Lois congratulates President Peter Rizzo and Axiom Executives

Axiom Group Inc. will benefit from an investment of up to $926,000 under the Southern Ontario Development Program (SODP) , to further develop and commercialize a consumer lunch box product called the ‘ThermaPod’. The announcement was made by Newmarket-Aurora MP Lois Brown on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.

“Our government is committed to creating jobs and supporting the residents, communities and businesses of Southern Ontario,” said MP Brown. “I am thrilled that this investment will stimulate the economy and create jobs right here in Aurora.”

“We appreciate the SODP program and its contribution to helping small to medium sized businesses like Axiom creates jobs and stimulate economic growth in the local community of Aurora and abroad," said Axiom President Perry Rizzo.

The ThermaPod was invented by the local automotive parts manufacturer who has taken its expertise in producing high precision plastic injection moulds for the automotive industry and created a new and innovative consumer product. Support from the Southern Ontario Development Program will allow Axiom to expand production of the ThermaPod lunch box.

“This program will help in the commercialization of new retail products such as the ThermaPod with investments in building expansions, new equipment purchases, facility upgrades and new job creation," said Mr. Rizzo.

Funding for this project comes from the $55-million intake process under the SODP under which applications are being accepted until December 1, 2009.

The Southern Ontario Development Program was established to promote economic development, economic diversification, job creation and sustainable communities in Southern Ontario. The SODP is just one in a series of initiatives introduced in the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan designed to address the short-term effects of the economic decline on communities across Canada, while preparing our communities for long-term growth. Overall funding for the SODP is $100 million in 2009-10. For more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.