Reko Marks 50 Years with $6.3 Million Investment in Ontario Manufacturing

New advanced machining equipment will expand capacity for a key customer product, improve productivity and support 176 jobs as Reko invests for its next chapter

LAKESHORE, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--At a time when manufacturers are navigating significant economic and trade uncertainty, Reko International Group Inc. is marking its 50th anniversary by doing what has sustained the company for five decades: adapting, investing and preparing for what comes next.

Reko is investing approximately $6.3 million in advanced manufacturing equipment and related improvements at its Concorde Precision Machining operation in Lakeshore, Ontario. The investment includes a new FPT Dino Star machining centre that will enable Reko to at least double its production capacity for a specific component supplied to its customer in the power generation space with a manufacturing operation also in Ontario, while also delivering productivity improvements through newer machining technology.

The Government of Ontario is supporting the investment with approximately $1.3 million through the Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF).

The project will help Reko protect 172 existing jobs and create four new positions, supporting a total of 176 Ontario jobs.

“This is a good-news story for Ontario manufacturing at a time when there is a lot of uncertainty,” said Diane Reko, CEO, Reko International Group Inc. “We can't control everything happening around us, but we can control how we respond. For 50 years, Reko has responded to change by finding new opportunities, improving how we work and continuing to invest. This investment is another example of that.”

The additional machining capacity will support growing demand from customers including power-generation and other critical applications.

By increasing its capacity to manufacture large, complex engine components in Lakeshore, Reko is helping strengthen an Ontario-based manufacturing supply chain — supporting employment both at Reko and at its customer’s site.

“This investment isn't only about machining more parts,” said Reko. “It's about making them more efficiently and keeping Ontario manufacturers competitive. When an Ontario supplier can invest to support the growth of an Ontario customer, the benefits extend well beyond either company.”

Investing in Productivity

The FPT Dino Star represents a significant advancement in Reko's large-component machining capabilities.

For a specific component manufactured by Reko for their customer, the new equipment will allow Reko to at least double production capacity for a specific customer product. The machine also incorporates newer technology expected to improve machining efficiency and overall productivity.

The investment will help Reko support its customer’s growing requirements while creating additional flexibility within its manufacturing operations.

The increased capacity will allow Reko to support customer growth while creating additional flexibility to pursue opportunities in other markets.

50 Years of Change

Founded in 1976, Reko has experienced dramatic changes in manufacturing during its five decades in business — from changes in technology and global competition to recessions, changing customer markets and today's uncertain international trade environment.

The company's business has evolved along with those changes.

Today, Reko operates Concorde Precision Machining, specializing in the machining of large and complex critical components, and Reko Automation Group, which designs and builds custom automation equipment.

Reko believes that willingness to change has been fundamental to reaching its 50th anniversary.

“Celebrating 50 years is certainly about recognizing the people who helped us get here,” said Reko. “But we don't want our anniversary to be only about looking backward. The best way we can celebrate 50 years is by continuing to invest in our people, our technology and our future.”

Reko will officially recognize the investment and its 50th anniversary at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its Lakeshore facility attended by employees and Anthony Leardi, MPP for Essex.

QUICK FACTS

$6.3 million
Total Reko investment

Approximately $1.3 million
Ontario Together Trade Fund support

172 jobs protected

4 new jobs created

176 Ontario jobs supported at Reko

At least 2× production capacity for a particular customer component
Expected from the new equipment and investment

50 years
Reko was founded in 1976

ABOUT REKO INTERNATIONAL GROUP INC.

Reko International Group Inc. is an Ontario-based manufacturing company operating through Concorde Precision Machining and Reko Automation Group. Concorde specializes in machining large, complex and critical components, while Reko Automation designs and builds custom automation systems for industrial customers.