Aurora, Ont.-based Magna International Inc. is investing over $470 million to expand its operations across the province, which will include a new battery enclosures facility in Brampton to support the electric Ford F-150 Lightning.

The auto parts manufacturer is growing its locations in Guelph, Belleville, Newmarket, Windsor and Penetanguishene, which a release states will bring over 1,000 jobs to Ontario over the next few years.

“Magna’s roots in Ontario run deep, and we are excited about opening a new facility dedicated to a strategic electrification product. The Brampton facility, coupled with investment and growth in five existing Ontario facilities, allows Magna to keep up with customer demands across several product areas,” Eric Wilds, Magna’s chief sales and marketing officer said in a statement.

“We are excited to bring new business, more investment and additional jobs to Ontario.”

Magna (MG-T) has 49 manufacturing facilities with more than 18,500 employees throughout Canada. Its global network spans 343 manufacturing operations and 88 product development, engineering and sales centres across 29 countries.

Magna’s expansions

In Brampton, a new 490,000-square-foot leased facility to manufacture battery enclosures for electric vehicles (EVs) will begin operations in Q2 2023. Roughly 560 new jobs are expected at full production.

Battery enclosures house the batteries, electrical components, sensors and connectors. They contribute to the structural and safety aspects of a vehicle’s frame and protect critical battery components from potential impact, heat and water intrusion.

The Ford F-150 Lightning is the top-selling electric pickup truck in the U.S., with the automaker selling 18,000 since production started in the spring of 2022. However, the company recently halted production on the truck due to an undisclosed battery-related issue.

In Guelph, a 120,000 square foot expansion will add e-coat, molding and welding capacity to its exteriors plant to support new electric vehicle production. This will bring approximately 175 new jobs.

Magna’s lighting plant in Belleville will “add to its capabilities” for printed circuit board assemblies in Q4 2023, with up to 100 new jobs expected.

The company’s Newmarket mechatronics facility will be growing its business with 75 new jobs. In Newmarket, Magna produces vehicle access systems including side door latches, electronic control units and power systems.

Magna’s other mechatronics plant in Windsor recently added to its production with powered aluminum tonneau covers – for the area of a car or truck open at the top. Here, the company will add approximately 110 new jobs.

In Penetanguishene, Magna will add to its tailgate hinge production with more than 15 new jobs.

“By diversifying automotive parts manufacturing across the province, Magna’s investments will strengthen EV supply chains in Ontario,” Invest Ontario CEO Trevor Dauphinee said in a statement.

Magna will also be supported by $23.6 million in grants from the Ontario government to bring additional jobs to the province with ongoing training and development programs for employees.

The company also recently announced it will produce the battery enclosures for the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV at its St. Clair, Mich. facility. Magna already produces the enclosures for the GMC Hummer EV at this facility. 

Magna Electric Vehicle Structures, which opened in 2021, is planning a 740,000-square-foot expansion at St. Clair, with operations expected to start in Q4 2023. The expansion will add 920 jobs.