The Ontario government has welcomed a nearly $15.8 million investment by EnerQuest Technologies Solutions Inc. to expand its manufacturing facility in Harrow, Essex County, and reshore the production of switchgears from the United States. The project is expected to create 125 new good-paying jobs while protecting 154 existing positions in the region. To support the expansion, the province is contributing $1.5 million through the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund under the Regional Development Program.
According to the government, EnerQuest’s expansion highlights the strength of Ontario’s manufacturing sector and the province’s skilled workforce. Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli said the investment reflects Ontario’s ability to support regional economic priorities while strengthening domestic supply chains through reshoring operations back to the province.
EnerQuest, a custom manufacturer of prefabricated electrical equipment, plans to bring switchgear sub-assembly manufacturing in-house at its Harrow facility rather than relying on its U.S.-based sister operation. This move is expected to reduce tariff-related risks, increase production capacity, and help the company meet confirmed demand for critical infrastructure projects, including data centres, modular housing, and medical units.
Essex MPP Anthony Leardi said the investment demonstrates how strategic support for regional businesses can help protect workers and build a stronger, more resilient economy. He noted that the project will drive growth and innovation in the local manufacturing sector while creating more high-quality jobs for workers and families across Essex County.
First launched in 2019, Ontario’s Regional Development Program provides tailored support to businesses and municipalities so they can invest in equipment, technology, and skilled workers needed to remain competitive in a changing economy. To date, the program has helped attract more than $2.6 billion in new investments and has created over 5,500 jobs across Ontario.
EnerQuest’s leadership also emphasized the role of the local community in making the expansion possible. The company said Harrow has been a key partner in its growth, with support from local leaders, educators, and residents helping to create the confidence needed for long-term investment. EnerQuest also credited the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund for enabling advanced manufacturing investments, stronger regional supply chains, and the creation of quality jobs in the region.
The announcement comes as Ontario continues to respond to economic pressures caused by U.S. tariffs affecting workers and businesses in major sectors. The government says it is addressing these challenges by lowering taxes, cutting red tape, and making targeted investments in strategic industries while also supporting regional priorities. Further details on this broader economic plan are expected in Ontario’s 2026 Budget, scheduled for release on March 26, 2026.
The province also noted that through the Eastern Ontario Development Fund and Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, it has announced more than $180 million in support for 145 companies, leveraging over $1.9 billion in private-sector investment and creating more than 4,400 jobs. Applications for the latest intake of the Regional Development Program opened on February 26, 2026, and will close on May 27, 2026.
Ontario highlighted the continued importance of manufacturing to the provincial economy, with the sector employing more than 800,000 workers and remaining central to Ontario’s competitiveness. The government added that it continues to support manufacturers through measures such as the Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit and the newly launched $150 million Ontario Together Trade Fund, which is aimed at helping businesses benefit from new interprovincial trade opportunities.
