Ontario’s Economic Development Minister is making his way across southwestern Ontario today, handing out money to help boost local economies.

Steven Del Duca was in Windsor this morning, announcing a partnership with five manufacturing businesses in Essex County, helping to create 168 new jobs and retain another 500.

The total investment, through the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, is supporting Jahn Engineering, Reko International, Technicut Tool, Uni-Fab, and Windsor Industrial.

Del Duca will be in Chatham this afternoon for a funding announcement at Dana Corporation on Richmond Street.