Ontario Protects Jobs In Furniture Manufacturing Sector

McGuinty Government Supports Rural Ontario Industry

Ontario is helping the wood furniture manufacturing industry increase its market competitiveness and protect jobs. 

As part of the Rural Economic Development Program, the province is investing $705,500 to help the sector form a strategic alliance that will allow it to incorporate leading edge technology so it can further increase market appeal for Ontario-made, quality wood furniture.

The project will:

• Develop an information and supply chain management system, including software development, graphics, web portal development.
• Provide training for partners, retailers, and sales people. 
• Allow partners to connect with each other and with customers to enhance their manufacturing techniques and productivity. 
• Help retain up to 270 rural furniture manufacturing jobs.

QUOTES

"This investment will help revitalize Ontario’s wood furniture manufacturing industry and retain jobs that are important to the economy of our rural communities.”
- Carol Mitchell, MPP Huron-Bruce

"Thanks to the support of the Ontario government, this partnership supports increasing the appreciation for quality furniture manufactured in Ontario and market development throughout the world. This is the type of support that encourages growth in the industry.
- Adam Hofmann, President, Bogdon and Gross Furniture Company Limited, Walkerton Ontario.

QUICK FACTS

• Since 2003, the Rural Economic Development Program has invested $74.8 million in 229 projects.
• The Rural Economic Development Program invests in community-based projects in three priority areas: improved access to health care services, revitalized communities and downtowns, and enhanced skills training

LEARN MORE

Learn more about Ontario’s value-added wood sector.  

Discover more about the province’s forest industry.

For more information, contact: