Ford Investing $1 Billion in Canada, Windsor Powertrain Included

Premier Kathleen Wynne was in Windsor today with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to announce a more than $1 billion partnership with Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd. The investment will create 300 new jobs at Ford operations in Ontario and protect hundreds more.

“The auto industry drives Ontario’s economy — and provides thousands of good jobs for people in communities right across the province. Its growth is good for everyone. I am so pleased to work with our partners, Ford of Canada and the Canadian government, to support innovation and ensure the continued success of Ontario’s auto industry — now and into the future.” – Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario

Ontario and Canada Partnering with Ford to Create and Protect Hundreds of Jobs. The investment reflects Ontario’s position as a global leader in the auto industry and builds on the province’s reputation for cutting-edge automotive research and manufacturing.

With this investment, Ford is establishing an advanced manufacturing program at its Windsor Operations, which will transform the site into a world-class powertrain facility.

Ford is also establishing an Ottawa Research and Engineering Centre, which will draw on the expertise of Ontario’s highly skilled workers to deliver the next generation of connected car technology. The Centre will focus on research and development across infotainment, in-vehicle modems, gateway modules, driver-assist features and autonomous vehicles.

These investments in innovation will increase Ford’s research and development activities in several key areas, including green initiatives like alternative fuels.

Working with the auto industry to ensure its competitiveness now and into the future is part of Ontario’s plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.

QUICK FACTS

• Ontario and Canada are each providing Ford of Canada with a conditional grant of up to $102.4 million.
• Over the past five years, Ontario has produced more cars than any other state or province in North America, accounting for 15 per cent of all production on the continent.
• Vehicle assembly and auto parts production directly support more than 100,000 jobs in Ontario, with hundreds of thousands more spin-off jobs across the province.
• Ontario is Canada’s leader in attracting international capital investment and the fourth highest among provinces or states in North America.

Feature photo: Premier Kathleen Wynne and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau get ready to take the stage to make the big announcement in Windsor at the Ford Essex Engine Plant.

Photos and video by: Joe McParland – Biz X magazine