Ford Motor Company of Canada has announced that it is partnering with the Canadian and Ontario governments for a significant new investment at its Oakville Assembly complex, as the facility celebrates 60 years of operations.
Joe Hinrichs
Oakville, which is currently Ford’s only source for vehicle manufacturing in Canada, will receive a $700 million investment over the next several years, securing more than 2,800 jobs and facilitating the complex as a part of Ford’s global manufacturing network, producing vehicles not only for Canada and the U.S., but export markets such as China, the Middle East and South America.
Present at an official announcement on September 19, which took place right in the heart of the plant were Joe Hinrichs, executive vice-president, Ford Motor Company and president of the Americas, Dianne Craig, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company of Canada Limited, the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Industry, Terence Young, Member of Parliament for Oakville, Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Economic Development Trade and Employment, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Jerry Dias, president of Unifor.
“Today’s announcement is significant for Ford,” said Joe Hinrichs. “Not only is this investment helping us find much needed capacity for global products and securing great jobs, it is also positioning Oakville Assembly as one of the most competitive and important facilities in the Ford global manufacturing system.”
Hinrichs said that once Oakville has been retooled, “Ford will bring several new models to this plant for the first time, helping to meet demand, not just in North America but around the world.”
Dianne Craig
James Moore
Dianne Craig remarked that “Ford’s investment demonstrates that Canada can be competitive in the global market through strategic partnerships. Working closely with government and labour, we have secured a bright future for our employees at Oakville Assembly.”
“Canada is one of the best countries in the world to build automobiles,” added Terence Young. “We are thrilled that Ford continues to invest significantly in its manufacturing plants here in Ontario. This is great news for Oakville and for all Canadians.”
Minister Moore remarked that through the federal government’s $71.6 million commitment to Ford through Project Northern Star, Ottawa is “committed to strengthening our economy while creating and keeping high-quality jobs here in Canada. This contribution will ensure that Ford’s Oakville Assembly will be able to compete with any manufacturer at any plant in the world. I am very pleased to be here to announce our contribution to this partnership.”
Eric Hoskins
Kathleen Wynne
“Your expertise, your hard work, your commitment has made today’s announcement possible,” said Dr. Eric Hoskins. “Being here it Oakville it’s very apparent just how much these auto jobs mean to the men and women who work here. Your work supports thousands more spin off jobs right across this great province,” Hoskins said. “Today’s investment is part of our government’s plan to create jobs and grow the economy, because we know that good jobs and a strong economy help Ontarians in their everyday lives.”
Ontario premier Wynne said that “the auto sector is vital to Ontario. This kind of investment plays to Ontario’s strengths. We are making smart investments in innovative initiatives by companies like Ford of Canada.” This will “help keep good jobs in Ontario now and for generations to come.”
Terence Young
Jerry Dias
Jerry Dias, president of Unifor (the trade union created as a result of merging the Canadian Auto Workers and Communications, Energy and Paperworkers unions), gave a stirring speech. “What an incredible day for Oakville,” he said. “Ford’s announcement today solidifies our future for well over a decade and the thousands of great paying jobs that go along with it. Thank you very much Ford.”
