Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (Canada)

The Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP) is a partnership with small- and medium-sized automotive parts suppliers in Ontario.

Objectives

• The O-AMP program objectives include:
  • increase suppliers’ ability to deliver shorter design cycle times so they can be more responsive to market changes and business opportunities with auto assemblers
    encourage the adoption of new technology – software and hardware – that increases efficiency and decreases costs
  • support the development of new tools and technologies to innovate a product line and/or modernize the process
  • increase capabilities at small- and medium- sized suppliers to enhance their ability to compete in the global marketplace
  • help suppliers identify and solve manufacturing problems, such as production bottlenecks and other inefficiencies
  • contribute to the development of capable, qualified, and innovative suppliers that will be able to support auto assemblers in Ontario to remain competitive

Funding Information

• Your business could get up to $150,000 to help cover up to 50% of eligible project costs.
• As a successful applicant, you are required to contribute at least 50% of remaining project costs through:
  • internal business resources
  • private or bank financing

Eligible Projects

• O-AMP provides support to projects that fall under one or more of the following categories:
  • technology adoption for process efficiency – implementing advanced manufacturing hardware, software and/or training to improve processes and competitiveness
  • tools and technologies to support new product development – adoption of  technologies to assist with the engineering and design of new products such as Computer-Aided Design & Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software, Design for Manufacturing (DFM) tools, rapid-prototyping tools or other tools to support the New Product Introduction (NPI) process
  • lean manufacturing – improving operational efficiency and competitiveness by adopting lean manufacturing techniques and hiring the services of a mentor/consultant to help with lean implementation
• Projects must also:
  • be achievable – applicants need to have the necessary financing, project management structure and experience to implement the project
  • align with O-AMP’s goals – job creation, revenue increases, cost savings, contributions to regional or automotive sector development

Eligibility Criteria

• To be eligible for O-AMP, you must be a small- or medium- sized Ontario-based business in the automotive supply chain to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of passenger and commercial vehicles. This includes companies that supply machinery, software, or components directly to OEMs. The aftermarket parts industry is not eligible; however, companies supplying products, components, software, or technologies for electric vehicles (EVs) or EV battery components are eligible.
• Specifically, you must meet these requirements:
  • be a for-profit business (with a business number)
  • have less than 500 employees in Ontario
  • have less than $1 billion in global revenues
  • provide a minimum of the most recently completed two consecutive years of financial statements (must be submitted as two separate documents) audited in accordance with International and Canadian Audit Standards (IAS/CAS) (preferred). Review engagement financial statements prepared in accordance with the Canadian Standard on Review Engagements (CSRE) 2400
    • if total sales revenue is under $5 million (in the most recently completed fiscal year) it may be possible to submit compilation engagements financial statements prepared in accordance with the Canadian Standard on Related Services (CSRS) 4200 (formerly known as notice to reader) at the application stage, but should your project be approved for funding you may be required to provide a minimum of review engagement financial statements
  • have at least 30% of the company’s total sales revenue from the auto supply sector
  • must have a manufacturing location in Ontario by the time your project starts

For more information, visit Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.