Chatham-Kent’s mayor is expecting a significant economic spin-off with the opening of a new auto parts plant.
Mayor Darrin Canniff said Wednesday’s announcement that Magna would be expanding its operations to Chatham, will have a positive impact on the entire municipality.
“Magna is very selective about where they locate and a lot of other companies will follow suit where Magda goes,” said Canniff.
The new manufacturing facility, which will be located on Irwin Street, will produce vehicle battery enclosures for the Ford F-150 Lightning and is expected to create up to 150 new jobs.
“Magna making a significant investment of $50 million to $100 million in Chatham-Kent — there will be lots of spin-off from that, so we’re excited,” said Canniff.
Magna said it will be taking possession of the former Crown Cork & Seal property on Friday before moving in equipment in June.
The company will also begin hiring employees as early as June, with production expected to begin in the fall.
“We’re certainly going to help them… as we would with any business. From A to Z, [we’ll be] helping with job fairs to whatever else they need to get established,” said Canniff.
