HUNTSVILLE AUTO PARTS MAKER MBRP GET $1.49M ONTARIO TRADE HELP TO RESHORE EXHAUST TIP MANUFACTURING FROM CHINA; WILL ADD 18 NEW JOBS

Ontario is investing $1,490,000 through the Ontario Together Trade Fund to help MBRP increase build capacity and reshore critical supply chains.

With the money MBRP is investing $2,980,000 to launch a new line of truck accessories, insource flat-cut and bent component manufacturing, reshore exhaust tip manufacturing from China, and upgrade infrastructure to support new production capacity.

Exhaust tips are the visible, often styilized metal or carbon-fiber attachments mounted a the very end of a vehicle’s tailpipe. While they primarily serve to enhance a car or truck’s aesthetic appeal, certain designs can slightly deepen the exhaust note and manage engine heat. [1, 2, 3]

The project will create 18 new jobs and protect 125 existing positions, said a government release Friday.

“Through the Ontario Together Trade Fund, our government is stepping up for businesses in our community that have been directly affected by U.S. tariffs,” said MPP Graydon Smith.

“MBRP’s investment will help the company adapt, stay competitive and continue creating good jobs in these uncertain times, all while helping make Ontario’s economy more competitive, resilient and self-reliant.”

“Equipment is important, but the real investment is in people,” said Joshua Barkey, chief operations officer at MBRP. “Programs like the Ontario Together Trade Fund create opportunities for our employees to learn, grow and build careers right here in Muskoka, while helping strengthen manufacturing and create long-term opportunities in our community.”

“As U.S. tariffs continue to threaten Ontario’s critical industries, our government remains focused on ensuring our businesses have the resources needed to adapt and expand,” added North Bay MPP Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, in the release.

“By investing in MBRP through the Ontario Together Trade Fund, we are taking decisive action to enhance the competitiveness of our economy and increase opportunities for Ontario businesses and workers, now and for generations to come.”

Tariff relief fund

First announced as part of the 2025 Ontario Budget, the Ontario Together Trade Fund is part of the province’s nearly $30 billion tariff relief and support plan, dedicated to protecting Ontario workers and businesses from economic uncertainty while building a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy. With a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises, the program will help businesses across a diverse range of sectors make the necessary investments to strengthen operations in Ontario, expand market reach and protect workers.

Since its launch, the fund has received overwhelming demand, says the province.

In response, Ontario announced an additional $100 million investment in the program last year, bringing total funding to $150 million over three years. The increased support will enable businesses affected by U.S. tariffs to return production to Ontario, identify new sales opportunities and expand interprovincial trade.

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The Ontario Together Trade Fund is a part of Ontario’s broader strategy to support advanced manufacturing and trade-impacted communities, launched or enhanced as part of the 2025 Ontario Budget, including the Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit, the Protect Ontario Financing Program and the Trade-Impacted Communities Program.

Through the OTTF, the government says it is also providing complementary supports and services to help businesses navigate regulatory requirements, connect with skilled talent and access government programs that accelerate project success.

Open to Ontario-based businesses investing a minimum of $200,000, eligible projects include modification of existing products to enter new sectors, procurement of advanced equipment and facility modification to enhance domestic manufacturing and sales expansion.

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