp Sl)Caterasna(T(CBaanoUSndt(Chle((M(Cwao)a)n(ynlJGSInstaoeariai))nlwdttsyoera)epzbSm)yAreedLnaamSr d
gp tSlnCuatdCetar)sinataannno(dtUle(K(R)yn)(nlCIGeistta)eeru)nadesnaibSldrltnyaamLm)tta)ensa(t)aSudweenilttzycrer)Alaand(Uu) nit(etGd(JoeaSrpmtaaatmnen)sy)) otiv((K(RKU(T((CMA((CGIUCJGSteahrSuaaweauoennipSnlrnRolrineytnmaaoimmSao)d
(Canada)

Successful businesses from around the world have chosen

Chatham-Kent(tGo ceornmtinuaenth(yCe)iar nsuacdceas)s.

There are many reasons why, find out more at www.investck.com

(Union
 Gas)
mpsons Ltd UMniSonSCGUMansioAnHGLaKEsSRada) M(MCaaAnraH
(Japan)(Union
 Gas) MartinRea
(Germ

on Gas (Canada)
on
 Gas)

MAHLE [email protected]
1-866-542-5994 (North America)
(Germany) 001 519 351 7700 (International)

www.investck.com