Cleanfix North America breaks ground on major expansion in Stratford

Local and international representatives gather to break ground on Cleanfix North America’s new expansion in Stratford. Pictured from left are Jan Boettcher, Joani Gerber, John Nater, Matthew Rae, Matthias Lüttenberg, Benjamin Haegele, Martin Ritsma, Yvonne Denz, Steffen Erhardt, Brad Reibling and Ida Kleinsasse.

The German company Cleanfix is expanding its North American location in Stratford, with construction expected to begin this November. The new 10,000-square-foot addition will increase production of reversible cooling fans – self-cleaning fan systems used in industrial and heavy-duty machinery across North America.

Cleanfix’s fans are built for industries such as construction, municipal works, agriculture, forestry and waste and recycling, helping improve efficiency by automatically clearing dust and debris from radiators.

Once complete, the expanded facility will enable greater productivity, improved workflow and the integration of new manufacturing technologies. The project is also expected to create additional local jobs and strengthen the company’s long-term presence in Stratford.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held at Cleanfix North America’s site on Wright Boulevard, attended by company representatives and several dignitaries, including Benjamin Haegele, CEO of Hägele GmbH (Cleanfix), Matthias Lüttenberg, ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Canada, Martin Ritsma, mayor of Stratford, John Nater, MP for Perth-Wellington, Matthew Rae, MPP for Perth-Wellington and Yvonne Denz, president and CEO of the Canadian German Chamber of Industry and Commerce Inc.

Haegele said he chose to establish Cleanfix in Canada because of its political stability, resources and community support.

“It’s great to have our company in Stratford, Ont.,” said Haegele. “Looking back on the last 15 years, it was the absolute right decision that we started on 90 Linton Avenue, and now we are continuing here on 250 Wright Blvd. to expand our facility.”

He added that Stratford’s unique European feel – with its cuisine, culture, industry and sports clubs – made it an ideal fit for the German-founded company.

Haegele also thanked Cleanfix employees for their dedication and contribution to the company’s success.

“Everyone within the company is an integral part of the business and the community,” he said. “Today is a day where we make progress, not just for our company, but our community, too.”

Ritsma congratulated Cleanfix on its upcoming expansion and noted the importance of German investment in the Canadian economy.

“The relationship we have with Germany here in Stratford is exceptional,” Ritsma said.

Ritsma added that Germany ranks fourth globally among all countries investing in Canada, underscoring the strong economic ties that have supported businesses like Cleanfix in establishing a successful presence in the region.