Ontario Investing over $1 Million to support Manufacturing Industries in Thunder Bay
Provincial funding will Miller Precast and Pay-Ford Steel expand production, improve operations and create good jobs
News Release | October 30th, 2026
Thunder Bay — The Ontario government is investing $1,046,154 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to support Miller Precast and Pay-Ford Steel’s operations in Thunder Bay. This investment delivers on the government’s plan to protect Ontario by bolstering the province’s domestic manufacturing supply chain and building a stronger, more competitive and self-reliant economy in the face of U.S. Tariffs.
“Helping local manufacturers grow means more good-paying jobs and more of the products we need being made right here in Northwestern Ontario,” said Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay–Atikokan. “This investment will help Miller Precast and Pay-Ford Steel take on more work and support housing and infrastructure projects across our region. Thank you to both companies for continuing to invest in Thunder Bay and the people who work here.”
Through the NOHFC’s support, this funding will help the two companies expand their manufacturing capabilities, create five new full-time positions and retain one existing full-time position:
- Miller Precast is receiving $1 million to expand its product offerings and serve more construction projects across the region, creating four full-time positions. The project is expected to provide a local source of hollow core slabs for housing and infrastructure projects in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario, helping reduce shipping charges and lower construction costs.
- Pay-Ford Steel is receiving $46,154 to increase production capacity, reduce its backlog and enable the company to bid on more complex and specialized projects. The project will create one full-time position and retain one existing full-time position.
This funding is part of a larger $3.4 million investment the Ontario government announced to support 12 projects at manufacturing companies across the North, helping to create approximately 80 jobs.
“Northern Ontario’s manufacturing sector is robust, resilient and a vital part of the province’s economy,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “In the face of economic uncertainty, our government is taking action to protect manufacturing businesses and support the production of Ontario-made products. This funding will help businesses grow and bring great opportunities to the region, including new jobs.”
The Ontario government is prioritizing investments through the NOHFC that protect northern industries and jobs, mitigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions and secure new opportunities for the long-term prosperity of northern Ontario. The renewed focus is boosting competitiveness and ensuring the North remains a leader in Ontario’s economy. This new direction is in addition to the province’s increased investment, bringing the NOHFC’s annual budget to a total of $110 million. Together, these initiatives will benefit communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities.
Quick Facts
Through its funding programs, the NOHFC offers support to public and private sector economic development projects across northern Ontario.
Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $1.1 billion in over 8,900 projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3.4 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 13,850 jobs.
Additional Resources
The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.
