LONDON, Ontario - On January 17, 2008, Hanwha L & C Canada Inc. announced plans to locate a manufacturing facility in London, Ontario to produce HanStone Fine Quartz Surfaces. Their announcement represents an initial capital investment of $70 million, with employment expected to exceed 150 associates.
Today, they commemorate their grand opening with special ceremonies and guests to celebrate this momentous occasion.
This 200,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility is located in Innovation Park and demonstrates Hanwha's ongoing commitment to environmentally friendly manufacturing.
Hanwha Group is a global Fortune 500 company and is the 5th largest industrial conglomerate based in Seoul Korea. This multi-national corporation operates leading edge research & development in plastics, industrial materials, automotive parts, and the chemical industry.
"We are honoured to be celebrating Hanwha's grand opening in London today," says Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco-Best. "This is an incredible investment in our people, and in our community, and demonstrates Hanwha's commitment to long term growth and development in London. We wish them much success."
Peter White, President and CEO of the London Economic Development Corporation concurred with Mayor DeCicco-Best's thoughts, adding "it has been an absolute pleasure, and honour, for the LEDC team to work so closely with such a world class company over the last 18 months. Not only are they our clients, but they have become our friends. As we have supported Hanwha in London, they in turn have supported the LEDC with expanding opportunities in Korea. We look forward to a long partnership with Hanwha."
Ontario helped secure the investment with a $10 million loan through its Advanced Manufacturing Investment Strategy. "We are committed to building an innovation-based economy by supporting investments that turn good ideas into good jobs," said Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario.
The first phase of Hanwha L & C Canada Inc.'s facility manufactures HanStone Fine Quartz surfaces used for kitchen countertops, vanities and other surfaces for residential and commercial applications. HanStone products are currently supplied through well known retail outlets such as Rona and IKEA as well as a wide range of distribution channels in North America and Europe.
Daniel Yu, the President and CEO for Hanwha L & C Canada remarked "Our new facility in London, Ontario is the most advanced manufacturing plant in Fine Quartz Surface business.
We will produce top quality HanStone products for our customers and also introduce new and innovative products for the global market. We are confident our HanStone Fine Quartz Surface business will grow and be successful globally with the continued strong support and cooperation from the London community.
We greatly appreciate the partnerships created during the last year and a half. We look forward to continuing our efforts to show we are good corporate citizens of London."
Hanwha L & C Canada is already planning future expansions. Phase II, in approximately three years, will see the addition of a 180,000 square foot facility and the creation of another 100 jobs. This commitment will be an additional investment of $40 million.
For more information on Hanwha, visit www.hlcc.co.kr/english. For more information on Hanstone products, please visit www.hanstoneusa.com.
