Ontario’s economy continues to turn the corner as more companies announce new jobs and investment. This week, the province announced projects that will help create and protect a total of 517 new and existing jobs for Ontario families. This in addition to the 2,139 new and existing jobs announced over the past two weeks.

With the government’s support, the following businesses are expanding or developing new products and services that will strengthen Ontario’s economy:

• Pride Pak Canada Ltd. is creating 61 new jobs in Mississauga.  The food processing company is doubling its production capacity by investing in new machinery and refrigeration technology.

• Pulp Moulded Products is creating 56 new jobs in Newmarket and developing cutting-edge machinery to expand its range of environmentally friendly packaging products.  The new equipment will also help the company to reduce its energy and water use.

• More than 28 kilometres of Highway 17 near Terrace Bay will be re-surfaced, creating about 45 new jobs.

• Lopes Mechanical Ltd., a Sudbury-based mining services manufacturer, is expanding and upgrading its facilities. This project will create 35 new jobs and help the company to compete in international markets.

• Digital Extremes is creating 30 new jobs in London’s digital gaming industry.  The company is developing a “3D Evolution Game Engine” that automates some of the programming work required to create new video games.

• Upgrades to the Cochrane airport and the expansion of a small business will create up to 11 new jobs.  In addition, a new access road connecting the Detour Gold Mine with Ontario Northland’s rail facilities will create about 30 new construction jobs.

• Integran Technologies Inc. is creating 20 new jobs in Toronto by developing advanced metal coating technologies for the automobile and airline industries.  The company’s new plating process is also better for the environment than conventional methods.

• Gay Lea Foods Co-operative, is creating 20 new jobs in Teeswater by increasing production of Ontario-made dairy products, and expanding the market for local farmers.

• Forest Tech, a Manitoulin Island-based sawmill, has accepted a wood supply offer from the province and will increase its production and protect 16 jobs.

• The launch of six new businesses in North Bay, creating 12 new jobs.

• Green’s Meat Market, a Wingham-based food processor, is expanding its facility and increasing production. This project will create 4 new jobs and support local farmers.

• In addition, this summer more than 100,000 Ontario students will find jobs and gain important work-related experience through the province’s Summer Jobs Programs. 

• Partnering with local business is a key component of the a key component of the plan laid out in Ontario’s 2011 Budget – Turning the Corner – to create and support 10,000 new and existing jobs for Ontario families and strengthen local economies.