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SOMA businessesDiscover what dozens of smart companies have already learned about Southwestern Ontario: how our strategic location, lower costs and talented workforce make investing in Canada’s Industrial Heartland a wise choice.

1. Strategic Location

Located between Toronto and Detroit, we are Canada's Industrial Heartland – a major North American hub for manufacturing and innovation. Area manufacturers enjoy access to five NAFTA corridors and six Canada/USA border crossings and can reach 130 million consumers with just one day’s shipping.

 

2. Competitive Business Costs

  • 30% lower corporate tax rate than U.S. average
  • 50% lower employer health care costs
  • Exchange on Canadian dollar contributes up to 25% added cost advantage

Source: Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure

 

3.800,000 Skilled Workers

Recruit your world class staff from our rich regional workforce of over 800,000

Source: Statistics Canada

 

4. $10 Billion Invested

Over $10 billion in private sector investment in plant and equipment in the last three years

Source Southwestern Ontario Marketing Alliance

 

5. Manufacturing Thrives Here

Our strategic advantages enable manufacturers in key sectors to outperform competitors located in other parts of the province.

Source: McSweeney & Associates from EMSI, 2009 - 2014