This category highlights businesses that support Ontario’s manufacturing sector through local sourcing, teamwork, and supply chain growth.
NEWS RELEASE
CANADIAN MANUFACTURERS AND EXPORTERS
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The results are in, and the finalists for the sixth annual Ontario Made Awards have been announced.
Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME), through its Ontario Made program, is honoring nine manufacturers and retailers from Ontario who are boosting the visibility and success of products made in Ontario.
The finalists were chosen after a public voting period that took place from Aug. 10 to Sept. 30, allowing Ontarians to back the businesses they feel are making a difference in their communities and throughout the province.
Over 81,000 votes were cast across three award categories to determine the finalists who will now move on to the final judging round. A group of industry experts will evaluate these finalists and choose one winner in each category.
“The Ontario Made Awards highlight the companies behind the everyday products Ontarians rely on, as well as those contributing to a stronger manufacturing sector across our province,” said Dennis Darby, president and CEO of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME). “This recognition is important, along with creating chances for businesses to connect and grow together.
“With Ontario Made, we’re assisting manufacturers in building valuable B2B partnerships, finding new suppliers, and reinforcing supply chains right here in Ontario. We can’t wait to celebrate this year’s finalists and their significant contributions to our economy,” Darby added.
The winners of the 2026 Ontario Made Award will be revealed on Tuesday, Dec. 1, during CME’s 27th Annual Queen’s Park Reception.
CME congratulates all nine finalists and appreciates everyone who participated in this year’s awards process and public voting.
Award Categories and Finalists
Manufacturer Spotlight Award
This award recognizes manufacturers that enhance Ontario’s manufacturing industry through local sourcing, collaboration, and supply chain development.
Ontario Made Awareness Award
This award honors manufacturers who regularly use the Ontario Made brand to help customers identify and support locally made products.
Retailer Spotlight Award
This award acknowledges retailers that strengthen Ontario’s manufacturing sector by sourcing locally made products while building strong ties with local manufacturers.
About the Finalists
Innovative Automation
Located in: Barrie
Innovative Automation Inc. is a manufacturer based in Barrie specializing in custom industrial automation systems for sectors like automotive, medical devices, consumer goods, EVs, and battery production. Established in 1989, this company designs and creates specialized machinery, robotics systems, assembly solutions, and other automated offerings for various manufacturers.
ellënoire
Located in: Dundas
ellenoire is a well-established retailer located in Dundas that provides a carefully selected range of handmade bath items like soaps, lotions, body butters along with home products including essential oils. Since its inception in 1994, this boutique merges locally produced items with an exceptional shopping experience focused on natural ingredients combined with unique scents for personal care.
Forty Creek Whisky
Located in: Grimsby
The Forty Creek Whisky distillery based in Grimsby is renowned for crafting Canadian whisky alongside various blended spirits as well as limited editions. With roots tracing back to Niagara region since 1972 , the distillery blends traditional whisky-making techniques with modern innovation at its facility situated in Grimsby where it also bottles its products.
Heat Design Equipment Inc.
Located in: Kitchener
This manufacturer specializes specifically on infrared heating equipment designed primarily for asphalt recycling purposes within pavement repair work within paving industries. Founded back during year of1976 ; Heat Design Equipment Inc produces varied machinery such as infrared heaters , asphalt recyclers , joint heaters plus hot boxes utilizing patented technologies aimed towards helping contractors efficiently handle their asphalt projects.
Just Vertical
Located In : Etobicoke
Just Vertical focuses exclusively upon producing indoor hydroponic growing setups intended explicitly tailored towards homes, businesses , and organizations alike. Inaugurated only recently back during year2017, this firm engages itself into developing vertical farming tech crafted entirely out Canada including custom-made indoor farms alongside modular systems enabling clients grow fresh produce throughout entire calendar year!
Laurysen Kitchens Ltd. P >
Based In : Carleton Place P >
Laurysen kitchens ltd. is recognized family-operated enterprise situated inside carleton place -well known specialty lies within offering customized kitchen cabinetry alongside bathroom vanities plus closets. Achieving operational status since1970, the business now boasts an expansive110k sq ft manufacturing plant wherein it designs/built cabinetry using cutting-edge technology catering clientele spread throughout ontario! P >
Living Local Marketplace P >
Situated At : Peterborough
Living Local Marketplace represents gift/lifestyle retailer focused mainly around showcasing creations coming from artisans/small enterprises sourced throughout Kawarthas region + rest Of Canada. Boutique exhibits diverse selection comprising gourmet edibles alongside bath/body items , home decor pieces, jewelry/apparel etc. as part integral offering customized gifting options via boxes/baskets catered directly toward client preferences! p >
Nuts4Dates
Positioned At : Windsor
Nuts4dates operates artisanal food-manufacturing unit headquartered within Windsor area concentrating solely upon handcrafted date bites crafted utilizing premium nuts complemented further by gluten-free, sugar-free/grain free cheesecakes. Having launched officially just recently back early2023, this small venture prioritizes healthier snack/dessert alternatives while making product availability accessible online alongside retail partners/local events.
The Farm House Market
Operating From : Amherstburg
The farm house market serves primarily full-year establishment dedicated towards promoting locally sourced/Ontario-produced goods ; encompassing vast variety ranging between fresh produce/meat dairy/eggs down towards baked items/prepared foods/pantry staples extending onwards specialty selections too. Customers benefit greatly discovering/supporting local vendors while browsing extensive array consisting entirely offreshly prepared &crafted offerings!
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