Heddle Shipyards, the largest ship repair and construction company on the Great Lakes, is investing more than $107 million to tackle complex Vessel Life Extension (VLE) projects at it’s Port Weller Dry Docks in St. Catharines and the Ontario government will contribute more than $3.4 million.
VLEs are designed to significantly extend the life of marine vessels. With its $107 million investment, Heddle will implement the processes, engineering, training and equipment needed for VLE projects, including on-the-job training for skilled trades and support staff, automated manufacturing technologies and the use of 3D scanning for manufacturing projects. The investment will create 30 new, good-paying jobs in the region.
As part of this investment, the Ontario government is providing Heddle with over $3.4 million through the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness stream of its Regional Development Program. Through this program, Ontario is investing $140 million to help companies like Heddle grow.
These kinds of Investments and partnerships will allow Ontario to once again be a frontrunner in the Canadian shipbuilding and support hundreds of high-paying skilled-trade jobs in St. Catharines, Niagara and other communities across the province.
More from the blog
Introduction to Market Research
August 12, 2025Set the direction of your business and get all of your ideas on paper.
Steps to Starting a Small Business
August 5, 2025Wondering where to start with your small business?
Niagara Health: Niagara Health upgrading CT scanner technology to improve diagnostic imaging across the region
Niagara Health is undertaking a transformative upgrade to its CT scanner fleet, bringing the most advanced diagnostic imaging equipment currently available in Canada to our hospital sites. These state-of-the-art CT scanners will be installed at the Marotta Family, Niagara Falls and Welland hospitals starting this month.
Fat Rabbit Earns Coveted Spot on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants List
We’re proud to celebrate a major milestone for one of our own—Fat Rabbit has officially earned a place on the prestigious Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list!