NORTH BAY – The Ontario government is providing $28,003 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to J&J Machine Works in North Bay. This investment will help expand business operations, improve competitiveness and stimulate economic development in the region.

“By supporting J&J Machine Works, our government is bringing investment and employment opportunities to the community,” said Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing. “This investment will help support the creation of full-time jobs.”

J&J Machine Works is a traditional machine shop, offering extensive custom machining and fabrication capabilities as well as general equipment repair. Funding will allow the company to purchase of new updated equipment. This upgrade will reduce the reliance on outsourcing and improve business efficiency and profitability.

“Supporting small businesses helps build stronger, more resilient and prosperous northern communities,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “Investments like this help businesses thrive, grow the local economy and create good paying jobs.”

“J&J Machine Works is a North Bay-based manufacturer providing machining, fabrication and repair services,” said Andy Walker, President and Co-Owner of J&J Machine Works. “Financial assistance provided by the Ontario government enabled us to upgrade our plate profile cutting capabilities, improving the quality and efficiency of our existing service offerings and expanding sales to include all-new projects which were impractical or impossible with our previous equipment.”

The NOHFC promotes economic prosperity across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects—big and small, rural and urban—that stimulate growth, job creation and skills development. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $575 million in 4,835 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $1.86 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 7,770 jobs.

Quick Fact

• In 2021, the Ontario government launched new and improved NOHFC programs that support more projects in rural northern communities and make it easier for more people and businesses to apply. The programs target existing and emerging markets, provide more work opportunities for Indigenous people and address the skilled labour shortage in the North.

Additional Resources

• The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres are available to support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and assist in accessing government funding programs.

Media Contacts

Erika Robson, Minister’s Office — 416-450-1309 — Erika.Robson@ontario.ca

Media Desk — Communications Branch — mediadesk.ndm@ontario.ca