Federal tariff-response funding sends more than $8M to Surrey businesses

The federal government has announced more than $8 million in regional tariff response funding for four Surrey businesses. Randeep Sarai, MP for Surrey Centre, announced the assistance last month, saying it is intended to help tariff-affected companies boost productivity, reduce costs, strengthen supply chains and reach new markets.

Nanak Foods will receive $5.5 million to automate production and warehouse operations, expand capacity, support domestic food production and pursue new international markets. PowerHouse Building Solutions will receive $925,000 for warehouse automation, supply-chain diversification, productivity improvements and preparation for expansion into the United Kingdom.

AI Industries is receiving $1 million and MTC Solutions $630,250. The two Campbell Heights firms, Nanak Foods and PowerHouse Building Solutions, account for $6.4 million of the total.

Scott Wheatley, executive director of the Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce, said the funding is welcome in Campbell Heights, where he says power capacity and other infrastructure still need improvement. He said upgrades to hydro service and roads have been progressing.

Wheatley also pointed to Beedie’s South Campbell Heights Business Park, a project of more than one million square feet on 20th Avenue that is expected to grow to 60 acres. He said tariff uncertainty, global-market pressures and supply-chain issues mean the area’s development will take time.