Mining manufacturer moves its equipment to Sudbury operations from the U.S.

Jennmar, U.S.-based mining supply and service company, is expanding its operations in Sudbury to get ahead of potential trade problems.

A U.S.-owned company has announced it will spend $7 million expanding its operations in Sudbury.

Jennmar Canada is relocating equipment from its U.S. operations, purchasing new equipment and plans to expand its facility to bring additional manufacturing capabilities to Ontario.

Jennmar is a manufacturer of ground support for underground mines and civil tunneling projects. It started operations in Sudbury in 2020.

“We manufacture all types of ground control products for the underground mining sector. Basically, our job is to keep the miners safe,” said David Hurd, Jennmar Canada managing director.

Right now, the company is relocating equipment from south of the border and purchasing new equipment to bring additional manufacturing capabilities to its Ontario operations.

Closer to its customers

“We want to be closer to our actual customer base with the manufacturing piece,” Hurd said, explaining the reasons behind the move.

“Secondly because of the political uncertainty at the moment, it seemed an appropriate time to move the equipment.”

The company said the move will create 12 new, high-paying jobs in Sudbury.

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Jennmar invited Mayor Paul Lefebvre to tour its Sudbury operations and to talk about its plans to expand its manufacturing capabilities.

“They can manufacture the products that they have to ship around the world,” Lefebvre said.

“Just not to northern Ontario but to ship around the world. They are a U.S. company -- they already have a place of business here but because of the situation with the U.S., they prefer to have Canadian steel.

“We are actually moving it a little bit sooner than we wanted,” Hurd added.

“We wanted to get our expansion up in the yard before we move the equipment, but events have overtaken our needs. So we are actively moving the equipment up and we will be in full production by Sept. 1.”

Lefebvre said the $19 million the city is investing in improvements to the Lasalle Elisabella Industrial area is already paying off.

Officials with Jennmar said the company is working with the mayor and the city to obtain approval for an 8,500-square-foot expansion.

When that’s complete, it will add another six new positions.