$4.9 billion EV battery plant expected to generate thousands of jobs

A $4.9-billion electric vehicle battery plant headed to Windsor, Ont., is being touted by auto leaders as a significant economic generator and a way to bring the industry into the future.
“This is massive news, not just for the Canadian auto industry. This is huge for Windsor, the Canadian economy and Canadian jobs,” said Brian Kingston, CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association. “We know the auto industry is going through a significant transformation to electrification right now and for Canada to secure an investment of this size and scale into battery manufacturing… indicates that we are a player in this transition.”

On Wednesday, South Korean battery manufacturer LG Energy Solution and European automaker Stellantis, alongside all three levels of government, announced the “largest automotive investment” in the province and country, which will bring the first lithium-ion electric vehicle (EV) battery plant to Canada.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford called the plant “game-changing” and said it puts the province at the “forefront of the EV revolution.”
Ford would not divulge the amount of taxpayer money that will be spent on the factory, adding that, “it would compromise some negotiations moving forward with other companies as well, but it’s a massive investment and its hundreds of millions of dollars.”
According to Stellantis and LG, the plant is anticipated to create 2,500 new jobs and supply batteries to Stellantis plants across North America. The plant is one of two that the companies are building.
The news is being welcomed by many in Windsor’s auto sector, which has seen significant job losses in recent years.
Justin Falconer, CEO of Workforce Windsor-Essex, said on top of the 2,500 jobs at the plant, he anticipates “up to 10,000” spin-off jobs.
Charging stations, supply chain partners for electronic components, moulds for the batteries, research and development and transportation for the batteries are just a handful of areas that Falconer said could see job growth.
(CBC)