Advanced Manufacturing
It’s an exciting time for advanced manufacturing in Peterborough & the Kawarthas, as the face of the industry is changing.
The employment share of advanced manufacturing in Peterborough & the Kawarthas is increasing. Similar to other areas of Ontario, we’re seeing many smaller, innovation-based manufacturing companies emerging in communities throughout the region. With this change, Peterborough & the Kawarthas is also seeing greater cross-over between the advanced manufacturing, agriculture and cleantech industries. Innovation, creativity, and technological advancements are setting the stage for future growth and opportunity for Ontario manufacturers. With our world class education, highly skilled workforce and convenient location, manufacturing companies are thriving in Peterborough & the Kawarthas.
Connect directly with Eleni Gagovski to get more advanced manufacturing insights:
Why bring your manufacturing company to Peterborough?
Manufacturing has been a sector of strength in this region for more than a century. As of 2021, manufacturing was Peterborough’s 5th largest sector by labour force. When manufacturing companies infuse tried-and-true processes with new, innovative, and cutting-edge practices, you get advanced manufacturing.
Why have a presence in Peterborough, Ontario?
By integrating green technologies, advanced robotics, high performance computing, rapid prototyping and more, automation becomes more efficient, products more effective, and overall performance is increased. As a preferred destination for employers in the neighbouring sectors of Cleantech and Agriculture, and a convenient location just 90 minutes from Toronto and Canada’s Innovation Corridor, it isn’t a surprise that advanced manufacturing companies are choosing Peterborough & the Kawarthas.
A labour force of skilled workers
Over 54% of Peterborough’s population has a post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree [1] . Our skilled workers in Peterborough feel at home here, with an abundance of recreational opportunities, culture, and green space.
Most of our local talent have pursued practical, applied learning in the trades, or with a college diploma. This is a great fit for the 300+ manufacturing businesses in the region.
Active Skilled Labor Funnels:
Fleming College accounted for 69% of graduates or 3,746 people.
Trent University accounted for 31% of graduates or 1,662 people.
Local, World-Class Educational Opportunities
Peterborough & the Kawarthas’ three internationally recognized post-secondary education institutions give local manufacturing companies access to a talent pool of highly educated, motivated and skilled individuals.
8.06% of Peterborough’s population (10,240 people) aged 15 years and over possess an apprenticeship certificate, trades certificate, or diploma.
33,132 people (over ¼ of Peterborough’s population at 26.08%) have a college, CEGEP, or other non-university certificate or diploma.
Looking for your next job opportunity?
Learn about local employment opportunities in the advanced manufacturing sector via our Workforce Resources page.
Advanced Manufacturing and Fleming College
Fleming’s School of Trades and Technology offers 7 diplomas, 11 apprenticeship programs and a range of graduate certificates aligned with the advanced manufacturing sector.
Fleming is also home to the Centre for Advancement in Mechatronics and Industrial Internet of Things (CAMIIT), a multipurpose research centre for both industrial and academic research projects. CAMIIT will be expanding local capacity in applied research activities in design, development, prototyping, and improvement of products and technologies for use in the advanced manufacturing marketplace.Fleming’s School of Trades and Technology offers 7 diplomas, 11 apprenticeship programs and a range of graduate certificates aligned with the advanced manufacturing sector.
Advanced Manufacturing and Kawartha Trades & Technology Centre
Peterborough’s 87,000 sq. ft. world-class trades and technology skills training facility, run by Fleming College, is fuelling our regional manufacturing talent. It consistently supplies local businesses with top-quality people via its full-time and part-time trades programs, apprenticeship programs, dual-credit high school courses, and contract training.
In 2017, KTTC was one of 10 winners of the American Institute of Architects, Education Facility Design Award which recognizes cutting-edge designs that enhance student learning. The flexible, multi-disciplinary design of its learning spaces allows for better integration of the trades, similar to a real-world worksite, and ensures students are prepared for the real world. [1]
A Supported Workforce
We understand of the value of retaining qualified talent. While Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development doesn’t directly provide employment services, we collaborate with local employment service providers, post-secondary institutions, and the regional Workforce Development Board to ensure our local talent is supported.
Strengthen your manufacturing business with the power of community: The Kawartha Manufacturers’ Association (KMA)
The goal of the KMA is to grow Peterborough & the Kawarthas’ regional economy by developing a diverse, skilled workforce and promoting World Class Manufacturing philosophy. When your manufacturing organization becomes a member of the KMA, you gain access to the latest industry insights, news, and opportunities, from local, provincial and national perspectives.
The KMA benefits manufacturing organizations in Peterborough by,
- Providing development, training and funding opportunities.
- Hosting networking events
- Promoting relevant industry issues with all levels of Government.
- Pursuing strategic partnerships between stakeholders within the industry, at the government level, at educational institutions and across the community.
- Providing opportunities for knowledge and resource sharing.
- Supporting a culture of innovation by promoting educational opportunities related to modern management and manufacturing practices.
- Promoting the value of the manufacturing industry as a whole, and its contribution to a high quality of life, region-wide.
- Maintaining connections between education, other manufacturers and government representatives.
Advanced Manufacturing in Ontario
Ontario’s advanced manufacturing sector is robust. It boasts a strong customer market, an outstanding talent pool, and is highly supported at a provincial government level.
Advanced Manufacturing in Canada
Canada’s advanced manufacturing sector features one of the best research and development (R&D) environments, globally.
Innovation in this space is heavily supported at the national level, and businesses are empowered operate at their full potential.
Peterborough advanced manufacturers benefit from the preferential access and market opportunities that Canadian manufacturers receive in Europe, Asia and North America. This is courtesy of Agreements like the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). 1
manufacturing economy, which accounts for $174B, or 10% of Canada’s GDP.
Participate in a thriving business environment.
Join an already booming economy of more than 300 existing manufacturing businesses in Peterborough & the Kawarthas.
From Peterborough, Ontario, multinational and Canadian companies produce products and services that are delivered around the globe, including to South America, Europe and Asia.
Our advanced manufacturing sector supplies a wide range of industries, including aerospace, nuclear, cleantech, water, power generation, automobile, and food & beverages, as well as instrumentation and automation. Peterborough companies in this sector produce everything from machinery and equipment, to metal and plastic products, to machined components.
In Good Company
Discover some of the local businesses contributing to the success of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Advanced Manufacturing sector.
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Peterboro Matboards
Peterboro Matboards is a recognized world leader in the manufacture of exceptional quality matboards that enhance works of art and photograph presentations.
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Central Smith Creamery
Central Smith Creamery roots date back to 1896, with ice cream production being shipped locally and across Canada since 1952.
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BWXT Peterborough
BWXT Peterborough assembles fuel bundles and manufactures fuel destined for CANDU reactor power generating plants
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Westinghouse Electric Canada
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Kawartha Ethanol
Corn and high-grade alcohol based pure ethanol production facility
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Charlotte Products
Global leader in the production of effective, healthy and environmentally responsible cleaning solutions
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Entomo Farms
Bringing cricket-based food products and sustainable sources of protein to a nutrition-starved world.
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Merit Precision
The go-to manufacturer of high-quality injection-moulded parts and products
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Harco Enterprises Ltd.
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Ventra Plastics
Multi-Awarded Auto Industry Supplier Stays The Course
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NeFab
Nefab saves environmental and financial resources by optimizing supply chains.
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Safran Electronics & Defense Canada
A world leader in optronics, avionics, electronics and critical software.
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Flying Colours Corporation
Flying Colours Corp is a global aviation services company providing comprehensive maintenance, repair and overhaul services, refurbishments, special mission modifications, avionics upgrades and installations, exterior paintwork and more.
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Savage Arms (Canada) Inc.
On target production of award-winning firearms.
Discover Funding Resources
Federal, provincial, and local funding solutions are available for advanced manufacturing businesses looking to expand in Peterborough & the Kawarthas.
Browse our curated list of financial resources to get started with general information. Looking for something specific? Connect with a member of our Business Attraction, Retention & Expansion Team.
Latest News in Advanced Manufacturing
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Savage Arms to bring 49 new jobs to Lakefield Plant
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Fleming College Helps Boost Ontario’s Manufacturing Sector
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When collaboration and innovation collide, ‘impossible’ has no place
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Government of Canada invests over $12.2 million to support economic development in Peterborough, Northumberland and Kawartha Lakes
Advanced Manufacturing Resources & Support Organizations
Our community thrives on collaboration. Discover a collection of partners working to ensure Peterborough & the Kawarthas remains a centre for the Advanced Manufacturing Industry: