A Lakeshore manufacturing company is getting a $17-million boost from the federal government to establish a facility to produce lightweight, high-strength auto parts.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Navdeep Bains made the announcement Thursday at the Canadian International Autoshow in Toronto.
"The investments made today in Astrex and GBatteries will lead to new products and services that are more energy efficient, emit lower carbon emissions and promote healthier communities. The investments will give middle-class Canadians working in the auto sector the opportunity to design and build the cars of the future. In the process, they will develop the skills that prepare them for the jobs of the future. That's how innovation leads to a better Canada," said Bains.
Astrex in Lakeshore plans to create 62 new full-time jobs this year and an additional 24 jobs in the next two years as a result of the investment.
"[This is] something that the development commission, our municipality and the Astrex company have been working on for a couple of years," said Lakeshore Mayor Tom Bain. "The fact that they were able to stay here in Lakeshore, was dependant on our efforts to try to land them some grants."
Astrex will receive a repayable contribution of $17-million from the Federal Economic Development Agency's Advanced Manufacturing Fund. The parts manufactured at this plant will reduce fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions.
"At Astrex, we have created a facility at the leading edge of aluminum extrusion technology and with the support of the Government of Canada, we are proud to be able to create more manufacturing jobs in the Windsor area," said Mark Blackmore, general manager at Astrex Inc.
During the auto show, the federal government also announced a $1.2-million contribution for GBatteries Energy Canada Inc., which is based out of Ottawa.
- With files from Kirk Dickinson
