Two Windsor companies are getting a huge boost as part of a major investment in automotive technology.
Federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Navdeep Bains officially announced two multi-million dollar investments Monday at APAG Eletronik. That company will receive over $4 million to help make its Windsor facility into its North American headquarters and hire 138 new, full-time workers. The other company, Service Mold + Aerospace Inc., an integrated tool and mold manufacturer, will receive over $1 million for equipment upgrades and the hiring of 21 new employees.
With the 2019 North American International Auto Show getting underway across the river in Detroit, Bains, who is also the minister in charge of FedDev Ontario, said these investments are proof that Windsor is evolving with the changes to the auto industry, and that industry remains a key component of the local economy.
"Windsor is a resilient, an industrious community," said Bains. "It shows a willingness to embrace change and innovation to compete in the global marketplace, which is a crucial factor for the automotive sector."
APAG Eletronik is part of a multi-national company headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, creating LED lighting components for braking systems, climate control, and interior lighting, as well as advanced technology in automotive electronic control units. Service Mold + Aerospace provides molds and tools for suppliers of automakers such as General Motors, Ford, BMW, Honda, Subaru, and Tesla.
APAG's plan is to complete the expansion and renovation of its Windsor facility to reach a total of 32,000 square feet. of space. Johannes Popp, APAG's chief executive officer in charge of corporate strategy and business development, said he has such confidence in the Windsor market that he says their North American operation is getting even bigger.
"I am more than convinced that we will achieve 150 or 160 jobs within a very short time," said Popp. "The plant that we built brand-new in the Czech Republic is more than full, so we are even thinking about bringing production over here just to have it done."
Service Mold + Aerospace recently completed a 34,000 square foot facility in Windsor, which will accommodate equipment that can create parts as large as 54 feet by 12 feet, putting it in line with the largest machining facilities in southern Ontario.
Also attending the announcement were Windsor West MP Brian Masse, Mayor Drew Dilkens, and members of Windsor City Council.
