Aisin Canada Inc. secure $2.2 million in provincial funding to protect over 500 jobs

Members of Aisin Canada Inc.’s Stratford plant joined area politicians for a $2.2 million provincial funding announcement on Dec. 5. The investment will create 30 new jobs locally, as well as further protect 530 positions.

CONNOR LUCZKA, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A local manufacturer has received a huge investment from the Government of Ontario in direct response to U.S. protectionism.

Aisin Canada Inc. has secured $2.2 million through the Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF), a fund specifically created in response to U.S. tariffs. This investment will create 30 new jobs and further protect 530 local positions.

“It’s great to see that onshoring production to Ontario and Canada – and the good-paying jobs that come with it,” said Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae in a Dec. 5 announcement at the Stratford facility on Wright Boulevard. “I know our government is doing everything in our power to ensure that we can continue to support businesses across Ontario and the employees that they employ.”

As Wayne Robert, president of Aisin Canada Inc., told reporters, the Stratford location has never had layoffs, but with the current sunroof it manufactures going out of production, there was potential for the loss of some employees. The $2.2 million is part of the company’s $11.1 million investment (though Robert said the investment is closer to $16 million) to manufacture the Lexus NX panoramic sunroof, a production program newly awarded from Toyota which is slated to start production in December 2026.

The production program is expected to diversify their existing products and reshore panoramic sunroof production from Japan to Ontario, making Aisin the first manufacturer outside of Japan to do so. Additionally, this investment in its production capabilities could be modified for future programs beyond the Lexus NX.

“This funding is a critical step forward for us. It will allow Aisin to localize production that is currently based in Japan, ensuring we maintain economic stability here in Stratford. By doing so, we are not only preventing potential layoffs but also creating new job opportunities for our community,” said Robert in a media release. “Despite the challenges posed by current tariff threats, Aisin remains committed to investing in the Stratford plant. This grant reinforces that commitment and strengthens our ability to grow and contribute to the local economy, while supporting families and communities. Thank you again for the partnership and confidence in Aisin. Together, we are building a stronger future for Stratford and for Ontario.”

Stratford Mayor Martin Ritsma was at the announcement, reminding those there and the wider public just how important companies like Aisin are to the economic health of the city.

“… Our manufacturing sector … makes up 65 per cent of what we do economically in Stratford – and of that 65 per cent, 85 per cent is automotive. Of that 85 per cent, Aisin is one of our leaders.”

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.

Since its launch, the OTTF has received overwhelming demand, according to the provincial government, with more than 140 applications submitted as of October 2025. In response to this, the government recently announced an additional $100 million investment into the program, bringing the total funding to $150 million over three years.

“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, in a media release. “By investing in Aisin Canada 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.”