Greetings!

Welcome to the October 2026 edition of the Invest in Middlesex Newsletter. Each quarter, we bring local businesses, prospective investors, and economic development partners the latest from across the county. This issue is full of updates, opportunities, and stories that show what growth and collaboration look like in Middlesex.

Making it in Middlesex: Stories of Business Success | Melchers Construction

For nearly 40 years, Melchers Construction has helped shape where people in Middlesex County live, work and put down roots. Ted Melchers founded the family-owned company in Komoka in 1987 as a home renovation business. Under Chris Melchers, who grew up working on the family's job sites, it is now a full-service design/build firm with a team of more than 30 people.

Melchers handles every stage of a project in-house, from architectural design and décor consultation through to construction. In Middlesex County, that work shows in the Timberwalk community in Ilderton, Kilworth Heights in Kilworth and EdgeWater Estates in Komoka. The company also builds commercial spaces, including dental and medical offices, retail stores and warehouses.

Middlesex County's population is projected to reach 151,500 by 2056, and local builders like Melchers are giving more families the opportunity to build a future here.

In our latest episode of Making it Middlesex, we go on site with the Melchers team to see how a family business grew alongside the county it calls home.

Read the Full Story and Watch the Video Here

Invest in Middlesex Agri-business Tour 2026

On October 1, participants joined Middlesex County's Department of Economic Development for the 2026 Agri-Business Tour, a full day exploring the businesses driving our region's leading sector.

The stops showed just how diverse agriculture in Middlesex County is. Ontario Plants, Jireh Hills, Nortera, Wolfe Heavy Equipment, Parmerit, and Stanton Farms and Genetics each represent a different part of the sector, from plant production and food processing to equipment and genetics. Together, they highlighted the innovation keeping local operations competitive and growing.

At Stanton Farms and Genetics, we presented the Stanton family with an award recognizing 75 years in business, a milestone that reflects the long-term strength of agriculture in our county.

Breakfast came from Let it Brie in Glencoe and our packed lunch from the Clock Tower Bistro in Strathroy. Thank you to our host businesses for opening their doors, and to everyone who came along!

Middlesex Business Spotlight: Parmerit

Success in advanced manufacturing demands expertise in all facets of production and a fabrication, assembly, quality control, and commissioning. Founded in 1988, Strathroy’s Parmerit is a turnkey automation systems provider with in-house engineering, CNC machining, and a vertically integrated system. Parmerit serves a growing client base in the automotive, medical, aerospace, defence, and packaging sectors and is a sister company to Adescor and Wolfe Heavy Equipment.

Adescor’s automated systems serve the plastic and corrugated pipe manufacturing industry with equipment that leverages automation and robotics to inspect, precision-cut, wrap, handle, and install gaskets automatically, increasing production throughput and product quality.

Wolfe Heavy Equipment has launched its next generation of agricultural tile plows, offering improvements including new control systems that help operators learn the machine faster and improved efficiency in the ground when installing tile. Wolfe manufactures complete machines in Strathroy, including plows, chain and wheel trenchers for agriculture, renewable energy cable installation, and dewatering applications.

Check out Strathroy’s advanced manufacturing products in action

Parmerit - YouTube

Adescor - YouTube

Wolfe Heavy Equipment - YouTube

New Tourism Wayfinding and Pay to Play Signage Program

Middlesex County has updated its existing Tourism Signage Program to improve wayfinding and make it easier for visitors to find eligible tourism businesses, attractions and destinations throughout the County.

The updated program provides eligible operators with an opportunity to apply for tourism signage along County roads, helping visitors discover and connect with local experiences and businesses.

Is your business eligible? Review the updated program and submit your application today: Learn More & Apply for Tourism Signage

Featured Property Opportunity in Middlesex Centre

Featured Property: Available for Lease

52,499 SF Industrial Building on 14.76 Acres.

A large-format industrial warehouse and manufacturing facility is available for lease in Ilderton. The building offers 52,499 SF on 14.76 acres, with M2 General Industrial zoning and room to grow: an additional 10 acres of excess land can be leased at a per-acre monthly rate.

The space

Plant/warehouse: 45,313 SF
Two-level front office: 7,186 SF (3,686 SF main floor, 3,500 SF second floor), well finished
Lower level: 2,075 SF beneath part of the office area
Covered shipping/receiving area

Building specs

Clear height: 24 ft to underside of truss, 26 ft to roof deck
Loading: 4 grade-level doors, including two at 16 ft wide x 18 ft high
Power: 600 amp, 347/600 volt, 3-phase
Heating: radiant gas in the plant, forced-air gas in the office
Parking: 43 employee spaces on site

Lease details

Asking $11.50 PSF net. The tenant is responsible for property tax, building insurance, the admin/management fee, separately metered utilities (hydro, water, gas), and site upkeep, including snow removal, landscaping, garbage removal, maintenance, and repairs.

Also available nearby

Three industrial buildings at 137 King Street, Ilderton are listed separately, totalling 27,300 SF on 9.25 acres. They can be leased together or individually: 18,000 SF, 5,200 SF, and 4,100 SF.

MLS 42893263

🔗Learn more about this unique property

This property is independently listed. Invest in Middlesex is sharing this opportunity to highlight investment potential within Middlesex County. Photo c/o Realtor.ca and Cushman & Wakefield

More About This Property

Last Call for Tourism Sponsorship Program!

Planning a late fall or early winter event that brings visitors to Middlesex County? This is your last call to apply for a 2026 Tourism Initiative Sponsorship!

Applications must be submitted at least 45 days before your event, so if you have an upcoming event you’d like to be considered for, submit your application as soon as possible.

The Tourism Initiative Sponsorship Program provides funding support for eligible tourism-focused events that help attract visitors and encourage tourism spending in Middlesex County.

Learn more and apply: 2026 Tourism Initiative Sponsorship Program

Tariff questions? Start here, then talk to us

The Canada-U.S. trade environment keeps shifting, and it can be hard to know which measures apply to your business or what help is available.

Our Navigating Canada & US Tariffs page brings the official sources together in one place. You'll find the latest federal and provincial updates, tariff relief and options for importers, financing and workforce supports, and practical steps to review your exposure. We update it as new information and resources become available.

A web page can only go so far, though. Our Economic Development team is available to meet confidentially, one-on-one, with any Middlesex County business experiencing or anticipating impacts. We can help you identify relevant programs, connect you with government and industry partners, and talk through your options.

If trade uncertainty is affecting your business, or you just have questions, reach out any time at info@investinmiddlesex.ca

Visit our Navigating Tarriffs Page

Business Financing Forum

Registration for this event is now closed, but as a friendly reminder to those of you who have signed up, we look forward to welcoming you to this event on Wednesday.