Advanced Manufacturing

manufacturingKingston has a strong history of innovative and leading manufacturing companies.  Businesses such as Dupont, Invista and Novelis have incorporated global research and development facilities alongside their plants in order to take advantage of the research partnerships available with Kingston's local universities. 

The manufacturing sector in Kingston is represented by over 100 companies who employ some 5,000 workers. According to the Conference Board of Canada, a significant rebound in manufacturing activity is forecast for 2010.

 Kingston´s growing critical mass in manufacturing is the result of a number of competitive advantages:

  • our LOCATION at the heart of central Canada with immediate access to markets of 130 million people
  • LOW PROPERTY TAXES and reasonable cost of fully serviced land
  • access to a highly trained and MOTIVATED LABOUR FORCE with low turnover rates and absenteeism
  • continuous TRANSPORTATION ACCESS via rail and a highway that never closes
  • a STREAMLINED DEVELOPMENT process and comprehensive SUPPORT SERVICES including third-party carriers, courier hubs, customs brokers and information technology specialists
  • attractive INCENTIVES for investors

Available Supply Chain

At the centre of Eastern Ontario's manufacturing industry, there is a complete network of support services in Kingston which enable local companies to operate without reliance on other cities.  These service firms include:

  • national trucking companies and cross-border shippers (third-party carriers)
  • regional courier hubs with later cut-off times
  • welding, machining and fabricating shops
  • millwright services
  • wholesalers of industrials, construction, safety and electrical equipment
  • a full range of industrial maintenance services including lift truck repair

Available Incentive Programs

Testimonial - MagasecOntario's R&D Tax Credits: Among the most generous in the G7, they can cut the cost of $100 in R&D to less than $41. Learn more...

Innovation Demonstration Fund (IDF): The Innovation Demonstration Fund (IDF) is a discretionary, non-entitlement funding program administered by the Ministry of Research and Innovation that focuses on the commercialization and initial technical demonstration of globally competitive, innovative Green technologies, processes and/or products. Learn more...

Scientific Research & Experimental Development Program (SR&ED): The SR&ED program is a federal tax incentive program, administered  by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), that encourages Canadian businesses of all sizes, and in all sectors to conduct research and development (R&D) in Canada. Learn more...

Eastern Ontario Development Fund:  $80 million dollars available for business growth. Specific to Eastern Ontario, grants of up to 15% of eligible projects costs (up to $1.5 million). Learn more...

Prosperity Initiative encourages businesses, not-for-profit organizations and post-secondary institutions in southern Ontario to undertake projects that will result in a more productive, diversified and competitive economy in the region. Learn more…

Investing in Business Innovation boosts private sector investment in start-up businesses to accelerate the development of new products, processes and practices and bring them to market. It also helps angel investor networks and their associations attract new investment and support the growth of angel investment funds. Learn more…

Technology Development Program provides financial support to encourage research and innovation organizations, the private sector, post-secondary institutions and not-for-profit organizations to work together to accelerate the development of large-scale, advanced technologies that will result in new market opportunities for southern Ontario businesses. Learn more…

For more information on Kingston's manufacturing sector and investment opportunities, please contact us.