Ontario Investing $4 Million to Protect Tariff-Impacted Workers and Businesses in Pickering
May 15, 2026
Nelson Industrial Inc’s $8.97 million project will protect and create nearly 170 jobs
PICKERING —The Ontario government is investing $4 million through the Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF) to help Nelson Industrial Inc. increase resilience, build capacity and re-shore critical supply chains to Ontario.
Through this investment, Nelson Industrial Inc. is investing $8,979,900 to purchase advanced equipment at their Pickering facility from April 2026 into February 2028. This will enable the company to increase efficiency, reshore production, and grow market share internationally, reducing tariff risk. The investment will create 12 new, good-paying jobs and protect 157 existing positions across Durham Region.
“Through the Ontario Together Trade Fund, our government is stepping up for the businesses in our community who’ve been directly affected by U.S. tariffs,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Member of Provincial Parliament for Pickering-Uxbridge. “Nelson Industrial Inc.’s investment will help them adapt, stay competitive and continue creating good jobs in these uncertain times, all while helping make Ontario’s economy more competitive, resilient and self-reliant.”
First announced as part of the 2025 Ontario Budget, the OTTF is part of the province’s nearly $30 billion tariff relief and support plan, dedicated to protecting the province’s workers and businesses from economic uncertainty and building a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy. With a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises, the program will help businesses across a diverse range of sectors make the necessary investments to strengthen operations in Ontario, expand market reach and protect workers.
“Nelson Industrial is leveraging funding support from the Ontario Together Trade Fund to implement a state-of-the-art automated paint line at our Pickering facility,” said Jeff Nelson, CEO, Nelson Industrial Inc. “This investment will significantly improve product quality, expand our manufacturing capacity and capabilities, and enhance Nelson’s long-term competitiveness in both domestic and international markets while supporting advanced manufacturing jobs in Ontario.”
Since its launch, the OTTF has received overwhelming demand and in response to this, the government announced an additional $100 million investment into the program last year, bringing the total funding to $150 million over three years. The increased support will enable businesses affected by U.S. tariffs to return production to Ontario, identify new sales opportunities and expand interprovincial trade.
“As U.S. tariffs continue to threaten Ontario’s critical industries, our government remains focused on ensuring our businesses have the resources needed to adapt and expand,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “By investing in Nelson Industrial Inc. through the Ontario Together Trade Fund, we are taking decisive action to enhance the competitiveness of our economy and increasing opportunities for Ontario businesses and workers, now and for generations to come.”
As Ontario continues to navigate the impact of U.S. tariffs and global economic uncertainty, the government remains focused on delivering critical funding, cutting red tape, unleashing the economy and supporting workers.
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