Published Jan 23, 2025 • Last updated 17 minutes ago • 4 minute read
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A new plant under construction just east of the Windsor Airport is shown on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Multiple sources have confirmed to the Star, the Windsor region has landed three plants to be built on airport lands that will create about 1,300 jobs.Photo by Dan Janisse /Windsor Star
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Multiple sources have confirmed to the Star, the Windsor region has landed three more plants worth about $700 million that will create about 1,300 jobs when all are fully operational.
Two of the companies make high-tech products directly related to batteries for use in electric vehicles and other electronic components while the third is a major global Tier 1 automotive parts supplier.
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Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens is scheduled to make an announcement at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Invest WindsorEssex Automobility and Innovation Centre regarding new investment and job creation that is expected to be related to one of the three plants.
The plants will be located on the Windsor Airport lands.
“We don’t comment on any active files,” said Invest WindsorEssex’s vice president of investment attraction and strategic initiatives Joe Goncalves when contacted for comment.
“I can say 2024 was a very successful year for Invest WindsorEssex with over $600 million in new investment creating close to 2,000 new jobs coming in the pipeline in 2025 and 2026.”
While official announcements of the new plants haven’t yet been made, construction is already underway at a site for the Tier 1 supplier on the airport property fronting County Road 42.
Sources have confirmed the project is valued at close to $400 million and will create 1,000 jobs.
A worker prepares to move steel girders at the construction site of a new plant just east of the Windsor Airport on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.Photo by Dan Janisse /Windsor Star
The first of the three phases of construction is scheduled to be completed in the second quarter of 2026. The entire project is expected to be done in 2028.
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One of the new companies, which specializes in cutting-edge work with silicon anodes, is expected to begin construction in the second half of 2025. That plant, the first of its kind in Canada, is worth about $100 million and will create about 130 jobs.
The project will also be built in three phases with the first of those expected to be completed in the second half of 2026. The entire project should be done in 2027.
Sources have said the third company will manufacture electrolytes.
Construction of its plant, which will cost about $200 million and employ 160, is expected to commence in the first half of the year. The first of the two phases of construction is expected to be completed around the middle of 2026.
“It’s good timing,” said Windsor Construction Association executive director Jim Lyons.
“The other two big jobs consuming manpower, NextStar (battery plant) and the Gordie Howe Bridge, are still rocking this year but leading to fall they’re close to completion. These will add great value for us.”
Lyons said local construction firms Rosati Group and the Fortis Group have landed contracts to build the plants. He added that will multiply the ripple effect of the benefits generated.
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“The spinoff jobs in construction are about two to one, possibly more because these are complicated builds in some cases because it’s for the battery sector,” Lyons said.
“These local companies will need materials. Rosati and Fortis try to source locally first as much as they can.
“Then there’s going to be work for metal fabricators, mechanical, electronics and automation. This is going to transfer down to the guys in Oldcastle because companies want to get stuff locally for logistics reasons.
“There’s going to be great spinoffs for local job creation.”
Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce interim CEO Tony Haddad said the investments are a vote of confidence in the region.
“It’s outstanding news that builds on the momentum that’s being percolating in the community as a direct result of the battery plant and its supply chain,” Haddad said.
“The job creation associated with investments being made and the spinoff benefits that come with new industry locating in Windsor-Essex means there’s a lot to look forward to when things are slowing in other places.
“A lot of pride in the work that’s been done by the economic development folks (Invest WindsorEssex), the municipalities and all the players it takes to bring these kinds of deals together.”
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Haddad said the large investments benefit the entire region and illustrate the need to redouble local efforts to provide the funding, infrastructure and shovel-ready industrial land needed to capitalize on the opportunities that are still in the pipeline.
“The decision these employees will make, regardless of where the plant is located, they’ll be looking at lifestyle needs and family requirements and preferences for location so that brings every community in the Windsor Essex area into play,” Haddad said.
“Lots of opportunities on the housing side as well as from retailers that are going to be supporting those families. People will be spending and supporting the local economy.”
Haddad also noted the benefits to the region won’t be strictly economic. He expects these new economic opportunities will attract more people to Essex County, bringing with them new resources and expertise to the community.
“They’ll be integrating themselves into the Windsor-Essex community,” Haddad said.
“They’ll have kids in school, the employees will likely be in local churches and organizations, become members of committees and board of directors to share their expertise.
“These companies may become members of the chamber of commerce or help local organizations to be looked upon as being good corporate citizens.
“There’s a lot of additional resources that become available for organizations.”