Both the Ontario and federal governments are contributing $295 million to help cement Ford Canada's $1.8-billion investment in Oakville.
Ford's commitment to modernize the Oakville plant for electric vehicle assembly and battery-pack assembly was announced as part of a contract settlement betweem Unifor and Ford of Canada last month.
"With the support of the federal and provincial government, Ford of Canada is investing in the future of its Ontario-based operations, solidifying its commitment to providing thousands of well-paying jobs in Ontario and becoming the first automaker in the country to build full battery-electric vehicles while delivering operational improvements that will maximize production flexibility to ensure we remain operationally competitive," said Ford of Canada President and CEO Dean Stoneley.
The Oakville Assembly Complex employs 3,000 people. It will become one of Ford's highest-volume electric vehicle battery plants in North America.
"Today's announcement is a testament to Canada's attractiveness as a destination for clean technology, talent, and infrastructure in the automotive industry," said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. "Companies like Ford are helping accelerate our transition to a low-carbon, clean-growth economy, which will help protect our environment, drive innovation, and create many good middle-class jobs."
In addition to supporting the Oakville Assembly Plant, Premier Doug Ford said the investment will create opportunities for the mining industry, aluminium industry and others throughout the province and the country.
"By making this investment in Ford Canada, we are ensuring our province continues to lead North America and the world in automotive manufacturing and innovation while boosting our competitiveness in this key sector," said Premier Ford. "We are also securing thousands of good-paying jobs, not just at the facility in Oakville, but across the province. This project will help support our auto parts sector and other suppliers and service providers."
The first of five electric vehicle models is expected to roll off the production line in 2025.
