Fort Garry Fire Trucks is receiving more than $2.1 million in Canadian federal funding to expand its manufacturing operations and increase production of fire truck components.
The Winnipeg-based fire apparatus manufacturer will receive $999,575 through Canada’s Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) to bring production of additional components in-house, including pump assemblies and plastic tanks.
A further $1.11 million will be provided through the Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program for new fabrication, welding and painting equipment.
The investments are intended to improve productivity, strengthen Fort Garry’s supply chain and help the company meet growing demand for its fire apparatus.
The funding forms part of a $15.9 million federal investment supporting 15 projects led by 11 Winnipeg-based organizations. The programme is aimed at helping manufacturers respond to the impact of US tariffs while increasing production, improving productivity and developing new markets.
For the fire and emergency services sector, the Fort Garry investment is significant because it will increase the company’s ability to manufacture critical fire apparatus components domestically.
Bringing more component production in-house could also provide greater control over manufacturing and supply chains at a time when cross-border trade is facing increased uncertainty.
Eleanor Olszewski, Canada’s Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, said the funding would support manufacturers as they adapt to the changing trading environment.
“Manitoba manufacturers have long been a driving force behind the success of North American free trade,” Olszewski said. “They are now adapting to a fundamentally different trading environment by investing in new equipment, increasing production, and pursuing new markets.”
The wider Winnipeg package includes funding for manufacturers across several industries.
Smartrend Manufacturing Group is receiving $1 million through the RTRI to expand into new markets, hire additional staff and train workers. It will also receive $2.09 million through the BSP to automate parts of its electronics production line and launch two new products.
City Sheet Metal is receiving $570,025 through the RTRI to upgrade its aluminum and steel production equipment, increase production and expand sales across Western Canada.
The Canadian government said the wider programme will support investments in equipment, automation, digital systems, workforce training and expanded production.
Manitoba’s manufacturing sector employed around 67,700 workers in December 2025, representing approximately 9% of the province’s workforce.
The investment in Fort Garry comes as Canadian manufacturers seek to strengthen domestic production and supply chains in response to changing North American trade conditions.
