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$42M expansion of KTH plant

April 16, 2014   ·   0 Comments

By Alex Sher – Shelburne Mayor Ed Crewson had high praise Monday for the workforce at Shelburne’s KTH plant in celebrating the announced plans for a $42-million expansion.

Speaking at a press conference at the plant on the town’s eastern outskirts, the mayor termed the announcement a blessing that “speaks to the confidence you the associates have earned, with your skills and initiative, and the quality of products that together you produce here in Shelburne, in Ontario, in Canada.”

Most of the local community had already noticed the changing landscape of KTH’s west side as construction is well under way, but it was only on Monday that it became known that the facility will be enlarged to accommodate a new 400-ton press that will compliment their pre-existing stamping press area.

According to the KTH’s press release, since 1998 KTH Shelburne Mfg. Inc. has been in the business of producing frame components for the Honda Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline, Civic and CRV models, the Acura CSX, MDX, and ZDX models.

The additional business associated with the launch of the redesigned 2016 Honda Civic is responsible for KTH having to expand its facility.  The production is scheduled to coincide with the launch of the redesigned 2016 Civic in July of 2015. The 54000-square-foot expansion is expected to be completed by mid-October, at which time welding equipment will begin installation of the new stamping press.

Mayor Crewson was among several local dignitaries present for the announcement. He commented that the town “is honoured to be celebrating this expansion.

“Since 1977 when KTH started to build in Shelburne, our citizens have enjoyed the brightness of economic opportunity, and the warmth of hope in their lives.”

He noted that a recent Toronto Star story revealed that while $17.6 billion was invested in new auto-assembly capacity worldwide in 2013, “none of it came to Canada; $12.7 billion or 72.2% went to China, while $1.6 billion went to Brazil. In fact, since 2010, Canada has received less than 1% of the global investment in new auto assembly capacity.

“So the decision by KTH to expand this plant in Shelburne is indeed a blessing and speaks to the confidence you the associates have earned, with your skills and initiative and the quality of products that together you produce here in Shelburne, in Ontario, in Canada.”

He added that the opportunities for economic growth KTH was creating with the investment into Shelburne “has a tremendous positive impact on us and has profoundly improved the lives of people in this community by giving them futures here. Thank you KTH for investing in our community.”

Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones also stated her gratitude to KTH for their positive impact on Shelburne and the province. She wished KTH continued success, praising the expansion as a tribute to KTH’s drive and determination to succeed.

Dufferin Warden Bill Hill, Mayor of Melancthon, said the announcement “is exciting for me. I was a member of the Economic Development Committee when this all started. We’re here today to celebrate another milestone. KTH has created a lot of jobs and on behalf of Dufferin County I wish continued success.”

KTH says 30 new jobs will be created by this expansion, and that number will undoubtedly continue to grow possibly reaching an estimated 60 jobs as KTH continues to thrive.

Shane Hall, KTH Assistant Vice President-Plant Manager had a direct message for  residents who live near the KTH property.

“I’ve never worked for a better boss. I’ve never known anyone like KTH President Arthur Ansai. We are actually a very ‘green’ company. We will likely be seeding the newer hills that have been created to cut down on any noise and will be working with the Scouts with the intention of tree planting. Reforestation and preserving ‘green space’ is very important to KTH,” he said, adding: “When we get to installing the storm water pond on the southeast corner, every tree that is currently in place will be relocated, planted and saved. One interesting fact in respect to Japanese custom and in respect to the environment is the tradition of planting a tree every time one our Japanese Executives returns to Japan.”


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