KAWARTHA LAKES-Sharon and Bruce Vandenberg started Mariposa Dairy in 1989 with $20,000 cash, some furniture, recipe books and a vision. Today that company is one of Canada’s largest goat cheese producers and processors.
“What we produced in a whole year in 2005, we now produce in 2 days.” Co-founder Bruce Vandenberg told a crowd gathered at the facility on Monday.
Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), was on hand to announce more than $7 million through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative to support two Lindsay-based businesses including Mariposa Dairy.
Mariposa Dairy Ltd. is receiving a repayable contribution of over $6.5 million from FedDev Ontario towards a $19.5 million project to expand its facility on George Street In Lindsay and adopt new advanced automated processing, packaging and shipping technologies.
“We had some hiccups along the way, covid, free trade or no trade. We believe this will pass said Bruce Vandenberg. “We are looking at expanding our international markets.”
Vandenberg says the money will be used to upgrade shipping doors and purchase new robotics while making the company more efficient.
Solomon acknowledged the difficulties the US tariffs are causing local businesses.
“It’s tough, people are worried about whats going to happen on Wednesday with the tariffs,” he said “The best we can do is work with people who want to build. This is a great example of a Canadian company that supports growth.”
The United States has threatened 50% punitive tariffs on hundreds of Canadian goods under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930. These duties reportedly target items regardless of CUSMA compliance.
Armada Toolworks Ltd. in Lindsay is receiving over $650,000 from FedDev Ontario toward an over $1.3 million project to modernize its operations.
Armada was founded in 1972 as a small tool shop and has evolved into a leading auto parts and assemblies manufacturer. It makes door handles and other parts for vehicles throughout North America, Japan, Korea and more.
“That sector has been hammered and it’s because of companies like Armada we are going to get through this” stated Solomon.
“In September of last year we had a long-term strategy session and identified that we need to diversity.” said Owner, Chris Vandenberg. (No relation to Sharon and Bruce) “The medical market is a very good fit. We have the technology but the cleanliness requirements are much stronger.”
Armada will use the funds to purchase new, modern equipment and a sterile environment. Chris says they already have their first production order for a medical device.
FedDev Ontario is still accepting applications under the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) to help southern Ontario businesses.
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