Chatm Kent Emag

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, speaking there, expanded it, and sold it to a European both in terms of assets and in terms of people,
of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent in the group. At that point, Pathak was sold on the that were resident in the municipality in two
very southernmost part of the Canadian virtues of Chatham-Kent. He and his partners areas that are a priority for us. The first one is
Province of Ontario. If you are an investor now have five name-brand investments there, food and agriculture, and related processing.
looking for profitable opportunities in the and he’s looking for more opportunities, The second area is in regards to manufacturing.
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 “The ongoing involvement of the Mayor can
going to succeed,” says Chatham-Kent to the best of my ability. We know the support open doors, solve a multi-jurisdiction problem,
Mayor Randy Hope, “and I, our Municipal of the community is critical for investors, and or cement an agreement, depending on the
Council and municipal services, our Economic we will provide it.” needs of the particular investor. I believe my
Development Services team, our business job is to work with our Mayor to reach out
community and our workers will do everything Michael F. Burton to investors, demonstrate our community’s
possible to make that occur. I believe it’s my interest, help them fully explore Chatham-
job and responsibility to smooth the way for Director of Investor Attraction Kent’s business potential, assist in setting up
these investors throughout the time that they and Government Relations their business, and support that business on
are establishing themselves in Chatham-Kent. an ongoing basis.
“I am the Mayor and CEO of what we call “The involvement and support of the
a single-tier municipality, which means our community is critical for investors, especially “The influence of the economic development
Municipal Council can effectively support for offshore investors,” says Michael Burton, team somewhat depends on the geographic
economic development matters. I meet Chatham-Kent’s Director of Investor origin of the investing company. USA and
regularly with local business groups, and our Attraction and Government Relations. Canadian companies require less data support
community supports information and training “Especially to many Asian investors, the early than offshore investors. In some cases, because
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.

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

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 “When these big manufacturers come in, I Larry Delaey President & CEO, AarKel Tool & Die)
Chatham-Kent are glad to promote the area, think they will find that they’re going to get
so are local companies, including some that support directly from the economic team, It will continue to bring other companies to
have gone global. As one of Chatham-Kent’s and companies like mine will support that… Chatham-Kent.”
largest employers, in the local community of it brings people. It brings innovation. It brings
Wallaceburg, the roots of AarKel Tool & Die technology. For all your one-stop investing needs,
go back to 1977. Now featuring four separate contact:
business streams (diecast tooling, plastic “I was born and raised in Chatham-Kent… we InvestCK
Injection tooling, lighting, and aluminium have a small-town mentality, but we have the Economic Development Services
production/prototype tooling), AarKel has amenities, support and manufacturing facilities 315 King Street,
grown with innovation within the automotive of the larger cities. What makes Chatham-Kent P.O. Box 640
industry. The company operates five plants better is, because of the small-town mentality, Chatham, Ontario, Canada N7M 5K8
with 250 highly skilled employees - three we share resources among all the companies. Telephone : 1.519.351.7700
facilities in Wallaceburg, one in Windsor, With AarKel being one of the largest tool shops Toll free : 1.866.542.5994
Ontario, and another in Mexico in North America - we’re probably in the top E-mail: [email protected]
The company also contracts engineering and ten and in Chatham-Kent we are the largest
design teams in India and China. - we can work with smaller shops almost like
they’re family.
The President & CEO of AarKel, Larry Delaey,
says, “The economic development team has “I do believe that when people makeinvestments
been nothing but fantastic in my support.
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
was something available for support. good skilled workforce here. By having further

“We meet with the economic development investment, it’ll continue to grow.
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
with the people you need to.

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 Millrights

BDM Millwrights 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
Millwrights 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 • population 102,042
of 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 • 23 vibrant communities in close cooperation with two First Nations communities,
of 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 Millwrights. 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 markets
I 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
• the Employment Placement Program for Employers supports • Ontario’s combined federal/provincial corporate tax rate is
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

Serviced and Certified - Prestige Industrial Land in Chatham-Kent

Pre-qualified industrial properties have recently been certified under the
Ontario Certified Site Program

Bloomfield Business Park For all your one-stop investing needs,
contact:
The Bloomfield Business Park at Bloomfield Road and Highway 401 is Chatham-Kent’s newest
industrial park. It consists of 100 acres/40 hectares of prestige industrial land with visibility InvestCK
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 Telephone : 1.519.351.7700
hectares have recently been certified as pre-qualified industrial properties, fully serviced and Toll free : 1.866.542.5994
free of major development constraints, under the Ontario Certified Site Program. E-mail: [email protected]

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

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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.

Taxes relief and Incentives is lower than the U.S. Federal/State average. Since 2010,
the general corporate tax rate has dropped 5.5 points to
Chatham-Kent was named the second “Most Affordable Place 26.5%. If you are considering a manufacturing operation,
to Do Business in Canada” and among the top 25 overall in the rate drops to 25%.
the 2016 ranking of Canada’s Best Places for Business by
Canadian Business and PROFIT. The Chatham-Kent Economic Development Services team
promotes our community to the world. We communicate
In the second annual ranking, Chatham-Kent placed 13th with senior national and international business leaders, as
amongst “Canada’s Best Places for Business.” Produced by well as provincial and federal government decision makers
two of the country’s best-known business media outlets — in order to identify Chatham-Kent as the ideal location for
Canadian Business and PROFIT — the 2016 Canada’s Best new investment.
Places for Business ranking factors in more than 20 indicators
of cost, market trends and business friendliness collected Supporting local businesses with company expansion, local
from various sources and participating municipalities. The issues affecting their businesses, encouraging strategic
ranking is designed to help entrepreneurs and executives alliances, gathering community intelligence and assisting
make smarter decisions on where to start, expand or local businesses with access to government grants and
relocate their enterprises. This ranking reinforces what we programs are among the services we offer.
already know about Chatham-Kent – this is an innovative Whether it’s fostering public-private partnerships to help
and thriving community that is a destination of choice for grow existing businesses or attracting new investment to
businesses. Chatham-Kent is an ideal location for companies our area in order to drive market expansion, our economic
looking to make smart and effective growth investments. development team is focused on driving prosperity wherever
and whenever possible.
We will provide you with prolonged, sustained savings in a
low-cost business operating environment founded on lower Here in Chatham-Kent, we believe the best incentive is a
land costs, affordable building costs, decreased costs on successful business operation. Contact us today to learn
new construction, inexpensive labour and more beneficial more about our investment opportunities.
overhead costs. In addition, the Chatham-Kent Economic
Development team works directly with investors to leverage
a wide range of local, provincial, and federal programs.

Programs include Brownfield and Employment incentives, For Further Information Contact:
Agriculture and Processing grants and loans, and various Michael F. Burton
Community Improvement Plans. Provincial and federal Municipality of Chatham-Kent
programs help subsidize capital equipment purchases, 445 Grand Avenue West, PO Box 944
leasehold improvements, training costs and job creation.
InvestCanada and InvestOntario provide significant incentives t: (519) 350-1673
to manufacturers in support of large-scale investments f: (519) 351-7852
through the Jobs Prosperity Fund and the Automotive www.InvestCK.com
Innovation Fund.

Ontario’s combined Federal/Provincial corporate tax rate

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.

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