Several companies from the GTA are looking to move their operations to Chatham-Kent.
In a report coming to council on Monday, municipal administration will recommend approving the $266,110 sale of three acres of property in the Bloomfield Business Park to Mannat Gears and Differentials Inc. and Ontime 4 Logistics Inc.
Mannat Gears is planning to relocate its head office from Mississauga to Chatham-Kent, after already purchasing 5.5 acres in the business park for the construction of a 106,250 square foot warehousing facility.
Ontime 4 Logistics Inc. will also be moving its entire operations to Chatham-Kent.
According to the two companies, the proposed facility is expected to employ a minimum of eight full-time positions and six part-time staff, including warehouse forklift operators, packing, shipping and receiving, accountant and office manager.
Another proposal that will be reviewed by council during its meeting on Monday, is a $222,500 offer for 2.5 acres at the business park from three shareholder companies.
Guelph-based company Zirconium Consultancy Services, along with Mississauga-based companies Attesta International Safety Certification Inc. and Quantum First Automation Inc., plan to build a 30,000 square foot, high-tech development, that will include a combination of office, lab and warehouse space.
The facility is expected to employ a minimum of 15-20 full-time
high-paying positions in the engineering and electrical fields. As well, the companies estimate that they have the potential to triple their workforce if they are successful in finding qualified staff.
Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff said advertising for the Bloomfield Business Park laid the groundwork to bring these companies to the municipality.
“Both [groups] are looking for very quick closes because they want to get moving and get building out there. So it’s very exciting news for Chatham-Kent,” he said. “People are recognizing Chatham-Kent as a place to be.”
The two proposals are conditional on the companies commencing construction within one year. If construction has not been started within that time, the municipality can re-purchase the property at the original purchase price.