Jobs and Economic Growth
Summary
- The Province is investing nearly $600,000 through the B.C. Manufacturing Jobs Fund to support two manufacturers in Surrey and Abbotsford
- Expansion creates more than 35 full-time jobs, grows local economy
- This work supports B.C.’s Look West strategy by delivering more jobs, opportunities in Fraser Valley
__________
Two businesses in the Fraser Valley will be able to produce and sell more B.C.-made goods and hire more people with new funding through the Look West strategy.
“We know B.C. can create incredible products, and by supporting manufacturing we can get more local products, made with local materials, in national and international markets,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. “Through our Look West strategy, we are investing in companies to accelerate their growth, which means more well-paying jobs in our communities and more dollars in the pockets of British Columbians.”
Through the B.C. Manufacturing Jobs Fund, the Province is investing a total of nearly $600,000 to support Binquip MFG Solutions Ltd. in Abbotsford and Restwell Mattress Company Ltd. in Surrey as they grow their operations and create more than 35 new jobs.
This funding will help the companies diversify their products, operate more efficiently and remain competitive locally, while reaching new customers in growing markets. These investments are supporting local businesses to grow, reach new markets and customers, and hire more people in the Fraser Valley, for as much as $4.7 million in total capital investment.
Helping Surrey manufacturer modernize, reach new markets
Restwell Mattress is receiving $400,000 to buy advanced manufacturing equipment, including machinery that will enable the company to compress, fold and roll thicker mattresses. The new equipment will also provide improved quality and workmanship, while reducing strenuous physical tasks on certain production stations. This will allow it to expand sales of its bed-in-a-box products and, in time, hire 10 additional employees.
The investment will maximize shipping space, reduce freight costs and eliminate the need to outsource parts of the production process, helping keep local mattress manufacturing in British Columbia.
“We’re thankful to have received the support from the B.C. Manufacturing Jobs Fund to further invest in advanced manufacturing that strengthens the Canadian mattress industry and keeps production close to home,” said Tom Witowich, controller, Restwell Mattress Company. “This funding empowers our team, supports high-quality local jobs and reinforces our commitment to the community we’re part of. Together, we’re building a more resilient future for both our employees and the market we serve.”
Supporting new operations, jobs in Abbotsford
Binquip MFG Solutions produces solid steel containers and bins for the waste and recycling industry. It will be receiving almost $200,000 to buy equipment that will help it diversify its product lines and create an additional 27 full-time jobs in its community.
Binquip was established by the owners of Daequip Premium Attachments Ltd. to bring solid steel container and bin manufacturing under a new, integrated operation.
“Thank you to the manufacturing jobs fund for providing some necessary funding that has helped us with the purchase of several new pieces of equipment,” said Ed Lingel, CEO, Daequip Premium Attachments. “The added equipment has helped our company grow and create 27 new jobs locally here in Abbotsford, directly supporting the B.C. manufacturing industry. We look forward to future growth and sustainable business opportunities.”
Manufacturing jobs fund drives major investment, economic growth
The B.C. Manufacturing Jobs Fund supports high-value industrial projects in all regions of the province, helping companies modernize, grow and create stable, family-supporting jobs.
More than $1.2 billion is being invested in more than 150 capital projects funded through the fund, with as much as $154 million in provincial funding committed so far, creating more than 2,100 jobs and protecting more than 2,700 jobs.
During the construction phase of these projects and in their first few years of expanded operations, the manufacturing jobs fund is expected to generate $17 billion in new economic activity, adding nearly $7 billion to B.C.’s gross domestic product and $714 million in provincial revenue.
This work is part of the Province’s Look West plan for jobs and industry, which outlines B.C.’s vision to deliver jobs and opportunities for people by strengthening the workforce to develop a more independent and resilient economy.
This includes delivering major projects quicker, diversifying markets and growing targeted sectors, such as technology, aerospace, marine, AI and quantum, life sciences, agriculture and construction innovation.
Quote:
Jessie Sunner, MLA for Surrey-Newton –
“I had the good fortune of touring Restwell a few days ago and got to see first-hand this incredible company that has been growing in Surrey since 1990. Support through the B.C. Manufacturing Jobs Fund will help Restwell modernize its operations, stay competitive and continue providing good, local manufacturing jobs to the people of Surrey.”
Learn More:
- To learn more about the B.C. Manufacturing Jobs Fund, including a list of recipients, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/ManufacturingJobsFund
- To learn more about Look West: Jobs and Prosperity for B.C. and Canada, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/LookWest
