Stanley Boats Expands Capacity in Parry Sound
Aug 14, 2025
Connor Industries, Canadian builder of aluminum boats, has developed an international reputation for its custom-welded aluminum boats. Government agencies in North America, Scandinavia, Africa, the Middle East and the Arctic use the company’s trademarked Stanley boats for law enforcement and conservation patrol, fire and medical emergencies, marine distress calls and spill response. The boats are also used for pleasure boating, commercial tour and ferry operations.
To help keep pace with increasing demand, the president and owner of the custom boat building company in Parry Sound turned to the Federal Economic Development Agency in Northern Ontario (FedNor) for help. Thanks to support through FedNor’s Targeted Manufacturing Initiative for Northern Ontario, Connor Industries is expanding again.
The company is adding 7500 square feet to its production facility and is purchasing state-of-the-art equipment to create four new robotic bays to boost efficiency.
“It will enable us to move our larger models efficiently through the production line,” asserts Bill Connor, President and Owner, Connor Industries. “The changes will result roughly in a 20% increase in productivity and sales.”
With increased productivity will come the need for additional staff. Connor says he has already hired four people and is projecting that he will need at least another nine. By the time the project is complete, he expects to see employee levels jump from 72 to 85.
