Advanced Manufacturing

Known as North America’s manufacturing powerhouse, Windsor-Essex is a well-known leader and innovator in advanced manufacturing. Parts suppliers and mold makers across the region are at the forefront of using innovative technology to remain competitive in a changing global marketplace. Our area is home to several top moldmakers in the Western Hemisphere.

Superior technology, developed through advanced and experimental research, has led to the emergence of a highly specialized network of suppliers. Hundreds of manufacturers supply tool and die, moldmaking, machining, automation transfer equipment, machine building, deep raw metal stamping, micro-electronics and laser-guided robotics systems to meet the demands of leading manufacturers worldwide.

Industry profile

Windsor-Essex is home to more than 1,000 manufacturers, responsible for $3.8 billion in annual GDP, making up 25 per cent of the region’s total GDP, the largest sector by revenue in Windsor-Essex. Our region has more than 90 parts manufacturers, including two original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), 250-plus machine, tool, die and mold manufacturers and more than 500 automation related firms.

Built on manufacturing but driven by innovation, Windsor-Essex boasts the largest cluster of both tool and mold and automation companies in North America. Because of this, two national associations were founded here:

Our area’s experienced manufacturing leadership in engineering and design allows for a high level of automated production using a wide range of materials. Manufacturers have in-depth expertise in lean manufacturing methods and ‘just-in-time’ manufacturing, keeping up with the high demands of the auto industry. This also helps bring down the overall cost of manufacturing in our region.

Skilled workforce

At the heart of this dynamic industry is a highly sophisticated and skilled workforce of 40,000 designers, engineers, production workers and technicians ensuring quality, productivity, innovation and profitability. Comprehensive, custom manufacturing-based educational and training programs, offered by post-secondary institutions and private partnerships in the region, effectively prepare workers for a career in advanced manufacturing.

Key sectors and expertise

Our key sectors in advanced manufacturing include:

  • Aerospace
  • Automotive
  • Industrial automation
  • Food processing
  • Pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and medical devices
  • Tool, die and mold

Learn more about our companies from the Key Sector Database.

Our area’s manufacturing expertise includes:

  • 3D printing
  • Advanced powertrain
  • Clean diesel
  • Custom design of assembly and production line machinery and equipment
  • Digital twinning
  • Light-weight materials
  • Noise vibration
  • Paint and coatings
  • Precision machining
  • Robotic-intensive automation

Supply chain access to market

Thanks to our strategic positioning, six OEMs have headquarters located within 260 km (160 miles) of our region. We’re also home to the Canadian headquarters for Stellantis. Windsor-Essex is located less than one mile from the U.S. market, specifically metro-Detroit, with a population of 3.8-million people. Our integrated supply chain includes all components – design, development, manufacturing, assembly and logistics.

Education and training

If you’re interested in working in advanced manufacturing, you can check out a variety of education and training programs available in Windsor-Essex. This includes engineering programs with a specific focus on manufacturing.