Rae Announces Funding for Local Manufacturing

[Stratford, ON] – Today, Matthew Rae, MPP for Perth-Wellington, announced $1,393,350 in funding for local manufacturing company, Sommers Generator Systems.

“Our provincial government will continue to support our thriving manufacturing sector across rural Ontario,” said MPP Rae. “This investment will help expand Sommers’ operations in Perth County, facilitating the manufacturing of hydrogen powered generators and creating good paying local jobs.”

This funding is part of Sommers’ total investment of $9,289,000 to expand its existing Stratford and Rostock facilities to begin production of their new hydrogen generators and move production of their natural gas generators from Wisconsin to Ontario.

“Our government is proud to support local manufacturers across the province as they grow and create more good-paying jobs in their communities,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Investing in these types of community-building projects will help us continue to build Ontario and strengthen the economy. We thank Sommers Generator Systems for making a significant impact in the community and for contributing to our province’s dynamic and growing manufacturing sector.”

“Traditionally, small businesses are more flexible and can react faster than larger companies,” said Chris McGregor, President of Sommers Generator Systems. “Our main challenge is resources. Now, with the support and confidence of the Ontario Government, we can overcome that challenge. Their investment in Sommers is allowing us to create jobs and expand our facilities. Their investment will have a global impact on sustainable, clean power as we get set to produce the first hydrogen-fuelled generators in Canada, paving the way to a cleaner future.”

Ontario is investing $170 million through its Regional Development Program’s Advanced Manufacturing & Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) stream to help manufacturers across the province grow while supporting distinct regional priorities. To date, Ontario has supported more than 120 projects through the program, leveraging more than $1.8 billion in new investments and helping to create over 3,200 jobs.