Magna has announced that it will be increasing the production of tailgate hinges at its Penetanguishene mechatronics facility, creating 15 new jobs for the community.
In February, the company quietly announced that it would be investing more than $470 million to expand its operations across Ontario. The growth includes a new battery enclosures facility in Brampton and increased production at its plants in Guelph, Belleville, Newmarket, Windsor and Penetanguishene.
The new and expanded operations are expected to bring more than 1,000 new jobs to Ontario over the next few years.
“Magna’s roots in Ontario run deep, and we are excited about opening a new facility dedicated to a strategic electrification product,” said Eric Wilds, Magna chief sales and marketing officer. “The Brampton facility, coupled with growth in five existing Ontario facilities, allows Magna to keep up with customer demands across several product areas. We are excited to bring new business, more investment and additional jobs to Ontario.”
Vic Fedeli, minister of economic development, job creation and trade, was last in Midland in October 2021 to announce an expansion at the ZF Automotive plant. | Andrew Mendler/Metroland
The company’s expansion is supported by $23.6 million in grants from the Ontario government to bring additional high-quality jobs to the region with ongoing training and development programs for employees.
“This game-changing investment by Magna will create hundreds of new jobs across the province, while further strengthening Ontario’s end-to-end automotive supply chain,” said Vic Fedeli, minister of economic development, job creation and trade. “We’re creating the right conditions for businesses to succeed and continue to work around the clock to attract new investments that build a stronger economy.”
The expansion at the 11 Centennial Dr. facility further strengthens the north Simcoe manufacturing sector, which is a key component of the local economy.
The advanced manufacturing industry employs approximately 3,000 people across Midland, Penetanguishene, Tiny and Tay — and it’s been quietly growing.
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“We have a lot of companies here that if you went into them and asked if they have expanded in the last year or two. You are going to get a ‘yes we have,’” said Suzanne McCrimmon, executive director of the Economic Development Corporation of North Simcoe.
“They don’t really talk about it. They grow. Look at Weber, Baytech, Raytheon … they are growing, all of them. It’s a win for north Simcoe.”