BIZ VOICE: $35 million expansion in Ridgetown Martinrea

From Michael Bennett
Reporter of the Initiative for Local Journalism
The Ridgetown Independent

Martinrea International Inc. is expanding its Ridgetown facility to accommodate a new stamping press.

Martinrea announced a nearly $35 million expansion of its 100,000-square-foot facility on June 6.

SIMPAC’s new 3000-ton stamping press enables the production of larger and more complex parts, including body-in-white components, battery housings and chassis parts.

In addition, it improves production efficiency and quality and minimizes waste and energy consumption.

Founded in 1987 and acquired by Martinrea in 2006, the Ridgetown plant currently employs around 150 people and produces various metal stampings and welded assemblies for the automotive industry.

The plant is one of 56 Martinrea sites in 10 countries and supplies the global automotive industry.

“We are proud to partner with the Chatham-Kent community to expand our operations, produce quality products and improve our service to our customers,” said Don Gillier, General Manager of Martinrea Ridgetown. “This investment will continue to create opportunities for our employees and their families and ensure a bright future for all.”

The project is scheduled to be completed in early 2025.

The expansion of the Ridgetown plant is part of Martinrea’s strategy to expand its presence and capacity in the North American market and meet the growing demand for lightweight, high-strength metal solutions in the automotive industry.

“This expansion underscores our commitment to innovation, operational excellence and customer satisfaction,” said Pat D’Eramo, CEO of Martinrea International Inc. “It expands our capabilities as a global supplier in Canada and prepares us for future growth opportunities.”

“We thank our employees, customers and the local community who have contributed significantly to our success,” said D’Eramo.

Martinrea is a diversified and global automotive supplier engaged in the design, development and manufacture of advanced, value-added lightweight structures and propulsion systems.

The company is a leader in the design and manufacture of high-quality metal parts, assemblies and modules, fluid management systems and complex aluminum products, with a focus on the automotive sector.

Martinrea currently employs more than 19,000 people and operates in 56 locations in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Slovakia, Spain, China, South Africa and Japan.

Bicycle for the hospice

Jeff Thibert and Van Hoof Siding are currently raising $10,000 for Chatham-Kent Hospice.

As part of this fundraiser, Thibert will cycle 1,000 kilometers in 75 hours. His journey begins on July 4th.

To donate, contact Van Hoof Siding at 519-354-0368 or visit chathamkenthospice.com and click the donate button.

An income tax receipt will be issued for all donations of $10 or more.

Certified accident care

CSN Chatham has been officially certified by Certified Collision Care, a division of OEC, for having the proper tools, equipment, training and facilities needed to repair participating automakers’ vehicles to manufacturer specifications.

With the certification, CSN Chatham is now an integral part of the most advanced and efficient certified repair network in the country, according to a press release.

In addition to its credentials, CSN Chatham is officially certified by Certified Collision Care, Fiat Chrysler (Mopar), Ford, Genesis, Honda & Acura ProFirst, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Subaru and Toyota.

To obtain certification from various automobile manufacturers, CSN Chatham has undergone the rigorous certification process essential to ensure proper and safe repair of the new generation of sophisticated vehicles.

45 years of planters

Kearney Planters recently celebrated its 45th anniversary.

The company held an open day at its Turin Line site

Guests had the opportunity to meet suppliers and view products from their many dealers as well as Kearney’s modified planters.

Barry Kearney founded his eponymous company in February 1979 when he could not find a particular device on the market.

Kearney modified his own planter, which attracted the attention of neighboring farmers.

“He was having trouble finding a flowerpot that met his needs, so he modified a flowerpot,” said Chris Lambier, director of business development at Kearney. “The neighbors saw him and they all said, ‘Wow, if you can do that, can you do that for me?'”

According to Lambier, the major brand companies are not able to produce planters at a reasonable price to meet the needs of farmers.

“You needed a grain planter, a corn planter or just a bean planter,” he said. “Barry developed a planter that could plant both corn and beans with the same machine, so you don’t have to buy two separate machines.”

The business evolved over the years and Kearney began selling branded products in addition to modifying equipment.

Kearney Planters is a major dealer for Kinze, Vaderstad and Drago as well as over 50 aftermarket brands.

In addition to selling new and used products, Kearney experts design and build customized equipment to meet the needs of individual farmers.

“If you had a John Deere when you purchased John Deere row units, we will modify your planter for the extra rows and move it so you can plant six rows of corn 30 inches wide or 11 rows of beans 15 inches wide,” Lambier said.

Kearney’s experienced staff provides training and technical support for the products, as each planter is field tested before delivery.

In addition to sales, Kearney also specializes in hydraulic repairs, planter setup and maintenance of mechanical, electronic and automatic planters of all makes and models.

The parts department is well stocked with spare and original equipment parts for all agricultural needs that can be shipped across Canada.

The service department is on site 24 hours a day during the harvest season and can drive directly to the field for repairs and replacement of parts.

In addition, Kearney keeps pace with the evolution of agriculture with innovative hydraulics, GPS and high-tech electronic services.

Kearney first opened a store on the family farm in Howard Twp. before purchasing the land to build the factory at Turin Line 14232 in 1984.

The building has been expanded several times and now has a showroom, service areas, a spare parts room and business offices.

Kearney employs 23 people, including administrative staff, management, office staff, salespeople, mechanics, fabricators, meter inspectors and hydraulic technicians.

While the company was initially locally focused, Kearney products are available throughout Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes, as well as overseas in Europe, Romania, Africa and New Zealand.

Kearney Planters is located at 14232 Turin Line, east of Glassford Road between Kenesserie Road and Orford Road.

• Business Voice is a bi-monthly column in The Chatham Voice that highlights some of the successes and ongoing efforts of the Chatham-Kent business community. Send your information to [email protected].