We are thrilled to share with you the most recent announcements and developments in the Windsor-Essex region for the month of February. See below to read our top highlights.
NextStar Energy plant named Canada’s top business deal of 2022
Invest WindsorEssex was awarded the Business Facilities 2022 Deal of the Year Impact Award in the category of Canada on behalf of the Windsor-Essex region. The award recognizes project investments across North America that have a significant economic impact in their new or expanded location.
The entire Windsor-Essex region joined forces to land the $5-billion Nextstar Energy electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility, a joint venture between Stellantis & LG Energy Solution. We are proud that Windsor-Essex has been deemed the most impactful for creating a new sector in the local economy.
In this edition, the magazine also featured an article showcasing Windsor-Essex as Canada’s fastest growing EV supply chain and a leader in the next-generation automotive industry as Canada’s primary integrated supply chain for the development and production of connected, autonomous and electric vehicles (EVs). READ MORE
“This is transformational for our local economy…they’re going to see Windsor Essex in this magazine and see this investment and ask why there? We’re getting companies reaching out to us now from all sectors, not just automotive and EVs.” Said Joe Goncalves, vice president of investment attraction and strategic initiatives, Invest WindsorEssex.
Magna International invests in Windsor-Essex
Magna International, one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers, recently announced that they will be investing $471 million to expand the company’s Ontario operations, creating thousands of jobs across the province and strengthening Ontario’s end-to-end automotive supply chain.
Six million of this investment by Magna International will go towards building a 75,000-square-foot addition to its existing Twin Oaks Drive facility in Windsor to manufacture aluminum pick up bed covers creating 110 new jobs for the region.
This investment builds on Windsor-Essex and Ontario as leaders in next-generation vehicle production and prime locations for further investment in the EV space. READ MORE
St. Clair College launches new EV technician program
Supporting the NextStar Energy battery plant has become a focus for the region, with increased investments, training and programs. St. Clair College announced a new program will begin this fall that will prepare students for the future of the workforce by creating Ontario’s first electric vehicle technician program.
With the direction of the automotive industry, this is a great addition to the academic institution. The 2-year EV Technician program will include a work placement and after year one, students will receive a certificate in electric vehicle fundamentals and can enter an apprenticeship. Students will learn about EV powertrains, energy storage systems, and other heavily computerized systems inside an electric vehicle.
The cutting-edge equipment required for the program will soon be set up at St. Clair’s Ford Centre for Manufacturing Excellence and more instructors will be undergoing specialized training. The program will meet all the internationally recognized standards in the field set by the Society of Automotive Engineers. READ MORE
TeCK Week YQG 2023
TeCK Week YQG is happening from March 20 through March 24 and is the largest regional technology festival dedicated to tech, talent and community. It will offer a series of collaborative events spearheaded by WEtech Alliance.
The event is free to attend and offers in-person and virtual options to explore the ever-evolving tech landscape. There are five days offered: Tech Women Day, Tech Talks Day, Tech Founder Day, Tech Mobility Day and Green Tech Day, featuring several high-profile speakers.
Invest WindsorEssex will be sponsoring and hosting Tech Mobility Day with WEtech Alliance, on March 23, at the Automobility and Innovation Centre. The day will focus on exploring the world of electrification and mobility. Hear from industry expert, Cara Clairman, CEO of Plug’n Drive, who will be sharing insights on the drive towards net-zero and the exciting advancements in the electric vehicle industry. The event will also feature an EV Showcase where attendees can test drive and interact with companies, innovators, and researchers.
Stay tuned to find out what’s next
Invest WindsorEssex is dedicated to bringing the most innovative and immersive technology to the Windsor-Essex region and we are pleased to be partnering with virtual reality company, Virtualware on an exciting new project.
Virtualware is the leading provider of Virtual Reality (VR) solutions for the industrial sector, creating real-world solutions using the latest in immersive and interactive technologies. They are a company that offers cutting-edge solutions to virtual reality technology that helps organizations, institutions and society to be more sustainable.
Virtual reality provides many valuable opportunities to aid in product development, including simulation, skills training, communication and collaboration. SMEs looking to prototype, test products and develop innovative ideas for the next generation of mobility are encouraged to STAY TUNED to find out what’s next for the Invest WindsorEssex VR CAVE and how OVIN’s Windsor-Essex Regional Technology Development Site (WE RTDS) can help.