Three Fort Erie manufacturers get $2.7 million in federal tariff aid
August 2, 2026 at 3:27 AM
Three Fort Erie manufacturers will receive a combined $2.7 million in federal funding to buy advanced equipment and expand production as tariffs disrupt Canadian supply chains.
The money is part of more than $11.3 million that FedDev Ontario is directing to 13 Niagara Region businesses affected by trade disruptions.
Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines, announced the funding July 28 at High Strength Plates and Profiles in Thorold on behalf of Evan Solomon, the federal minister responsible for the agency.
Canada Perforating will receive $1 million to acquire advanced machinery and strengthen domestic production and local supply chains. The Russell Street company, established in 2001, describes itself as Canada’s only full-service perforator and makes precision perforated metal for clients ranging from the nuclear industry to architectural firms.
CMI Heavy Industries will receive $1 million to expand its heavy machining capability through new equipment. The company traces its roots to 1922 in Thorold and now operates a 130,000-square-foot plant on 32 acres on Winger Road in Stevensville.
Black Creek Metal will receive $700,000 for facility upgrades, advanced equipment and improved production efficiency. The Beam family founded the fabrication shop in Stevensville in 1975, and it now employs more than 40 certified welders, millwrights and other tradespeople across plants in Stevensville and Allanburg.
The funding flows through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, a $1.95-billion federal program built to help businesses raise productivity, lower costs and reach new markets in sectors hit by tariffs, including steel, aluminum and automotive manufacturing.
FedDev Ontario has not said when the Fort Erie companies will receive the money or complete their equipment purchases.
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Andrew Hawlitzky
Andrew is a Niagara community journalist who has covered everything from local politics to annual festivals and breaking news. He works to make local news a platform where community voices lead the conversation. "If you don't like the news, go out and make some!"
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