Canada’s Economic Action plan helps orillia seating manufacturer expand business

January 28, 2010

ORILLIA, ON — Sheridan Seating Inc. will expand its manufacturing operations, thanks to an Economic Action Plan investment of $312,500. The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), made the announcement today at the company’s headquarters in Orillia.

“This investment will allow Sheridan Seating Inc. to strengthen its business and increase its competitiveness by manufacturing a new product,” said Minister Goodyear. “Our government is committed to creating jobs and supporting the people, communities and businesses of Southern Ontario.” 

 “It is important that local businesses in Orillia have the tools and resources they need to excel in local and international markets,” said Bruce Stanton, MP for Simcoe North. “Our government’s investment will spur economic stimulus and allow Sheridan Seating to grow, attracting investment for our community and the surrounding area.”

Funding will come from the Southern Ontario Development Program (SODP) and will help Sheridan Seating Inc. expand its operations to manufacture seat cushions for platform seating. The expansion project will involve acquiring a separate building to hold foam padding and covering materials, as well as purchasing and installing equipment. The expansion of Sheridan Seating’s facilities will provide immediate local economic stimulus through job creation and by replacing imported materials with locally made products. This project is expected to create 15 new jobs.

“Thanks to assistance from the Southern Ontario Development Program, we will expand our facilities to develop a Canadian-made product that will be sold throughout the world,” said Richard Sheridan, CEO of Sheridan Seating Inc. “By developing our products locally, we will lower international transportation costs and thereby reduce our overall carbon footprint.”

This is among more than 60 projects the Government of Canada intends to support with a contribution of nearly $63 million through the general intake of the SODP.

For additional details on the Southern Ontario Development Program, please refer to the backgrounder, visit the FedDev Ontario web site at www.southernontario.gc.ca, or call 1-866-593-5505. For additional information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.