Magna to invest more than $470M toward new facility, expanded operations

Move expected to add 1,000 jobs across Ontario, including in Brampton, Guelph, Belleville, Newmarket, Windsor and Penetanguishene

Yorkregion.com
Feb. 22, 2023
Melissa Wallace

Magna International Inc. is investing more than $470 million to build a new facility in Brampton and to expand its operations across Ontario, the company announced on Feb. 15.

The move will help the Aurora-based auto parts maker to strengthen end-to-end the electric vehicle supply chain and add more than 1,000 new jobs across the province 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. The Brampton facility, coupled with investment and growth in five existing Ontario facilities, allows Magna to keep up with customer demands across several product areas,” said Eric Wilds, Magna chief sales and marketing officer, in a statement. “We are excited to bring new business, more investment and additional jobs to Ontario.”

A new, 490,000-square-foot leased facility in Brampton costing $265 million will manufacture battery enclosures for electric vehicles. The facility is expected to hire approximately 560 workers once the facility is at full production.

Magna will also expand its existing operations in Guelph, Windsor, Belleville, Newmarket and Penetanguishene, creating up to 475 new jobs.

The projects are supported by $23.6 million in funding from the province through its investment attraction agency, Invest Ontario.

“This investment represents another tremendous show of confidence in the growing strength and resilience of our province’s auto sector,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Together, with our industry partners, we’re putting Ontario back on the map as we build up Ontario’s electric vehicle supply chain from mining to manufacturing. The cars of the future and the batteries that power them will be built right here in Ontario, by Ontario workers.”

Further details provided by Magna on the expanding facilities include:

• Guelph: Magna is adding e-coat, moulding and welding capacity to its exteriors plant to support new electric vehicle production. Approximately 175 new jobs are expected.
• Belleville: Magna’s lighting plant is adding to its capabilities for printed circuit board assemblies. Up to 100 new jobs are expected.
• Newmarket: Magna’s mechatronics facility -- which produces vehicle access systems, including side door latches, electronic control units and power systems -- is growing its business and expects approximately 75 new jobs to be created.
• Windsor: Magna’s mechatronics plant adds new business for powered aluminum tonneau covers. The facility has recently started those operations and is planning to add roughly 110 new jobs.
• Penetanguishene: Magna’s mechatronics facility is growing its tailgate hinges production and more than 15 new jobs are planned.

Magna started as a tool-and-die manufacturer in Toronto more than 65 years ago. It currently has 49 manufacturing facilities with more than 18,500 employees throughout Canada.