Barrie can help address manufacturing’s biggest challenges. Manufacturing is rapidly changing – from technology integration, and addressing talent shortages, to accessing new markets, the world of manufacturing is complex.
Fortunately, Barrie’s ecosystem is well-positioned to help.
- We have world-leading automation companies and the research capacity to help manufacturers remain competitive on a global scale.
- Our post-secondary institutions train tech talent through Lakehead University and Georgian College.
- The City is committed to helping further expand and diversify this sector through hosting conferences featuring thought leaders on Industry 4.0, supporting talent recruitment, and making strategic B2B and R&D support connections.
Barrie’s advanced manufacturing sector continues to grow with key strengths in automotive, robotics, and metal manufacturing. Home to more than 210 manufacturers and a cluster of automation and precision manufacturers, Barrie can attract skilled talent and compete internationally.
Regional Technology Development Site (RTDS)
The RTDS of Simcoe County, Barrie and Orillia is one of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network's (OVIN) newest advanced automotive and smart mobility hubs. It will provide small and medium-sized enterprises in automotive and smart mobility with:
- Access to advanced research and innovation programming
- Applied research and prototyping support
- Functional testing environments
- Accelerator and commercialization programming
- Opportunities to access municipal infrastructure to accelerate innovation and product development
The RTDS is led by the County of Simcoe in collaboration with Invest Barrie and the City of Orillia, and is supported by strong partnerships with Georgian College, Lakehead University, Oro Station Motor Circuit, Honda of Canada Mfg. and the Sandbox Centre.
Connect with the Invest Barrie team to learn how the RTDS can support your organization’s growth and innovation in advanced manufacturing.
Quick Facts
Source: OMAFRA Lightcast (2025.3) and Statistics Canada, Table 33-10-1097-01 Canadian Business Counts, with employees, census metropolitan areas and census subdivisions, December 2025
Meet Barrie's Advanced Manufacturing Sector
Sector Highlights
Automotive
Barrie is home to Tier 1 and Tier 2 automotive parts manufacturers. The city is one of southern Ontario’s automotive parts clusters, with Honda’s two assembly plants in the region and ten other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) in close proximity, including Chrysler, Ford, General Motors and Toyota.
Automation
Barrie has fostered a cluster of automation companies supporting manufacturing globally. Innovative Automation is a custom machine and robotics builder that has more than doubled its revenue to over $40 million since 2016. Half of Innovative Automation’s sales occur in Canada, with the other half split between Mexico and the U.S. The company recently moved into a new facility in preparation to expand into global markets and its recent move into the Chinese market.
Tooling and Machining
Barrie’s fabricated metal manufacturers export goods across Canada and into the US, Mexico and European markets. Fabricated metal is crucial in the manufacturing of building, construction, automotive and mining components, and Barrie’s cluster remains competitive through high-tech advances, a close proximity to a strong construction sector and some of the world’s most innovative auto parts suppliers.
Mining Supply and Services
Barrie is strategically located within Ontario’s advanced manufacturing hub—an hour north of Toronto and directly linked to Northern Ontario’s mining regions and the Ring of Fire. Whether you’re a mining equipment maker or a technology provider serving Northern Ontario’s critical minerals corridor—Barrie has what you need for success.
Key Sub-Sectors
Barrie is seeing growth with technology-enabled manufacturing companies in addition to traditional manufacturing, making the city diverse in capability and attractive to both businesses and talent.
Automation, tooling and machinery manufacturing
Automotive parts manufacturing
Semiconductor and electrical component manufacturing
Architectural and structural metals manufacturing
Plastics and rubber product manufacturing
Food and beverage manufacturing
The complete business sector we are involved with is extremely busy and I continue to see many opportunities for growth. It’s why I have recommended Barrie to contacts and connections looking for a place to set up their business, and I will continue to do so.
Talent Pipeline
1,100 Georgian College graduates enter the industry each year from the following programs:
Resources & Support
The City of Barrie has a very active and collaborative business environment supported by local government and post-secondary.