GreenField Ethanol
Bob Gallant, President and CEO

"We're part of a new breed of bioscience that applies technology to make products from renewable resources, products that were traditionally created from fossil fuels or petrochemicals. For us, Ontario's world-class R&D technologies are a real competitive strength. In addition, Ontario's economic structure is a microcosm of the U.S. with the same market drivers, but on a smaller scale. As a result, we have access to decision-makers and our ability to bring new products to market is light years quicker."

NOVA Chemicals
Chris Pappas, Former President and Chief Executive Officer

"The Ontario location of NOVA Chemicals' eastern Canadian operations gives us convenient access to raw materials and to our customers. Our Sarnia-Lambton plants are within one day's drive of 54% of the U.S. payroll. NOVA Chemicals significantly upgraded the efficiency and competitive position of our Ontario manufacturing base through a $300 million modernization project that was completed in 2007. Thanks to our highly skilled workforce of almost 1,000 employees, NOVA Chemicals continues to be a cornerstone of chemical manufacturing in Ontario."

Suncor Energy Inc.
Rick George, President and CEO

"Our company has a long and proud history in Ontario. Economically, Ontario is a focal point because of the connection it gives us to major Canadian and U.S. markets. But we are also proud to be contributing to the province's efforts to promote sustainable development and renewable energy sources. Our investments demonstrate our commitment to the province and to finding sustainable energy solutions."

The context: Over the past six years, Suncor Energy has invested more than $1.6 billion in new capital spending in Ontario. These investments have included major enhancements to its Sarnia refinery, the expansion of Canada's largest ethanol production plant, a large-scale wind power project and upgrades to its network of 300 retail sites. The Suncor Energy Foundation also invested more than $1 million to launch the Suncor Sustainability Centre at Lambton College in Sarnia. In 1998, Suncor became the first major gasoline retailer in Ontario to make environmentally responsible ethanol-enhanced gasoline available and, more recently, became the first major oil company in Canada to offer a biodiesel fuel blend.

DuPont Canada
Dr. David E. Yake, Director, Research and Business Development

"Ontario is home to four DuPont manufacturing facilities - in Sarnia, Ajax, Kingston and Maitland. The province offers a highly skilled and diverse workforce, an excellent base of business and research partners, and a welcoming place to live and work. It's a mix that helps DuPont grow our business. We're integrating chemistry and biology with engineering to develop next-generation sustainable solutions, like biofuels and photovoltaics -- that are helping our customers succeed in Canada and around the world."

The Woodbridge Group

"Record high oil prices and a recognition of the environmental challenges that face all industries inspired researchers at auto parts manufacturer The Woodbridge Group to develop BioFoam. The soy-based polyurethane foam, which made its debut in the 2009 Ford Escape, can be used in seat cushions, head restraints and arm rests. BioFoam can currently include up to 40% biopolyols, but its future could be even greener. Laboratory trials have achieved 100% biopolyol substitution and Ontario is providing $1 million to help Woodbridge Group researchers turn that lab result into a commercial reality. Founded in 1960, the Mississauga-based Canadian company has become a global leader in the development and production of polyurethane products with 63 facilities operating in 21 countries."

GreenCore Composites™

"Within a few years, your new deck chairs or the dashboard in your car may be made not from petrochemical-based plastics but from a remarkable new, more environmentally-friendly composite material invented by Professor Mohini Sain, Director of the University of Toronto's Centre for Biocomposites and Biomaterial Processing. GreenCore's Green Inside™ natural fibre reinforced composite pellets provides environmental benefits while more than doubling the strength of the base synthetic material. Recently recognized as one of Canada's Top Ten Cleantech companies, GreenCore Composites has received funding and other project support from the National Science Engineering Research Council, Ontario Centres of Excellence Inc., the Ontario BioAuto Council and the Ontario government's Innovation Demonstration Fund."