ONTARIO WELCOMES $15.8 MILLION MANUFACTURING INVESTMENT IN SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO
EnerQuest Technologies Solutions Inc.’s expansion will support nearly 280
good-paying jobs in Essex County
March 17, 2026
Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and TradeESSEX — The Ontario government is welcoming an investment of nearly $15.8
million by EnerQuest Technologies Solutions Inc. (‘EnerQuest’) to expand their
manufacturing facility in Harrow and reshore the production of switchgears from
the United States. Leveraging the province’s skilled workforce, this project
will create 125 new good-paying jobs and protect 154 existing positions across
Essex County. In support of EnerQuest’sinvestment, Ontario is providing $1.5 million in funding through the
Southwestern Ontario Development Fund stream of the Regional Development Program(RDP).
“EnerQuest’s expansion speaks not only to the resilience of Ontario’s
manufacturing sector, but to the reliability of our workforce and the power of
partnership,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation
and Trade. “Through the Regional Development Program, our government is proud to
support a company who is driving forward regional economic priorities and
strengthening domestic supply chains through the reshoring of their operations.”
A custom manufacturer of prefabricated electrical equipment, EnerQuest’s
expansion will bring their switchgear sub-assembly manufacturing in-house to
their Harrow facility, reducing reliance on a U.S.-based sister facility. In
addition to mitigating tariff risks and scaling production capacity, the
investment will position EnerQuest to meet confirmed contract demands for
critical data centre infrastructure, modular housing, and medical units.
“By supporting strategic investments from regional businesses, our government is
protecting Ontario’s workers and creating the conditions for a strong, stable,
and resilient economy that can weather any storm,” said Anthony Leardi, MPP for
Essex. “EnerQuest’s investment will support growth and innovation across the
local manufacturing sector and create more good-paying jobs for workers and
families in Essex County.”
First launched in 2019, the RDP provides tailored supports to businesses and
municipalities, helping them invest in the equipment, technologies and skilled
workers they need to grow and remain competitive in a shifting economic
landscape. To date, Ontario has welcomed more than $2.6 billion in new
investments through the RDP, creating over 5,500 jobs across the province.
“While the technology is important, what truly makes this expansion possible is
the community around us,” said Malena Marshall, Director at EnerQuest
Technologies Solutions Inc. “Harrow has been more than just a location for our
operations — it has been a partner in our growth. The support from local
leaders, educators, and residents has helped create an environment where
companies like EnerQuest can invest with confidence and build long-term careers
for the people who live here. We are especially grateful for the support
provided through the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund. Programs like this
help companies invest in advanced manufacturing, strengthen regional supply
chains, and create high-quality jobs right here in Southwestern Ontario. That
kind of partnership between industry, government, and community is exactly what
fuels sustainable growth.”
With U.S. tariffs impacting workers and businesses across key sectors, the
government is protecting the province by lowering taxes, reducing red tape, and
making strategic investments into key sectors, while supporting distinct
regional priorities. More information about how the government continues to make
progress on this plan and build Ontario into the most resilient, self-reliant
and competitive economy in the G7 will be included in the 2026 Budget, to be
released on March 26, 2026.
QUICK FACTS
* Through the Eastern Ontario Development Fund
and Southwestern Ontario Development Fund
streams the government has announced investments of over $180 million in 145
companies. This has leveraged more than $1.9 billion in investments from
industry, creating over 4,400 jobs.
* Applications for the latest intake round of the Regional Development program
began on February 26, 2026, and end on May 27, 2026.
* Ontario’s manufacturing sector is a driving force behind Ontario’s economic
strength and global competitiveness, employing over 800,000 workers across
the provinces.
* The government continues to provide tax support to Ontario manufacturers by
continuing to offer the Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit
to eligible businesses.
* Additionally, Ontario has launched a new $150 million Ontario Together Trade
Fund
to assist local businesses in taking advantage of new interprovincial trade
opportunities.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
* Learn more about the Regional Development Program
* 2025 Ontario Budget
