Written By David Gomez
STRATHROY - On September 18, Norbec opened the doors to its brand-new facility in Strathroy, marking the company’s first venture outside of Quebec. This expansion is a key move for Norbec as it strengthens its presence in Ontario and the U.S. Midwest, while also providing a boost to the local economy through job creation and industrial growth.
Jan Lembregts, Norbec’s President and CEO of Norbec, explained the decision to expand in Strathroy: “We have been serving the Ontario market for a long time, but this is the first time we have decided to build a plant here. It makes sense for us to be closer to our customers in both Ontario and the Midwest.”
The new plant is poised to manufacture insulated metal panels, a product central to the company’s innovation in sustainable building materials. Lembregts noted that this product is in high demand, especially in industries focusing on energy efficiency and quick installation times. “Our insulated metal panels offer superior insulation performance,” Lembregts said. “They also help address the installation shortage by being prefabricated, which speeds up the process considerably.”
With the plant still in its early stages, Norbec expects to gradually increase operations. Eventually, the company plans to hire approximately 70 full-time employees, providing much-needed jobs to the local workforce. “These are good, well-paying jobs for people of this area,” Lembregts added. “We are focused on hiring locally to fill these positions.”
Jason Giuliani, Norbec’s Vice President, echoed this excitement, noting the larger significance of this investment. “This is our third facility in Canada, but the first in Ontario. Strathroy made sense from both a labour and supply chain perspective,” Giuliani said. “Today (during the event) we are producing our first order for one of our Ontario customers, and that’s something we are very proud of.”
Local officials also expressed their enthusiasm for what this plant means for Strathroy. Mayor Colin Grantham shared his thoughts on the economic impact. “This is a big investment, no doubt about it, but it’s also a sign that Norbec sees real potential in our town,” Grantham said. “We are competing with much bigger municipalities like London and Woodstock, so this is a big win for us.” Grantham highlighted the importance of industrial growth for the town, emphasizing that it creates opportunities for the future. “I have grandsons growing up here, and they are going to need jobs someday. Investments like this are exactly what we need.”
The plant’s potential extends beyond job creation. Middlesex County Warden Aina DeViet underscored how Norbec’s decision to locate in Strathroy fits into a broader vision for community growth. “When a company like Norbec brings jobs to the region, it has a ripple effect,” DeViet said. “People move here, homes are built, schools grow—it’s all connected.”
Provincial and federal representatives were also present at the grand opening, praising Norbec’s choice to expand in Ontario. Lianne Rood, MP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, applauded the company for keeping jobs and manufacturing local. “It’s wonderful to see a company like Norbec choose our community for their first plant in Ontario,” Rood said. “This is exactly the kind of investment we want to encourage—keeping jobs here and supporting local economies.”
Steve Pinsonneault, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, emphasized the broader significance of the project for the province. “This facility isn’t just an expansion for Norbec; it’s an opportunity for Strathroy to become a leader in specialized manufacturing,” Pinsonneault stated. He also pointed out the importance of collaboration between businesses and government. “The Ontario government’s contribution through the Regional Development Program is one example of how we can support companies like Norbec and help create jobs.”
As Norbec’s Strathroy plant moves into full production over the coming months, the community eagerly awaits the benefits it will bring. With 70 local jobs on the horizon and a product that aligns with current trends in sustainable construction, the 156,000 square foot facility promises to be a long-term asset for both Norbec and the region.
What started as a bold step outside of Quebec has quickly become a symbol of Strathroy’s potential for industrial growth and innovation.
