Tool, die shop to use provincial funds for plant expansion, upgrades

Tecumseh-based Glider Guard Tool and Die has secured an Ontario government investment that will help support a $2.84-million expansion that will create seven jobs and secure another 88 spots.

The company is building a 4,000-square-foot expansion and adding a new high-speed, five-axis milling machine that is paired with computer-aided manufacturing software. The expansion and equipment will increase production capacity, reduce manufacturing costs and increase productivity.

The province will provide $246,077 through the Regional Development Program's Southwest Ontario Regional Development program.

“The expansion that this funding has been allocated to will allow us to stay competitive in the automotive tooling sector,” said Brenn Cox, engineering manager of Glider Guard Tool and Die.

“With the highly competitive nature of our industry, it is imperative that we continue to invest in the latest equipment available to build some of the best tools in the world. Ontario and Windsor-essex in particular, is home to one of the highest concentrations of tool, mould and die shops in the world.

“We pride ourselves in the quality and skill that goes into our tools and funding opportunities like the province's Regional Development Program allow us to invest in our operations and employees, while staying competitive on a global scale.”

The Regional Development Program provides funding to businesses, municipalities and economic development organizations to help local communities attract investment, diversify their economies and create jobs.

“Our government is building a strong Ontario and strengthening the economy by supporting key investments in communities like Windsor-tecumseh,” said Windsor-tecumseh Conservative MPP Andrew Dowie.

“Glider Guard Tool and Die's investment will grow local manufacturing and create good-paying jobs for workers and families in Windsor-essex.”