HAMILTON – The Ontario government is investing $3,365,849 through the Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF) to help Hooper Welding Enterprises Inc. increase resilience, build capacity and re-shore critical supply chains to Ontario.

Through this investment, Hooper Welding is investing $11,219,497 to expand their facility by 19,250 sq ft and fund new production equipment to bring the site closer to the waterfront. This project will improve heavy shipping logistics and support the fabrication of larger domestic projects that are pivoting away from the U.S. export market. Additionally, this project will support Hooper Welding’s pivot into the nuclear energy sector.

The investment will create 25 new, good-paying jobs and protect 80 existing positions across Hamilton.

“Through the Ontario Together Trade Fund, our government is stepping up for the businesses in our community who’ve been directly affected by U.S. tariffs,” said Neil Lumsden, Member of Provincial Parliament for Hamilton East – Stoney Creek. “Hooper Welding’s investment will help them adapt, stay competitive and continue creating good jobs in these uncertain times, all while helping make Ontario’s economy more competitive, resilient and self-reliant.”

First announced as part of the 2025 Ontario Budget, the OTTF is part of the province’s nearly $30 billion tariff relief and support plan, dedicated to protecting the province’s workers and businesses from economic uncertainty and building a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy. With a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises, the program will help businesses across a diverse range of sectors make the necessary investments to strengthen operations in Ontario, expand market reach and protect workers.

“This expansion in Hamilton marks a defining moment for Hooper Welding,” said Chris Hooper, Vice President at Hooper Welding. “One that reflects not only our confidence in the future, but our commitment to leading it. This growth represents more than added square footage; it is a strategic investment in our people, our capabilities, and our role in supporting critical industries like nuclear and heavy fabrication in Canada. As we scale our operations, we are strengthening our foundation, expanding our capacity for innovation, and positioning Hooper Welding to deliver at an even higher level for our clients. We are grateful to the Ontario government for their support, which has played an important role in enabling this expansion and reinforcing the strength of manufacturing in our province. It’s an exciting step forward that builds on our legacy while setting the stage for the next generation of excellence.”

Since its launch, the OTTF has received overwhelming demand and in response to this, the government announced an additional $100 million investment into the program last year, bringing the total funding to $150 million over three years. The increased support will enable businesses affected by U.S. tariffs to return production to Ontario, identify new sales opportunities and expand interprovincial trade.

“As U.S. tariffs continue to threaten Ontario’s critical industries, our government remains focused on ensuring our businesses have the resources needed to adapt and expand,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “By investing in Hooper Welding Enterprises Ltd. through the Ontario Together Trade Fund, we are taking decisive action to enhance the competitiveness of our economy and increasing opportunities for Ontario businesses and workers, now and for generations to come.”

As Ontario continues to navigate the impact of U.S. tariffs and global economic uncertainty, the government remains focused on delivering critical funding, cutting red tape, unleashing the economy and supporting workers