Ford of Canada is investing $1.2-billion into its operations with some help from Ottawa and the province.
Half of the investment, about $600-million, is in Windsor for the introduction of a new engine in Windsor although President of the Americas Joe Hinrichs would not release details of which engine will be built nor for which vehicle.
"For competitive reasons, we will release more details closer to the date," says Hinrichs.
$500-million of Ford's investment will be used for new Research and Development in Ottawa creating 300 jobs.
The remaining $100-million will be used in Oakville.
Ottawa and Ontario are each providing Ford of Canada with a grant of up to $102-million.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was at the Ford Essex Engine plant in Windsor to make today's announcement.
"This funding will go toward a few things, launching the production of new engines here in Windsor," says Trudeau. "The creation of a new research and engineering centre in Ottawa and expanding research and development capacity across the board, allowing Ford to stay innovative and cutting edge in the years ahead."
(Photo by AM800s' Teresinha Medeiros)
Trudeau says Windsor had a few difficult years but things are starting to pick back up..
"Because of that classic Windsor resilience, this community is prospering again, the economy is growing, more and more families are setting down roots and jobs are coming back and that is really great to see, you folks should, can and are very proud of your city.
Trudeau reflected on what his dad set in motion 40 years ago when he helped break ground for the Essex Engine plant.
"My father broke the sod on this plant almost 40 years ago in 1978 and this morning I got to hold the shovel that he used to do it. I'm quite frankly humbled to be standing here today to be able to announce that we are securing this industry and good jobs in Windsor-Essex for generations to come with this."
Trudeau was joined by Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, Federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Navdeep Bains and Ontario's Minister of Economic Development and Growth Brad Duguid.
Following the announcement, Unifor Local 200 President Chris Taylor said the investments brings a sense of security to Windsor.
There are close to 300 Ford workers in Windsor on layoff. Taylor believes they will be recalled plus there could be an additional 100 jobs.
But Hinrichs stresses the investment will take place over the next five years.
"Ford is great at underestimating and overachieving," said Taylor.
Ford of Canada President Mark Buzzell and President of the Americas, Ford Motor Company Joe Hinrichs were also in attendance. .
(Photo by AM800's Teresinha Medeiros)