Released on: April 28, 2008, 8:21 am

Press Release Author: Iris Conseil

Industry: Automotive

Press Release Summary: TORONTO -- Two sectors that underpin Ontario's auto industry
- machine, tool, die and mold makers and auto parts makers - have received a major
boost from the Ontario government.

Press Release Body:
April 2008

ONTARIO BOLSTERS TOOLING AND AUTO PARTS INDUSTRIES


TORONTO -- Two sectors that underpin Ontario's auto industry - machine, tool, die
and mold makers and auto parts makers - have received a major boost from the Ontario
government.

The tooling and auto parts industries will use $1.2 million in provincial funding to
increase their competitiveness and strengthen Ontario's manufacturing base. The
funding will be split evenly between the Canadian Tooling and Machining Association
(CTMA) and the Automotive Parts Manufacturers\' Association (APMA).

The CTMA will assess shortfalls in software skills across the industry and work with
suppliers to identify solutions. This will include testing and evaluating software
and developing new training programs.

The APMA will pilot cost reduction projects at a number of auto parts companies and
share the results across the industry. The association will also engage consultants
with expertise in manufacturing cost reduction and develop new business with
Japanese and European auto makers building vehicles in North America.

"This is about strengthening Ontario's auto supply chain from beginning to end.
We're investing strategically to get car companies building in Ontario, sourcing
from Ontario parts makers, who in turn get their tooling designed and built here
too. It's our long-term, integrated plan for the industry," said Sandra Pupatello,
Ontario's Minister of Economic Development and Trade.

"To advance their competitiveness, our members need leading-edge design software and
technology. Keep in mind that many tooling companies are small operations servicing
the broad-based Canadian manufacturing sector, so this kind of industry-government
partnership is exactly what's needed," said CTMA President Horst Schmidt.

"This project is going to deliver targeted, tailored advice to help our member
companies boost competitiveness and diversify their customer base. It's an
important step for our industry to adjust to the new realities of our business
climate," said Gerry Fedchun, APMA President.

The auto industry represents about 20 per cent of Ontario's manufacturing base and
is essential to the broader economy. Auto parts and assembly plants employ more
than 130,000 people and support thousands more spin-off jobs in communities across
Ontario. There are about 250 auto parts companies and about 250 tooling companies in
Ontario

The tooling industry provides the equipment and services that other companies need
to make their products. This includes the design, manufacture and assembly of
tools, dies, moulds, models, patterns, jigs, and automation equipment.


For four years running Ontario has built more vehicles than any other jurisdiction
in North America.

The $1.2 million funding will come from the Communities in Transition program, an
initiative to assist Ontario's communities and industry sectors to respond to the
challenges of global economic restructuring.

Backgrounder

Tooling industry innovation and software skills training

 Funding and project implementation - $600,000 provided to the Canadian
Tooling and Machining Association (CTMA).

 The project consists of four steps:
- Assessment of the shortfalls in current software skills and training programs
- Working with software suppliers to identify possible solutions to issues
- Testing and evaluating software systems brought forward and
- Development and delivery of new training programs to address shortfalls in
software skills.

 The project comes about following two roundtable discussions with tooling
companies convened by the Ontario Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Sandra
Pupatello. The roundtables identified that improving the use of specialized design,
manufacturing and estimating software would be a major benefit to the industry.

Cost competitive auto parts manufacturing

 Funding and project implementation - $600,000 provided to the Automotive
Parts Manufacturers\' Association (APMA).

 Key elements of the project:
- Engaging specialized consultants with expertise in manufacturing cost reduction
and business development with Japanese and European vehicle manufacturers
- Pilot cost reduction projects at a number of auto parts companies, with the
results shared across the broader Ontario auto parts sector and
- Opportunities for further auto parts companies to participate in projects, with
support from the province.

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For more information, contact:

Ray Lancashire, Media Relations, Invest Ontario
Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
Tel: (416) 326-1608
E-mail: ray.lancashire@ontario.ca

for France : IRIS Conseil
Christine Arnal
44, Rue de Varenne - 75007 - Paris
Tel : 01 45 44 04 21 & Fax : 01 45 44 18 14
E-mail : c.arnal@iris-conseil.net & Site : http://www.iris-conseil.net



Web Site: http://iris-conseil.net

Contact Details: Ray Lancashire, Media Relations, Invest Ontario
Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
Tel: (416) 326-1608
E-mail: ray.lancashire@ontario.ca

for France : IRIS Conseil
Christine Arnal
44, Rue de Varenne - 75007 - Paris
Tel : 01 45 44 04 21 & Fax : 01 45 44 18 14
E-mail : c.arnal@iris-conseil.net & Site : http://www.iris-conseil.net