Economic Base Analysis - Investment Focused Strategy
Collingwood 2000/2005

Discussion about the Manufacturing Sector

We are most concerned about the Manufacturing sector because it is the largest employer in the local economy and is clearly struggling with external factors. This is the reason for recommending it be designated a “High Priority Retention Target” in the new development strategy.

Many of Collingwood’s largest manufacturing companies serve the automotive industry. The big three auto makers are all undergoing a painful restructuring in an effort to compete more effectively with imports and the transplants in North America (Honda, Suzuki & Toyota).

These pressures are most assuredly being felt by local industries such as:

• Goodyear Canada Inc.

• Alcoa Wheel Products

• Pilkington Glass

• VOAC Inc.

And according to reports issued by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), Collingwood continues to experience plant closures and rationalizations in the current year:

• Nacan Products, closed

• Backyard Products, closed

• Blue Mountain Pottery, closed

• Kaufman Furniture, closing

To compound the problems affecting this sector is the critical shortage of serviced employment land with which to attract new and expanding industries. There is literally no zoned and serviced land available to accommodate a new industry interested in locating in Collingwood. Even more distressing is the fact that inevitably some local industries will be forced to leave Collingwood in order to expand.

Without significant additional inventory of serviced employment land it will be impossible for the manufacturing sector in Collingwood to regain it previous stature.

We believe that replenishing the inventory of serviced employment land in Collingwood must be one of the highest priorities in the new economic development strategy.

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