Invest WindsorEssex helping existing companies transition to EV battery sector

Maureen Revait/WindsorNewsToday.ca

Invest WindsorEssex will be offering a new training program to help local businesses transition to the automobility sector.

With the help of $200,000 from the federal government, the economic development organization is helping businesses seize opportunities in the growing supply chain.

“We want to make sure that our amazing companies who have worked in this industry, some for generations, have the opportunity to realize success, and business and growth as we transition to the automobility space,” said Stephen MacKenzie, president and CEO of Invest WindsorEssex.

The new training program will start in the fall. Up to 125 companies will be able to register for the program through Invest WindsorEssex.

Minister Filomena Tassi indicated once companies know how they can use their expertise to enter the EV battery field the federal government will be there to help make that transition.

“This is about ensuring that entrepreneurs and those that are currently in the combustion engine space have the support that they need to make that transition so that they can continue to create those jobs,” said Tassi.

Companies can then use grants through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario to make investments in new technology to complete those transitions.

Wednesday morning, FedDev Ontario announced a $1.15 million investment into the Windsor company Ennova Facades Inc.

The investment will help enhance operations and increase production by 100 per cent. The company manufactures custom-made exterior building products for large commercial buildings.