A new report from Workforce WindsorEssex highlights the economic impact of the region’s growing electric vehicle (EV) sector and the transformative role of the NextStar Energy battery plant, noting thousands of jobs are expected in the Windsor-Essex region thanks to the local EV industry.
The report, Automobility in Windsor-Essex: Impact of the NextStar Energy Plant, was released on Thursday and examines how the facility, set to begin production later this year, is shaping the local economy, workforce, and investment landscape.
“The EV report not only underscores the transformative impact of the NextStar Energy plant but also highlights our region’s readiness to spearhead Canada’s green economy transition,” said Tashlyn Teskey, senior manager of research and innovation at Workforce WindsorEssex. “By capitalizing on our strategic location and skilled workforce, we are well-equipped to attract future investments in clean technology and sustainable innovation.”
Key findings
The report outlines significant investments, job creation, and training initiatives:
- NextStar Energy has committed $5 billion in capital expenditures, with an additional $6.2 million secured for its supply chain between 2022 and 2024.
- The plant is expected to create 2,500 direct jobs and 1,960 spin-off jobs, bringing a total of 5,110 new jobs to the region. To date, at least 457 spin-off jobs have been confirmed through companies such as DS Actimo, DongShin Motech Ltd., Bobaek, and Magna International.
- More than $16.5 million in funding has been secured to support workforce training, including programs focused on women in trades, apprenticeships, and training centre investments. Organizations involved include Build a Dream, Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network, Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc., and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 773.
- Educational institutions are playing a key role, with four new post-secondary programs introduced, including a degree in Mechatronic Systems Engineering and a certificate in EV Powertrain Systems.
- Efforts to attract talent to the EV sector include Manufacturing Day tours and national recruitment campaigns through the EV Careers initiative.
A growing industry
According to officials, the report positions Windsor-Essex as a leader in Canada’s transition to a green economy, emphasizing the region’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and strong workforce.
“The EV Impact Report reaffirms Windsor-Essex’s position as a national leader in the electric vehicle revolution and next-generation vehicle production,” said Keith Andrews, strategic advisor to the board and chief operating officer at Invest WindsorEssex. “The NextStar Energy battery plant and rapidly growing EV supply chain are already creating transformative economic opportunities, attracting new investments and driving innovation in our region.”
The report also provides recommendations for sustaining growth in the sector, including expanding skills training, strengthening local supply chain connections, and supporting technological advancements.
St. Clair College is among the institutions preparing the next generation of workers for the EV sector.
“St. Clair College is powering Canada’s future by driving creativity, fostering meaningful partnerships, and equipping our region with the skills to lead a sustainable, green economy,” a spokesperson from the college said in a statement. “Today’s investments in talent fuel tomorrow’s prosperity.”
“Amid this pivotal moment of profound global economic reflection and deliberations on international trade policy, the call of Canada’s strong resonates deeply,” said Dr. Karamjeet K. Dhillon, Director of Research and Innovation at St. Clair College. “St. Clair College embodies this strength through our steadfast commitment to workforce development, technological research advancements, and impactful community engagement.”
She explained, “We are not only preparing for immediate demands of the industry, but actively cultivating a resilient, skilled workforce, one that will sustain and expand our region’s prosperity well into the future. These investments represent more than economic strategy. They embody our community’s dedication to equipping individuals with tools and opportunities to lead confidently in a rapidly changing world.”
Workforce WindsorEssex officials noted that authoring the report began six months ago, before talk of tariffs drew concern.
Tesky said, “We can expect obvious workforce implications because of the tariffs coming, but we find that with this report it really emphasizes the resiliency of Windsor-Essex and we’ve gone through hardships like this specifically in the automotive industry before. We’ve been able, thankfully, to come out positively on the other side. And I think with a lot of the training that’s caught in for workers around EV, it just shows the pivotability that we have in Windsor-Essex, to train new workers into in-demand fields.”
