November 28, 2011

Community Futures Development Corporation of Chatham-Kent, Blenheim

With the downturn in the automotive market in 2008-09, Ridge Quality Plastics (RQP) was looking to diversify.  Their mould and design shop had primarily served the auto industry. 

In 2009, RQP made an application to CFDC of Chatham-Kent through the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) to help them bring their innovative new products to market.

These products were designed to broaden their customer base, and included glow-in-the-dark mould extrusion for light switches, house numbers, fishing line strikers, etc. 

With the help of CAF funding, RQP was able to make its products market-ready complete with bilingual “Made in Canada” shrink-wrap packaging.  When RQP applied for CAF funding, the company employed 13 people.  While the company is still focused on the automotive industry, it now employs more than 20 people and runs three shifts.

Photo:  Shawn Bustin, Board Chair of the CFDC of Chatham-Kent presents a cheque to RQP Owners Jeff Clements, Quality Manager and Doug Clements, General Manager, with some of their glow-in-the-dark products in front