- Recipient: LAVAL Tool & Mould Ltd.
- Region: Southern Ontario
Maidstone, Ontario’s LAVAL Tool & Mould is a symbol of precision, craftsmanship, and innovation. Founded in 1975 by entrepreneur Larry Azzopardi and now led by his youngest son, Jonathon Azzopardi, the company has built its reputation as a trusted supplier of high-quality moulds for the automotive sector. With shifting global markets and technological change, LAVAL faced a critical question: how could it continue to thrive in an increasingly competitive and unpredictable landscape?
The answer lay in transformation. Rather than be tethered to a single industry or legacy processes, LAVAL Tool & Mould chose to evolve, with a bold strategy and a clear vision for the future.
That vision was made possible in part through support from FedDev Ontario to help advanced manufacturers to adapt and grow. This $1.2-million repayable contribution in 2020 was a turning point for the company, enabling it to modernize its operations, diversify its offerings, and expand its physical footprint.
In 2020, LAVAL acquired advanced machinery with flexible robotic routing. This upgrade helped the company to offer a full suite of in-house services, including both composite parts solutions and moulds, positioning it as one of North America’s first fully integrated compression mould shops. The new technology also opened doors to sectors such as agriculture, sporting goods, and aerospace, broadening LAVAL’s customer base and making it more resilient to market shocks. In addition to the enhancements at LAVAL’s original Maidstone facility, the company opened a second, state-of-the-art facility in Tecumseh. Combined, these investments have allowed the company to scale up its operations significantly, increasing capacity while also improving efficiency. The Tecumseh facility has become a hub for innovation, equipped with the latest in automation and precision tooling technology.
“[FedDev Ontario funding] allowed us to add new technology and reinvest into our company, and to diversify plant one. That diversification worked out so well that plant one turned into plant two because we procured enough business. The diversification allowed us to not only help our current clients, but also to attract new clients, because this strategy works.”
The results of this transformation were swift and impressive. LAVAL doubled its initial job creation target with new, future-focused positions across engineering, skilled trades, and advanced manufacturing. The company also exceeded its revenue target by 2023, a clear indicator of its successful expansion, the growing demand for its diversified services, and its contribution to the overall manufacturing strength of the Windsor-Essex region.
LAVAL’s success is not measured solely in numbers. At its core, the company is deeply committed to its community and its people. It proudly employs a diverse workforce, including many newcomers to Canada. This inclusive approach has helped LAVAL tap into a wide range of skills, experiences, and perspectives, fostering a workplace culture that values collaboration, innovation, and mutual respect.
LAVAL’s growth has also had a ripple effect throughout the local economy. By anchoring its operations in Windsor-Essex and investing in local talent and infrastructure, the company has reinforced the region’s reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing. It has also strengthened Canadian supply chains, helping to ensure that critical manufacturing capabilities remain rooted in Canada.
The story of LAVAL Tool & Mould is a powerful example of what’s possible when Canadian companies innovate and grow. With the right support, businesses can adapt to changing markets, create good jobs, and build a resilient economy that works for everyone. With a strong foundation, a clear growth strategy, and a commitment to excellence, the company is well-positioned to lead the next generation of Canadian manufacturing.