03-04-2015, 08:13 PM
It is opportunities like these that we must dedicate a certain percentage of lands towards industrial purposes. I am not sure what prevented the company from occupying space at the former Kitchener Frame property or elsewhere.
‘Jobs are staying in the region’
Feb 28, 2015 | Paige Desmond | The Record | LINK
‘Jobs are staying in the region’
Feb 28, 2015 | Paige Desmond | The Record | LINK
Quote:CAMBRIDGE — Ahead of the official implementation of the Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation, local cities are already getting into the spirit of co-operation. Héroux-Devtek has a facility in Kitchener and specializes in the aerospace industry, designing, manufacturing and repairing landing gear and actuation systems. It was looking to expand after being awarded a new contract.
Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic said it was either going to locate here or in Quebec — but Kitchener didn't have the land the company needed.
"They needed to expand, we tried to find the right piece in Kitchener, we weren't able to do that (so) we worked with Cambridge to find the right piece," Vrbanovic said. "We're keeping the jobs here."
Héroux-Devtek celebrated its new Cambridge facility on Thursday.
In the past, the opportunity might have been lost because Kitchener didn't have the right land.
The co-operation between Cambridge and Kitchener to keep an employer here is exactly what the new corporation is supposed to help foster.
"Those jobs are staying in the region," Vrbanovic said. "That's what matters and that's what's important."