Metal Manufacturing Grants in New Brunswick for 2026

Q: How do I get metal manufacturing grants in New Brunswick?

Start by defining a project with measurable outcomes in productivity, quality, export growth, or sustainability. Match program fit (ONB, ACOA/REGI, NBIF, IRAP, Canada Job Grant) and build a costed plan with quotes and timelines. Confirm stacking rules and do not incur costs before approval.

Q: Which programs fund CNC machine purchases in NB?

Look at ONB competitiveness supports, ACOA/REGI for scale‑up, and NBIF or IRAP for innovation tied to integration. Training on CAM and CNC operation can be funded through the Canada Job Grant. Combine with SR&ED when development work qualifies.

Q: Are there grants for welding automation and cobots?

Yes. Automation grants in New Brunswick and robotics funding support robotic welding cells, cobots, safety guarding, and fume extraction. Strong projects also include training, fixture design, and QA verification with machine vision or NDT.

Q: What are typical cost‑share rates for equipment?

Cost‑share rates commonly range from 25% to 50% for capital equipment, higher for R&D and sometimes for energy efficiency. Rates vary by program, company size, and project risk. Always verify stacking and maximum assistance levels.

Q: Can I get export grants for US market expansion?

Yes. CanExport SMEs, provincial export programs, and EDC support can co‑fund market research, trade shows, certifications, and marketing. Projects with bilingual materials and logistics plans are often stronger.

Q: Are energy efficiency upgrades eligible for metal plants?

Many programs fund compressed air optimization, heat recovery, high‑efficiency equipment, and process retrofits. Pair audits with implementation funding and track energy intensity reductions to support claims.

Q: How do stacking rules work between ONB and ACOA?

You may combine programs if total public assistance stays below each program’s cap and costs are not double‑counted. Separate activities and disclose all supports to remain compliant.

Q: Can small rural metal shops access funding?

Yes. Rural manufacturing grants in New Brunswick and northern NB innovation funds support modernization, training, and export readiness. Demonstrate local job impact and supply chain resilience benefits.

Q: What documents strengthen a grant application?

Provide quotes, implementation schedules, floor plans, safety assessments, baseline KPIs, and financial statements. Include training plans, integration scope, and risk mitigation for supply and commissioning.

Q: Can I combine SR&ED with other grants?

Often yes, when R&D activities and costs are distinct from grant‑funded equipment or training. Maintain time/cost segregation and document experimental development thoroughly.

Upgrade equipment, automate operations, and train your team with targeted programs in NB. Explore federal and provincial options today.

Across New Brunswick, metal manufacturers can access a mix of provincial and federal grants, cost‑share funding, and non‑repayable contributions to accelerate modernization. This directory outlines programs supporting CNC machinery, welding automation, sheet metal equipment, foundries, export, and workforce development. It is intended for SMEs, mid‑market firms, and large plants seeking reliable guidance on eligibility, timelines, and application best practices.

Overview: Metal manufacturing grants in New Brunswick

Metal manufacturing grants in New Brunswick help organizations finance capital equipment, automation, workforce training, export development, and process improvements. Typical programs offer cost‑share contributions that lower the investment required for CNC machine funding in New Brunswick, welding equipment grants, robotics funding, productivity improvement grants in NB, and energy efficiency grants for manufacturing. The landscape includes provincial supports from Opportunities New Brunswick (ONB), federal funding through ACOA manufacturing funding in New Brunswick, REGI funding for advanced manufacturing, IRAP funding for New Brunswick manufacturers, the Atlantic Innovation Fund, and workforce training programs such as the Canada Job Grant New Brunswick (manufacturing). This guide explains eligibility, project types, stacking rules, and application steps for metal fabrication grants in NB.

Program ecosystem: Provincial and federal options

Opportunities New Brunswick (ONB) grants for manufacturers

ONB grants for manufacturers often target plant expansion grants in New Brunswick, capital equipment grants, and competitiveness initiatives such as lean manufacturing funding in NB and digital transformation manufacturing grants. Projects may include press brake funding, CNC lathe funding, milling machine grants, machine vision inspection funding, and ERP/MES funding for manufacturers in NB. Export grants for New Brunswick manufacturers can support trade show travel, market diversification grants, and bilingual export grant activities for francophone or bilingual teams.

ACOA (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)

ACOA manufacturing funding in New Brunswick typically involves non‑repayable contributions or interest‑free loans supporting modernization, technology adoption, and commercialization. REGI funding for New Brunswick manufacturing and the Atlantic Innovation Fund manufacturing NB can support advanced manufacturing, Industry 4.0 funding, automation grants in New Brunswick, and sustainable manufacturing grants in NB. Stacking ACOA with ONB is common, subject to program caps and overall government assistance limits.

NBIF (New Brunswick Innovation Foundation)

NBIF funding for manufacturers can support innovation, prototyping grants in NB, pilot projects funding for manufacturing, and commercialization funding, especially for precision machining grants in NB, additive manufacturing grants, or 3D printing funding in New Brunswick. Collaboration grants college‑industry NB (metal) help connect machine shops with local colleges and universities for applied research, NDT development, or CAD/CAM software grants in NB.

IRAP (NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program)

IRAP funding for New Brunswick manufacturers supports R&D and technology development. For metal shops, this can include automation software integration, robotics welding cells funding, process automation PLC/SCADA funding, digital twin and simulation, and CAD/CAM algorithm development. IRAP projects often complement SR&ED claims for metal manufacturing in NB.

Workforce and training programs

Workforce training grants New Brunswick manufacturing, including the Canada Job Grant New Brunswick (manufacturing), can finance training for CNC programmers, CAM operators, welding certification, Red Seal welder training grants in NB, lean six sigma training grants, safety training grants manufacturing NB, and bilingual workforce training funding for manufacturers.

What projects qualify for metal fabrication grants in NB?

Capital equipment and modernization

Eligible projects typically include:

- CNC machining centres, CNC lathes, 5‑axis mills, and precision machining upgrades.

- Sheet metal equipment such as press brakes, shears, laser/plasma cutter funding, and powder coating line grants.

- Foundry funding in New Brunswick for furnaces, casting equipment grants, heat treatment equipment funding, and industrial ventilation grants.

- Robotics funding in New Brunswick for cobots grants, robotics welding cells, safety guarding grants, and machine vision inspection funding.

Digital adoption and Industry 4.0

Projects may include ERP/MES implementation, CAD/CAM software grants, quality inspection equipment grants (CMM, laser scanners) in NB, cybersecurity grants manufacturing NB, inventory optimization grants, and warehouse automation grants NB. Digital transformation manufacturing grants in NB often cover sensors, predictive maintenance funding, condition monitoring grants, and reliability engineering funding.

Productivity and process optimization

Lean manufacturing funding NB supports value‑stream mapping, setup reduction on machining centres, and process automation. Productivity voucher NB and competitiveness grants can co‑finance consultancy for plant layout redesign, quick‑change tooling, or standardized work instructions.

Sustainability and energy efficiency

Priority areas include energy audits grants, retrofits funding industrial NB, compressed air system efficiency grants, heat recovery system funding, renewable energy for factories grants, and emissions reduction grants NB manufacturing. Environmental compliance funding for coating lines, water/effluent treatment grants for industrial NB, and waste reduction grants for scrap metal recycling NB are common.

Export development

Export readiness program NB manufacturers supports market research, export logistics grants, bilingual marketing, and US market entry. CanExport SMEs New Brunswick manufacturing and EDC support manufacturing NB can help with market diversification, trade show grants for manufacturers NB, and export marketing grants for metal manufacturers in New Brunswick.

Eligibility: Who can apply?

Metal fabrication shops, foundries, machine shops, stainless steel fabrication plants, aluminum fabrication companies, and integrated metal manufacturers across Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton, Bathurst, Miramichi, Edmundston, Dieppe, Campbellton, Grand Falls, and Tracadie/Caraquet are typical applicants. Both SMEs and mid‑sized firms seeking advanced manufacturing funding in NB are eligible, and some programs also support non‑profits delivering manufacturing training. Eligibility often depends on incorporation status, operations in New Brunswick, financial stability, project readiness, and alignment with program priorities (productivity, export, innovation, sustainability, workforce).

Funding structures and cost‑share ratios

Programs use a mix of non‑repayable contributions, cost‑share funding for manufacturers, and sometimes loans. Typical co‑investment rates range from 25% to 75% depending on the program, company size, and project risk. For example:

- Capital equipment grants New Brunswick manufacturing: often 25%–50% cost‑share.

- Innovation and R&D grants: can be higher due to risk.

- Training subsidies NB: frequently cover a share of third‑party training costs.

- Export assistance grants: typically reimburse a percentage of eligible travel, marketing, or booth expenses.

Applicants should confirm stacking rules ONB and ACOA funding in NB, note match requirements, and ensure other public support (e.g., tax credits) is disclosed. Combining SR&ED tax incentives with grants is common when activities are distinct and cost‑allocated correctly.

Application process and timelines

Step 1: Define scope and outcomes

Start with a clear problem statement: capacity bottlenecks, quality issues, energy intensity, or export barriers. Link each objective to metrics such as throughput, OEE, scrap reduction, energy intensity, lead times, or export revenue.

Step 2: Build a compliant budget

Create a sample budget for CNC equipment grant NB, listing equipment (laser cutter, press brake, CMM), software (CAD/CAM), integration, training, and commissioning. Include quotes, a Gantt timeline, and risk mitigation plans (supplier lead times, installation windows, safety guarding).

Step 3: Select programs

Map components to programs: automation grants New Brunswick (robots, cobots), energy efficiency grants manufacturing NB (compressors, VFDs, heat recovery), export grants (trade shows, certifications), and training grants (lean, welding, CAM). Consider REGI funding New Brunswick manufacturing for scale‑up, ONB for competitiveness, NBIF for innovation, and IRAP for R&D.

Step 4: Prepare the narrative

Address market demand, supply chain resilience funding NB, reshoring grants Canada Atlantic opportunities, and workforce development funding NB manufacturing. Include environmental compliance and ISO certification funding New Brunswick where relevant (ISO 9001/14001).

Step 5: Submission and follow‑up

Apply for REGI funding New Brunswick manufacturing or ONB grants with complete forms, attachments, and letters of support. Respond promptly to clarifications, and be prepared for site visits or virtual assessments. Typical approval timelines for NB manufacturing grants vary by program and complexity; plan 6–16 weeks for many non‑emergency files, and longer for innovation funds.

Equipment‑specific guidance for metal shops

CNC machines and machining centres

Grants for CNC machines in New Brunswick and precision machining grants in NB often prioritize:

- Throughput and capacity gains (new 5‑axis machining centre).

- Quality improvements (tighter tolerances, reduced rework).

- Digital integration (CAM postprocessors, tool management, machine monitoring).

Include training for CNC operator training in NB and CAM programmers, plus a maintenance optimization plan (predictive maintenance sensors, condition monitoring grants).

Sheet metal fabrication

For sheet metal grants NB, common items include press brakes, fiber laser cutters, plasma tables, automated material handling, dust collection system funding NB, and safety guarding. Projects that add automation (part sorting, robotic bending) can qualify as robotics adoption grants.

Welding and robotic cells

Welding equipment grants New Brunswick can support power sources, fume extraction, positioners, and certification costs. Grants for robotics welding cells in New Brunswick and cobots grants NB target consistent quality and reduced ergonomic risks. Safety training grants manufacturing NB and machine vision inspection funding can complement welding automation.

Foundries and heat treatment

Foundry funding New Brunswick may support furnace upgrades, refractory improvements, sand systems, casting simulation software, and emissions control. Heat treatment equipment funding NB and industrial ventilation grants address quality, energy, and environmental compliance.

Finishing, coating, and QA

Powder coating line grants NB, galvanizing/finishing equipment funding, and environmental compliance funding for coating lines can be eligible when tied to energy savings or export growth. Quality inspection equipment grants (CMMs, laser scanners, NDT equipment funding NB) can be packaged with ISO 9001/14001 certification grants NB.

Digital and Industry 4.0 adoption

Industry 4.0 funding New Brunswick supports sensors, MES, ERP, IIoT dashboards, and cybersecurity grants for machine shops. Digital adoption manufacturing is stronger when paired with process optimization grants and training subsidies NB. Include data governance, network segmentation, and backup strategies (disaster recovery / business continuity grants NB manufacturers).

Energy efficiency and decarbonization in metal plants

Energy efficiency grants manufacturing NB can cover:

- Compressed air system efficiency grants NB (leak detection, VFD compressors, heat recovery).

- Heat recovery system funding NB from ovens, furnaces, and compressors.

- Renewable energy for factories grants NB where applicable.

- Lighting and HVAC retrofits funding industrial NB.

- Water/effluent treatment grants industrial NB for finishing lines.

Programs may align with Low Carbon Economy Fund industry NB, NB Power efficiency incentives industry, and clean process technology grants NB.

Export growth and market diversification

Export grants for New Brunswick manufacturers help metal shops enter US markets through CanExport SMEs, EDC support, and provincial market development programs. Eligible costs often include trade show grants manufacturers NB, export readiness workshops, certifications required by OEMs, and bilingual marketing assets. City‑specific efforts—Moncton manufacturing grants, Saint John manufacturing funding, Fredericton manufacturing grants—can align with regional priorities like port access or aerospace supply chains.

Workforce development and safety

Workforce development funding NB manufacturing can support:

- Lean six sigma training grants NB for supervisors and team leads.

- Red Seal welder training grants NB and welding certification grants NB.

- Training for CNC programmers grants NB and CAD training grants NB.

- Safety equipment rebates NB, occupational health and safety grants NB, safety guarding grants NB.

Apprenticeship wage subsidy manufacturing NB and hiring grants manufacturing NB can help with staffing welders, machinists, and millwrights.

Innovation, prototyping, and commercialization

Innovation grants for metal manufacturers NB through NBIF, IRAP, and ACOA can fund prototyping, pilot projects, and commercialization. Additive manufacturing grants NB and 3D printing funding New Brunswick are relevant for rapid tooling, jigs/fixtures, and low‑volume production. Cluster funding advanced manufacturing NB and NGen Advanced Manufacturing projects New Brunswick can support multi‑company collaborations.

Compliance, certifications, and IP

ISO certification funding New Brunswick, environmental compliance funding manufacturing NB, and IP strategy grants manufacturing NB can be included in broader competitiveness files. Cybersecurity grants manufacturing NB help protect CNC networks and IIoT devices. Non‑destructive testing equipment funding NB (ultrasonic, dye‑pen) improves quality assurance for critical welds and castings.

Stacking strategies and SR&ED alignment

When combining programs, clearly separate costs by funding source and activity type. For example, REGI or ONB may support equipment and automation, while IRAP funds R&D integration and SR&ED covers eligible experimental development. Respect stacking caps and disclose other assistance. A strong plan often blends grants for equipment, training subsidies NB, export assistance grants, and SR&ED for manufacturers in NB.

Budgeting, documentation, and procurement

To strengthen approval odds:

- Provide three comparable quotes for major items (laser/plasma, CNC, CMM).

- Include total cost of ownership, installation, and commissioning.

- Attach floor plans, single‑line electrical, ventilation/dust collection layouts, and safety risk assessments.

- Document baseline performance (scrap, cycle time, energy use) and projected improvements.

Regional notes across New Brunswick

- Moncton and Dieppe: automation grants New Brunswick for logistics‑integrated fabrication and warehouse automation grants NB.

- Saint John: export logistics and port‑aligned market expansion, heavy fabrication, foundry funding New Brunswick.

- Fredericton: innovation projects, IRAP advisors, and NBIF funding for smart manufacturing.

- Northern NB (Bathurst, Campbellton, Tracadie/Caraquet): rural manufacturing grants New Brunswick, northern NB innovation fund (manufacturing), and supply chain resilience funding NB.

- Edmundston and Grand Falls: cross‑border export readiness, bilingual workforce training funding for manufacturers NB.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

- Starting purchases before approval can render costs ineligible.

- Budgets without training, integration, or safety line items understate real project needs.

- Weak export or productivity metrics reduce competitiveness.

- Over‑reliance on a single program; diversify with training, export, and energy efficiency grants.

Example project bundles (illustrative)

- Precision machining scale‑up: CNC 5‑axis + CMM + CAM upgrades; apply to REGI/ACOA, ONB equipment support, Canada Job Grant for CAM training, and SR&ED for programming optimization.

- Welding automation: twin‑station robotic welding cell + fume extraction + jig design; seek automation grants New Brunswick, safety training grants, and CanExport for OEM qualification visits.

- Sheet metal digitalization: fiber laser + press brake automation + MES + predictive maintenance sensors; pursue ONB competitiveness funding, industry 4.0 incentives, and energy rebates for compressed air upgrades.

Key takeaways

New Brunswick manufacturers can access a broad mix of metal manufacturing grants: capital equipment, automation, industry 4.0, energy efficiency, export, and workforce programs. Prioritize measurable outcomes, align projects with program mandates, and plan budgets that include training, integration, and safety. With the right mix—ACOA manufacturing funding New Brunswick, ONB grants for manufacturers, NBIF innovation, IRAP R&D support, export grants, and SR&ED—metal shops can modernize, scale, and compete globally.

3 opportunities available