Twenty-Two Manufacturers Showcase Innovative Home Improvement Products

Supporting Local Manufacturing Opportunities At Home Depot Canada's Annual "Meet the Buyer" Event

TORONTO, Nov. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - Twenty-two small and medium-sized manufacturers from Ontario and Quebec showcased their innovative home improvement products to Home Depot Canada merchants today.

The third annual "Meet the Buyer" is a partnership program with The Home Depot Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation, and the Quebec Ministry of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade. The program opens new retail channels for small and medium Ontario and Quebec-based businesses - bringing products to market that will drive innovation, sustainability, economic opportunity and create jobs.

Manufacturers of promising products are awarded a trial in select Home Depot locations, with the ultimate goal being national availability.  As a result of the second Innovation for Sustainability "Meet the Buyer" event held last November in Ottawa, there are 25 innovative and sustainable products now available at select Home Depot locations in London, Ottawa and online. Products include organic waste bins, a two-in-one generator and a collapsible rain barrel.

QUOTES

"Innovation is key to competitiveness and success. This great collaboration of Ontario, Quebec and The Home Depot Canada helps our innovative manufacturers seize opportunities in the home improvement market - creating local jobs and supporting the economy."
- Brad Duguid, Ontario Minister of Economic Development and Innovation

"This initiative showcases that through innovation and evolution, our manufacturing sector remains resilient and continues to be a primary economic engine within the province. Innovation for Sustainability is aligned with our economic strategy, which includes stimulating innovation, job creation and economic growth in the manufacturing service and related sectors.
- Jean-François Lisée, Quebec Minister of International Relations, La Francophonie and External Trade

"We were very impressed with the caliber of product submissions. At The Home Depot Canada, we're committed to nurturing small and medium-sized manufacturers as they build the capacity they need to do business with a large-scale retailer."
- Jeff Kinnaird, Vice President of Merchandising, The Home Depot Canada

QUICK FACTS

• Introduced in Ontario in October 2010, the program opened to Quebec manufacturers in 2011.
• Since the program started in 2010, 115 manufacturers have participated, with 40 offered in-store trials.
• To qualify a product must be innovative, made for retail sale to home improvement customers and designed, manufactured or assembled in Ontario or Quebec.
• The Home Depot is the world's largest home improvement specialty retailer, with 180 stores across 10 Canadian provinces.

SOURCE: Home Depot Canada

Brigitte Marleau
Sr. Advisor, Media and Communications
Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation
Office [phone]
[email protected]

Christine Fréchette
Press Attachée 
Ministry of International Relations, La Francophonie and External Trade
[phone] 52040
[email protected]

Erika Botond
Public Relations & Communications Manager
The Home Depot Canada
Office [phone]
[email protected]