Funding will help two local businesses improve efficiency, increase capacity and create good-paying jobs
May 6, 2026
KAPUSKASING — The Ontario government is investing $326,151 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to support two manufacturing businesses in Kapuskasing. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the province is making strategic investments to promote growth and job creation in the North and support stronger, more resilient and self-reliant communities.
“Our government is taking action to build strong communities in northern Ontario by supporting manufacturing businesses as they grow,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “By investing in manufacturers in Kapuskasing, we are helping build up local supply chains and drive economic growth.”
Braze Metalworks, a custom metal product manufacturing company, is receiving $200,000 in NOHFC funding to purchase equipment. As a newly established business, Braze Metalworks provides custom fabrication and powder coating services to the outdoor living and powersports sectors, strengthening Kapuskasing’s manufacturing capacity and local economy.
Northern Truss, a manufacturer of residential and commercial wood structures, is receiving $126,151 in NOHFC funding to complete facility improvements and update equipment used in its manufacturing process. Through this investment, Northern Truss will be able to modernize its truss production line, improving quality control and increasing productivity and efficiency.
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.
Quotes
“These investments go beyond supporting local manufacturing—they play a critical role in retaining our workforce and positioning Kapuskasing for sustainable growth. When we strengthen our industrial base, we create stable, well-paying jobs that allow residents to stay, raise their families and invest in our community. This momentum also supports the demand and confidence needed to advance new housing development, which remains a key priority for our Council. We appreciate the province’s continued commitment to northern Ontario and to ensuring communities like Kapuskasing have the tools to grow and thrive.”
– Dave Plourde, Mayor, Town of Kapuskasing
“The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation played an important role in helping Northern Truss modernize its operations. This project has improved our efficiency, enhanced product quality and strengthened our ability to better serve customers across northern Ontario. We also value the excellent support provided by the NOHFC team throughout the process.”
– Hugo Fortin, General Manager, Northern Truss
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.
| Media Contact
Sam McCormick, Minister’s Office Media Relations, Communications Branch |
