A Barrie company is getting more than $2 million from the federal government to help meet the increased need from the auto sector.

Linear Transfer Automation makes linear robots for the auto industry and a new $2.5 million financing deal with Export Development Canada will allow them to grow.

“We’re a small company but a big cog in the wheel of the automotive food chain,” says Linear Transfer’s V.P. of Sales & Marketing Paul Stirrett.

The company makes things in Barrie but most of its products are sold around the world and it's the only company like it in Canada. They work with the biggest names in the auto industry, Ford, Nissan, Honda and GM to name a few.

“We’re all about making automotive companies more efficient than they currently are. In some cases like at the Ford Buffalo plant we’re able to double production for one of their big presses for the new F-150,” added Stirrett.

Linear Transfer says a hot car sales market helps it grow. They are on pace to increase by as much as 40% in 2016.

After a big decline in manufacturing jobs in Barrie in recent years, they city’s economic development team says things are starting to change.

“We have seen an increase in the growth of our local firms, certainly in the manufacturing sector. We have some incredible global leading companies that are doing innovative things that are keeping them on the leading edge of the competitive global market place,” says Stephanie Schlichter, Barrie’s director of business development.

Linear Transfer says the plant in Barrie could grow by as many as ten new workers by next year.