The Bay of Quinte area is a manufacturing hub in the province of Ontario, but there have been some major blows over the last year, particularly in the City of Quinte West.
Saputo Cheese Factory, Sonoco Paper Mill and Nestle have all announced closures in the last 13 months, affecting about 500 well-paying manufacturing jobs.
The municipality, MP Neil Ellis, and MPP Todd Smith say they are working with the companies on smooth transitions, with a fight to keep Nestle in the region.
Quinte Economic Development CEO Chris King.
“Those job numbers are very significant. As you know manufacturing has a large multiplier effect, so every job in manufacturing creates spinoff. Losing those 500 jobs is a blow, not only to the city (Quinte West), but the entire region.”
King says about half of the economic output of the area comes from manufacturing, with about 10,000 jobs in the sector.
King says local officials are in talks with Nestle about the timing of the closure.
“So when would the building be available, and also the process? We want to start that process right now, economic development has a long sales cycle. We want to start promoting the building, and the great work force that came with it and if there’s any equipment and assets that come with the building.”
He says there are some companies that are looking to the Quinte region for buildings, and believes strong interest in Saputo or Nestle’s sites could be an option.
“We need Nestle to move ahead and to say we’re going to sell it and here’s when it’s going to be available. Get it listed, get a price, get us all the specs, so we can respond to those companies that have already approached us, but be proactive and go out there and market it to other companies outside the region that may be interested in that facility.”
King says they are actively looking around the region, province, and further, to find the right fit for each building.