The federal government is investing $5 million into EcoPoly Solutions Inc., an Orillia-based company that manufactures a variety of sustainable products.
Featuring an in-house plastics and paper recycling system, EcoPoly creates a variety of recyclable and biodegradable plastic products across the agriculture and food service industries, with demand for its products growing in recent years.
The investment will help EcoPoly create 54 jobs, adopt automated, high-speed manufacturing equipment, and reduce CO2 emissions in its manufacturing process, officials say.
Filomena Tassi, the Minister responsible for the federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, made the announcement at a press conference Thursday afternoon at the Orillia facility.
“We are working to help boost southern Ontario's economy and help industries flourish, including the manufacturing industry, as they adopt practices and procedures that are more efficient, innovative and sustainable, which is why it is fitting that we are here at EcoPoly in Orillia today,” she said.
“EcoPoly is contributing to and embracing new technologies and techniques that push the limits of sustainability," said Tassi.
EcoPoly uses 100 per cent recyclable plastics in its products, and Tassi noted the importance of investing in companies like EcoPoly that drive growth and sustainability in their work.
“Canadian businesses are growing. They are creating jobs for the future and working hard to find cleaner solutions for a healthier Canada, and our government is investing in businesses like EcoPoly so you can continue to create the made-in-Canada jobs, products and solutions that will remain here for years to come,” she said.
EcoPoly officials said the investment will help the company grow, both in terms of employment and output.
“Growth, explosive growth with sustainable green products,” said CFO Matt Machonachie. “People want green products … we've done across Canada, and now we're getting big customers in the United States, and that's the plan.”
As the company looks to expand its operations, the investment could not have come at a better time, said CEO Derek Rynard.
“We are proud to be a Canadian company that has been innovating and growing since our founding in 1991,” Rynard said. “The support we have received from FedDev Ontario has been instrumental in the implementation of the next phase of our growth. The timing could not have been better and the entire process with FedDev Ontario has been tremendous from the beginning.”
Orillia Mayor Don McIsaac said it’s “gratifying” to see the government support local businesses.
“I'm always gratified to see when the federal government … partners with local business, in this case, EcoPoly, to make it bigger and better and help them expand and get to a better place,” he said. “The fact is that 100% recyclable is well suited with our drive for both the economy, as well as … saving the world around us.”
Since 2015, through FedDev Ontario, the federal government has invested over $450 million in clean technology and green initiatives projects.
