Economic Bus Tour · Ingersoll, Ontario
Why Ingersoll Is One of Ontario's Best Places to Live, Work & Invest
A ground-level look at the businesses, infrastructure, and bold new developments shaping the future of Oxford County's most exciting town.
Ingersoll, Ontario doesn't always make the headlines, but maybe it should. Tucked along the 401 corridor in the heart of Oxford County, this community of just over 13,000 is quietly doing something remarkable: it's growing, diversifying, and investing in its own future with real conviction. I recently had the opportunity to take an economic bus tour of Ingersoll, and what I saw confirmed everything I've been telling my clients — this town is a place worth paying attention to.
Ingersoll Paperbox: From Ice Cream Cones to Cutting-Edge Packaging
One of the most fascinating stories on the tour was learning about Ingersoll Paperbox and its remarkable business evolution. Originally known for producing ice cream cones, the company successfully pivoted to become a packaging manufacturer — a transition that speaks to the entrepreneurial resilience at the heart of Ingersoll's business community.
This kind of adaptability isn't just a good story. It's a signal. Communities that support businesses capable of reinventing themselves are communities with strong foundations for long-term economic health.
CAMI Automotive: 560+ Acres of Industrial Anchor
If you want to understand the scale of Ingersoll's industrial presence, look no further than CAMI Automotive. One of the town's largest employers, CAMI's sprawling facility covers more than 560 acres — a footprint that underscores just how significant this operation is to the local economy.
CAMI's position in Ingersoll puts this town at the centre of a major national conversation. The presence of a facility this size creates jobs, supports local suppliers, and anchors the broader economic identity of the community.
IMT Precision: A Strong International Partnership
Ingersoll is also home to IMT Precision, a company that puts the town on an international stage. IMT Precision holds a significant contract with the United States Government to manufacture and supply military-related products — a testament to the calibre of precision manufacturing happening right here in Oxford County.
Having a business with that level of trust and responsibility operating in Ingersoll speaks volumes. It signals that the town's industrial base isn't just local or regional — it reaches across borders and meets the demanding standards of one of the world's largest defence clients. That's a remarkable point of pride for this community, and another reason why Ingersoll continues to attract serious business investment.
DOT Foods & Tirecraft HQ: The 401 Advantage
When major companies choose a location, they're making a calculated decision. DOT Foods and Tirecraft both landed in Ingersoll — and both made that choice for many of the same reasons: direct access to Highway 401, a Town that actively supports business growth, and a community that delivers on its promises.
Ingersoll's proximity to the 401 is genuinely one of its most powerful economic assets. For logistics, distribution, and national operations, being able to move goods efficiently across the corridor is a massive competitive advantage. Add in the Town of Ingersoll's business incentives, and it becomes clear why companies are choosing to put down roots here rather than in larger, more expensive centres.
For investors and business owners scouting southwestern Ontario, this is a location story that writes itself.
Breaking Ground: Housing, Long-Term Care & a New Arena
Perhaps the most exciting news from the tour is that Ingersoll isn't just maintaining — it's building. The Town has broken ground on a significant new mixed-use development that includes new housing, a long-term care facility, and a brand-new arena, all slated to open in 2028.
This kind of investment sends a clear message: Ingersoll's leadership is thinking ahead. New housing supports population growth and real estate demand. A long-term care facility meets a critical need as the region's demographics evolve. And a new arena? That's about community pride, youth programs, and quality of life — all the things that make a town feel like home.
Why Ingersoll Is a Great Place to Live, Grow & Invest
After a day on the ground in Ingersoll, the conclusion is hard to avoid: this is a town that has its act together. It has the jobs, the location, the infrastructure investment, and the community spirit that makes a place genuinely liveable — and genuinely investable.
- Small-town charm with big-city access — minutes from Highway 401
- A diverse and growing job market anchored by manufacturing and logistics
- New community infrastructure coming in 2028 — housing, healthcare, recreation
- More affordable real estate compared to London, the GTA, and other Ontario centres
- A Town that actively incentivizes business growth and community investment
- Strong Oxford County quality of life — safe streets, good schools, real community
Thinking About Buying or Selling in Ingersoll?
Whether you're relocating for work, upsizing, downsizing, or looking for your next investment property — I'd love to help you find your place in this community.
Teighan Morris, Realtor®
The Realty Firm Inc.
