Ontario and Canada are partnering with Linamar to advance cutting-edge auto technology, boost R&D and help create up to 1,500 new jobs and retain about 8,000 others in the province.
Brad Duguid, Ontario Minister of Economic Development and Growth, and Navdeep Bains, Federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, were in Guelph on January 15 to make the announcement.
The investment will help Linamar:
- Manufacture next-generation transmission and drive-train components and systems
- Build high-efficiency engine components
- Develop and produce electrified and connected vehicle technologies
- Create a dedicated Innovation Centre focused on artificial intelligence, machine learning, collaborative robotics and lightweight components
This investment solidifies Ontario’s leadership in the development and manufacturing of the next generation of vehicles. It will also increase technological capabilities in the supply chain, making the province’s automotive sector more competitive. Ontario is the top vehicle producer in North America, and is uniquely positioned to lead the development of exciting new automotive technologies worldwide, attracting new investments and jobs to the province.
Ontario is North America’s seventh-largest economy and Canada’s largest centre for banking, insurance and capital markets. Ontario’s diverse and innovative economy, with its educated and talented workforce, low business costs and generous incentives for R&D make it one of the best places in the world to do business and invest.
Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development and Growth said, “Ontario’s auto industry continues to attract investment, even in the midst of uncertainty about NAFTA, which proves our foundational strength when it comes to building and developing new vehicles. Partnerships like this one support our long-term competitiveness and help Ontario continue to lead the way in transformative vehicle technologies.”
Navdeep Bains, Federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development said, “Our government is investing in automotive innovation, one of Canada’s leading sectors. This investment will create and maintain middle-class jobs in Southern Ontario and drive economic growth in the area. Investing in these projects also means that Canadian manufacturers can remain globally competitive and a leader in technological advancements.”
Liz Sandals, MPP for Guelph said, “Linamar is an integral part of Ontario’s manufacturing sector and is a great example of a success story in southwestern Ontario. Our government continues to work with businesses like Linamar that help boost the economy and create good, stable jobs. I’m delighted the government can be part of the long-term vision for a business that continues to innovate and grow in Guelph.”
Linda Hasenfratz, CEO, Linamar Corporation said, “We are thrilled by the support shown today by both our federal and provincial governments for our significant investment in innovation. Innovation is the single most important thing we can do in terms of product design, process design and material development to solve global problems and create opportunities for us all to succeed. To have our government support us in that endeavor is fantastic, further cementing the fact that Canada is a great place for advanced manufacturing to thrive.”
