Cornwall’s evolution as a logistics hub is fueling a new wave of manufacturing investment, creating a powerful synergy between the two sectors. The city’s strategic position along Highway 401 has become a key competitive advantage, proving that growth in one sector directly benefits the other.
Logistics success fuels manufacturing growth
Michelin is the latest global player to invest in Cornwall, adding to the city’s reputation as a North American supply chain hub. In 2024 the multinational moved into a new 984,000-square-foot distribution centre, joining Walmart, Loblaw, and Shoppers Drug Mart, which also operate large-scale facilities in Cornwall.
By locating midway between Ontario, Quebec and the U.S., these companies benefit from reduced transportation costs and faster delivery times.
The strength of Cornwall’s logistics sector has directly supported the expansion of local manufacturing. Fieldless Farms, an agricultural technology company and indoor produce grower with operations in Ottawa and Cornwall, launched in 2019 to improve food sovereignty and reduce reliance on foreign imports.
“We grow all our produce indoors, which allows us to create an ideal climate year round — which is pretty handy for our Canadian weather,” says CEO Jon Lomow.
In 2022, Fieldless secured $17.5 million in equity and debt financing to scale its Cornwall facility by ten times.
Several years ago, Biscuits Leclerc, a family-owned company with roots in Quebec expanded into a 160,000-square-foot building in the Cornwall Business Park. In 2025, Leclerc invested yet again in its Cornwall facility, adding capacity to make cookies and its newest product, GoPure Energy Ball in a Bar.
“Cornwall offers a strategic location within North America, and this new facility will allow us to continue to grow our operations,” says Denis Leclerc, president of Leclerc Group.
Both companies join Olymel, a state-of-the-art processing plant also situated in Cornwall. Olymel specializes in fresh and pre-cooked bacon products, serving both Canadian and U.S. markets. The plant employs over 600 people in Cornwall and recently celebrated 25 years of operation.
Advanced manufacturing and resilient industrial and automotive sectors
Cornwall has long been home to companies that employ advanced manufacturing techniques to compete globally. Contract electronic manufacturers Timila and Kontron are recognized as leaders in rapid prototyping, assembly, and engineering services, serving clients in the telecommunications, aerospace, defense and medical sectors.
Nautel C-Tech produces sonar technology employed on Royal Canadian Navy frigates, while NuMed Canada helps to save lives with innovative heart catheters.
Cornwall is also home to several industry-leading manufacturers supplying essential products as part of global supply chains:
- Laframboise Group delivers engineering, procurement,
and construction services for the petrochemical, mining, and food and beverage industries. - Laminacorr Industries produces corrugated plastic products used in reusable packaging for automotive, agriculture, and seafood, as well as signage and displays.
- Morbern is a family-owned manufacturer of vinyl upholstery fabrics for the healthcare, hospitality, automotive, marine, and transportation markets with four offices around the world.
- Hood Packaging supplies industrial and consumer packaging for agriculture, building materials, chemicals, food, and more.
- Axalta Coating Systems manufactures liquid and powder
coatings at its Cornwall facility, including finishes for kitchen cabinets and other industrial uses. - IPG produces a wide range of pressure-sensitive tapes for industrial, construction, and retail applications sold under the Cantech and Tuck brands.
An opportunity for your manufacturing operation?
For local and community leaders, Cornwall’s recent momentum reflects a long-term transformation that began with diversity and is continuing with innovation.
“Businesses both large and small are discovering Cornwall and seeing its potential,” says Bob Peters, manager of Cornwall Economic Development. “The Cornwall Business Park in particular is becoming a hub for manufacturing and distribution, with affordable serviced land available for new and expanding businesses.”
To inquire about integrating a Cornwall manufacturer into your supply chain, or for a complete list of Cornwall manufacturers, you can contact Peters at ChooseCornwall.ca.
This article first appeared in the 2026 STUFF Magazine produced by the Ottawa Business Journal. That publication is available in it’s digital format below: