• We've been building machinery and systems for more than 150 years.

• The province is home to thousands of flourishing advanced technology manufacturers and includes makers of components, assemblies and systems.

• Our industry encompasses innovative applications of leading-edge computer numeric control (CNC), computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM), robotics, automation and visioning systems, as well as advanced methodologies like lean manufacturing.

• Ontario is the leader of Canada's manufacturing sector, and has over 397 firms at the leading edge in AMT development.

• Our advanced manufacturing workers are dependable - on average they stay with a company for nine years.

• There are 73,000 highly skilled people working in our advanced manufacturing and machinery industry.

• We have thousands of researchers conducting research in virtually every area of advanced manufacturing and 30 specialized research centres where industry innovations are tested and refined.

Competitive Alternatives 2010, an international study conducted by consulting firm KPMG, found that Canada's manufacturing costs, for a precision component manufacturing operation, are less than those in any other G7 country, due in large part to lower energy and operating costs in Ontario. This coupled with secure access to North America makes Ontario an extremely attractive location to do business.

There are five major clusters of manufacturing activity in Ontario:

• Greater Toronto Area (Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Durham & York Counties)
• Hamilton (Burlington, Stoney Creek, Grimsby)
• Canada's Technology Triangle (Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge)
• Windsor & Essex County
• Ottawa

Products which are currently hydroformed in Ontario include:

• Engine Cradles
• Radiator Enclosures
• Truck Frames
• Instrument Panel Beams
• Front-End Structures
• Roof Rails

Source: Industry Canada (4/2006)