Traditional and Advanced Manufacturing Growth
The manufacturing sector in Thunder Bay is poised for strong growth due to the city’s strong economic performance, low property and operating costs, highly skilled labour force and proximity to US and global markets.
Thunder Bay is currently home to over 177 manufacturing businesses, which makes up just over 5% of its labour force. Internationally recognized companies, such as Bombardier and Resolute Forest Products, have a proud history of manufacturing in Thunder Bay.
Today, exciting new opportunities are emerging in traditional, advanced and specialized manufacturing sectors including wood products, aeropace, life sciences, clean water, food and beverage, agriculture, mining machinery and transportation.
Manufacturing Programs and Services
Industry Canada
Industry Canada's mission is to foster a growing, competitive, knowledge-based Canadian economy. The Department works with Canadians throughout the economy and in all parts of the country to improve conditions for investment, improve Canada's innovation performance, increase Canada's share of global trade and build a fair, efficient and competitive marketplace.
FedNor
FedNor is a federal regional development organization in Ontario that works with a variety of partners, as both a facilitator and catalyst, to help create an environment in which communities can thrive, businesses can grow and people can prosper.
Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)
For over 20 years, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) has been building great ideas into great futures for Northern Ontario. Today, NOHFC continues to help new ideas take root in the North with seven unique programs designed to foster job creation and strengthen the economies of our northern communities.
Our Manufacturing Sector
Manufacturing has been a strong industry for Thunder Bay since 1912. With Thunder Bay’s central location within Canada and close proximity to the US border there is an extensive transportation network that allows businesses in Thunder Bay to ship, import and export materials and finished products quickly and efficiently. That’s why companies like Bombardier, and its predecessors, have been operating diverse and successful manufacturing facilities here for over 100 years.
Industry Diversification
Talented Labour Force
Cost Effective Labour
Rail
Access to 2 major railways, Canadian National (CN) & Canadian Pacific (CP). Provides access across Canada, through the US, and ports on 3 coasts.
Air
2 hour flight from major centres in the US and Canada. Airport moves over 800,000 passengers per year
Road
300 km/186 mi to Interstate 35 linking to to the US-Mexico border. 346 km/215 mi from the Fort Frances/International Falls border crossing.
Water
Largest outbound port on the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System. One of Canada’s largest warehousing and transshipment complexes
Leading The Way in Specialized Manufacturing
Specialized Manufacturing Labour Force
