On October 27, 2023, Hörmann Group North America hosted a groundbreaking event at Winstar Road in Oro-Medonte, Ontario, Canada, the site of their future 120,000 square foot manufacturing, sales, and administration facility. Thirty-one people attended including a contingency of Hörmann employees, local dignitaries, representatives from Bertram Construction, neighboring Oro-Medonte companies, and special guests from the Canadian German Chamber of Commerce, and the General Federal Republic of Germany.
Hörmann executives, Christoph Hörmann, managing partner, Hörmann KG Verkaufsgesellschaft, Dirk Fell, president and CEO Hörmann Group North America, and Marcus von Reden, president of Hörmann Barrie (Oro-Medonte), welcomed the attendees during opening remarks, and spoke about how investing in construction of the future Hörmann Oro-Medonte facility shows company employees and customers they believe in the economic strength of Canada. This also highlights the continued dedication of Hörmann’s investment in their North American operations.
Marcus von Reden addressed the group, “This new facility symbolizes the spirit of progress, the promise of employment, and the hope of a bright future for this community. As we turn the soil today, we do so with a sense of anticipation and hope it will inspire our youth to dream big, think innovatively, and work hard.”
The building site is nine miles (14.8 kilometers) from the current location in Barrie, Ontario in Simcoe County. Hörmann announced that when searching for a construction site, their goal was to remain in Simcoe County and near their current location so existing employees will be retained and no jobs lost. Quite the contrary, as it is anticipated that shortly after completion, they will add 30 new employees.
During his address, Brian Saunderson, member of provincial parliament - Simcoe-Grey, said, “On behalf of Premier Ford and Minister Fedeli, and the government of Ontario, we’d like to thank Hörmann for this investment and creating 30 great, new, well-paying jobs that will be sustainable moving into the future.” In addition, Hale Mahon, constituency assistant to MPP General Doug Downey, read a certificate on behalf of the government of Ontario, congratulating Hörmann on the groundbreaking ceremony and thanking them for the community support.
The government of Ontario has a focus on bringing industry back to the area and strengthening the manufacturing sector. Since 2018, employment has grown with 700,000 new jobs created in Ontario through government initiatives directed at lowering the annual cost of doing business in the region.
Member of Parliament - Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte, Doug Shipley, commented, “Business growth is important to the community. These are great jobs in this area; it’s great to see you setting up the future for growth.”
At the conclusion of the remarks and just prior to the groundbreaking, Randy Greenlaw, mayor of Oro-Medonte, expressed enthusiasm about welcoming Hörmann to the community: “We are extremely proud that Hörmann is part of the Oro-Medonte business community. It’s exciting to know that these rubber doors manufactured right here in Oro-Medonte will be distributed worldwide.”
The new Hörmann Oro-Medonte state-of-the art facility will house the most modern processes and equipment for manufacturing high-performance rubber doors that are distributed worldwide.
PHOTO LEFT TO RIGHT people holding shovels: Randy Greenlaw, Hale Mahon, Doug Shipley, Christoph Hörmann, Marcus von Reden, Brian Saunderson, Dirk Fell, Lisa Bertram