Nemak awarded $1.5M grant to expand in Windsor

Jan. 20, 2015 – Nemak of Canada plans to upgrade its production line and create 80 new jobs over the next four years with the help of a $1.5-million grant from the Ontario government.

By increasing the production capacity of aluminum engine blocks it sells to Shanghai General Motors of China, 200 existing jobs will be preserved at its Windsor, Ont., operations, said the auto parts maker.

“Here at Nemak, we continue to innovate casting technology and lead the industry,” said Dr. Glenn Byczynski, technical manager at Nemak of Canada, adding that with this support, the company is forging a partnership within China’s growing automotive industry.

The grant comes from the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund, which is used to encourage regional businesses to pursue innovation and new markets.

“Advanced manufacturing is a key sector for Ontario’s economy, and partnering on expansions like this one are important opportunities for the province,” said Charles Sousa, minister of finance.

He notes that providing financial support for expansions like Nemak’s are important opportunities for the province, and will help increase the company’s global competitiveness.

Last week, the province provided a $50-million grant to Linamar, another auto parts manufacturer for a $500-million expansion of its manufacturing operations in Guelph, with a promise to create 1,200 new jobs over 10 years.

— With files from The Canadian Press