Provincial funding will help ModBox Modular increase manufacturing and production capacity to meet growing demand and support good-paying jobs

May 21, 2026

THUNDER BAY — The Ontario government is investing $1 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help ModBox Modular expand its operations and increase production capacity. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the province is making strategic investments to grow innovative businesses that support sustainable made-in-the-North housing development and create good‑paying jobs in northern communities.

“When northern Ontario businesses have the resources and capacity to expand and succeed, our communities grow stronger,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Through this investment, our government is supporting ModBox Modular’s growth while delivering innovative housing solutions across the region.”

ModBox Modular specializes in the construction of custom modular container homes and other structures, primarily for First Nation communities. Using NOHFC funding, the company can purchase a new industrial building, make renovations and acquire new equipment. The project will increase the company’s manufacturing capacity and introduce new innovative product offerings such as modular wood homes. Through this expansion, ModBox Modular will be better equipped to tailor their products to the unique needs of northern communities and address a growing demand for housing and infrastructure.

“With support from the NOHFC, we’ve been able to significantly expand our operations here in Thunder Bay, growing from a previous shop of 4,000 square feet to a new 25,000-square-foot facility,” said Anthony and John McRae, Co-owners of ModBox Modular. “This investment allowed us to increase our capacity and invest in new equipment so we can deliver more projects faster, while creating 20 new jobs and meeting the growing demand for high-quality housing in First Nation communities and across northwestern Ontario.”

“This investment is another great example of what can happen when we invest in northern businesses like ModBox Modular,” said Kevin Holland, Member of Provincial Parliament for Thunder Bay–Atikokan. “These are the kinds of projects that build momentum in our local economy and create housing opportunities for people across the region. This support will help the company expand production, modernize its facilities and increase its ability to deliver innovative housing solutions where they are needed most. It will also create good skilled trade jobs that will strengthen our local manufacturing sector.”

“Modular housing has an important role to play in helping northern and First Nation communities meet their housing needs faster and more efficiently,” said Graydon Smith, Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “By helping ModBox Modular expand its operations in Thunder Bay, this investment is another example of how our government is supporting innovation, strengthening local economies and protecting Ontario’s future.”

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 investment of an additional $30 million over three years, 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 billion in over 8,400 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 13,000 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.