South Korean auto supplier Dongshin Motech Ltd. will build a $60-million factory in Windsor, Ont., to supply the North America auto industry with aluminum casings for electric-vehicle batteries.
The 170,000-square-foot (15,793 square metres) manufacturing facility will be built on 12 acres (4.8 hectares) of land at the Windsor International Airport, just a few kilometres away from the new $5-billion NextStar EV battery plant, a joint venture between Stellantis and LG Energy Solutions (LGES).
The factory will employ approximately 300 people when fully operational. It will be Dongshin’s first North American manufacturing facility.
“We always knew that a significant supply chain would be necessary to support the massive investment that Stellantis and LGES are making in our community,” Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens said in a statement. “We’re competing and we are winning the race to attract investment, create great local jobs and build an EV battery manufacturing base.”
Invest WindsorEssex, the local economic development agency, said in the same statement that “it is anticipated that ongoing discussions around incentives will continue with provincial and federal governments to support Dongshin Motech Ltd.”
The City of Windsor, as “custodian” of the Windsor airport property, is able to service and market the land for long-term economic development activities.
The city also has approved a lease on commercial terms with Dongshin Motech Ltd. and intends to offer further support through its Economic Revitalization Community Improvement Plan program.
