Workforce WindsorEssex Launches EV Impact Report – March 20, 2025

New report highlights regional advantages, economic impact, and job creation related to the burgeoning EV sector in Windsor-Essex and the NextStar Energy Plant

Windsor, ON – Today, Workforce WindsorEssex, the region’s workforce and community development board, launched their new EV (Electric Vehicle) report: Automobility in Windsor-Essex: Impact of the NextStar Energy Plant. This comprehensive analysis of the EV sector in the region covers the impact of the NextStar Energy plant, slated to begin production later this year, and the challenges and opportunities surrounding this investment for Windsor-Essex. 

The report recognizes that the NextStar Energy plant represents a new era for Windsor-Essex, transforming the region into a hub for advanced manufacturing and sustainable innovation. By leveraging its strategic location, skilled workforce, and collaborative community efforts, Windsor-Essex is poised to lead Canada’s transition to a green economy. This transformative project not only revitalizes the local automotive industry but also sets a precedent for future investments in clean technology, workforce development, and regional growth.  

Key findings include: 

  • In addition to the planned $5 billion in capital expenditures to be invested in the establishment of NextStar energy, an additional $6.2M in investment has been landed for the facility’s supply chain between 2022 and 2024. 
  • NextStar Energy’s goal of filling 2,500 jobs at their facility and the 650 new employees at the Automotive Research and Development Centre to date, is projected to lead to 1,960 spin-off jobs across multiple sectors, totalling 5,110 new jobs in our region. To date, at least 457 of these spin-off jobs have been confirmed through announcements with DS Actimo, DongShin Motech Ltd, Bobaek, and Magna International, with others to be announced. 
  • To help Windsor-Essex maintain a sustainable talent pipeline, the community has received news of over $16.5 million in funding for training our local workforce. From supporting women in the trades, to innovation in apprenticeships, and capital investments for training centres, these programs will support those looking to join the EV sector upskill, learn new skills, and gain connections to local employers expanding their workforces. Training providers include Build a Dream, Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network, Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc., and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 773. Additional training programs include: Unifor Action Centre’s upskill training for members, Flex N Gate’s Battery Innovation Centre training programs, and the Windsor Regional Employment Network’s services connecting available talent to employment opportunities. 
  • Our local education and community ecosystems are well-poised to support our labour force from multiple angles, from exposure programs to fulsome training, and career connections. Workforce WindsorEssex has seen an additional four new post-secondary programs created, including a degree in Mechatronic Systems Engineering, an EV Powertrain systems certificate, and diplomas in Electric Drive Fundamentals and Electric Vehicle Technician. 
  • Ongoing initiatives to support talent attraction to the EV sector include Manufacturing Day tours for the future workforce and EV Careers’ national talent attraction campaigns. 

With the momentum continuing to build, Workforce WindsorEssex looks forward to upcoming announcements and future investments, from Mercedes and the like, as Windsor-Essex remains well-positioned to remain the automobility capital of Canada. 

Automobility in Windsor-Essex: Impact of the NextStar Energy Plant provides up-to-date information on the current state of Windsor-Essex since the initial investment announcement. The report highlights how talent can be drawn from the available workforce, through resources like EVCareers.ca and the Windsor Regional Employment Network, as well as the impacts of Invest WindsorEssex, the Government of Canada, and the Government of Ontario has had on these initiatives. 

Further recommendations include developing a robust skills training and development ecosystem, establishing local connections to the plant, promoting a technologically advanced local battery supply chain, and enhancing technological capacity of all domestic firms. Automobility in Windsor-Essex: Impact of the NextStar Energy Plant also delves into what still needs to be addressed for long-term employment sustainability and what can be learned from the plant’s development. 

This Employment Ontario project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. 

Quotes:

“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. By capitalizing on our strategic location and skilled workforce, we are well-equipped to attract future investments in clean technology and sustainable innovation. Our findings emphasize the need for continued development in skills training and local partnerships to ensure that this project not only revitalizes our automotive industry but also secures long-term employment and economic growth for our community.”

– Tashlyn Teskey, Senior Manager of Research and Innovation, Workforce WindsorEssex

<< Le rapport sur les véhicules électriques souligne non seulement l’impact transformateur de l’usine NextStar Energy, mais met également en lumière la préparation de notre région à diriger la transition de l’économie verte du Canada. En tirant parti de notre emplacement stratégique et de notre main-d’œuvre qualifiée, nous sommes bien équipés pour attirer des investissements futurs dans la technologie propre et l’innovation durable. Nos conclusions soulignent la nécessité de poursuivre le développement de la formation des compétences et des partenariats locaux pour s’assurer que ce projet revitalise non seulement notre industrie automobile, mais qu’il garantisse également un emploi à long terme et une croissance économique pour notre communauté. >>

– Tashlyn Teskey, Gestionnaire principale de la recherche et de l’innovation, Workforce WindsorEssex

“The EV Impact Report reaffirms Windsor-Essex’s position as a national leader in the electric vehicle revolution and next-generation vehicle production. 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. Invest WindsorEssex, together with our regional partners, are committed to fostering a dynamic business environment that supports the development of a strong and diverse economy, ensuring long-term prosperity and job creation for our community.”

– Keith Andrews, Strategic Advisor to the Board and Chief Operating Officer, Invest WindsorEssex

<< Le rapport sur l’impact des véhicules électriques réaffirme la position de Windsor-Essex en tant que chef de file national dans la révolution des véhicules électriques et la production de véhicules de nouvelle génération. L’usine de batteries NextStar Energy et la chaîne d’approvisionnement en véhicules électriques en pleine expansion créent déjà des opportunités économiques transformatrices, attirant de nouveaux investissements et stimulant l’innovation dans notre région. Invest WindsorEssex, avec nos partenaires régionaux, s’engage à favoriser un environnement d’affaires dynamique qui soutient le développement d’une économie forte et diversifiée, assurant la prospérité à long terme et la création d’emplois pour notre communauté. >> 

– Keith Andrews, Conseiller stratégique du conseil et chef des opérations, Workforce WindsorEssex 

“St. Clair College is powering Canada’s future by driving creativity, fostering meaningful partnerships, and equipping our region with the skills to lead sustainable, green economy. Today’s investments in talent fuel tomorrow’s prosperity.”

– St. Clair College

<< Le Collège St. Clair propulse l’avenir du Canada en stimulant la créativité, en favorisant des partenariats significatifs et en équipant notre région des compétences nécessaires pour mener une économie verte et durable. Les investissements d’aujourd’hui dans les talents alimentent la prospérité de demain. >>

– St. Clair College

Quick Facts/Links:

Media Contact:

Tashlyn Teskey 
Senior Manager of Research and Innovation 
Workforce WindsorEssex 
tteskey@workforcewindsoressex.com 
226-674-3220 ext. 3020 

About Workforce WindsorEssex:

Workforce WindsorEssex is a workforce and community development board whose mission is to lead regional employment and community planning for the development of a strong and sustainable workforce.

Workforce WindsorEssex is an experienced leader in the development of regional labour market tools, research, guides, and events that create positive change in the local labour market while saving others time and effort. These resources, created in close coordination with employment, education, and industry partners, are designed to help jobseekers, employers, students, and educators, as well as the community, make more informed labour market decisions using locally-responsive, data-rich, and unbiased resources. To learn more about Workforce WindsorEssex and view our tools and resources, visit www.workforcewindsoressex.com.

À propos de Workforce WindsorEssex:

Workforce WindsorEssex est une organisation à but non-lucratif dont sa mission est de diriger la planification de l’emploi et le développement communautaire avec l’objectif d’assurer une main-d’œuvre solide et durable.

Workforce WindsorEssex est leader expérimenté dans le développement d’outils, de recherches, de guides et d’événements sur le marché du travail créant des changements positifs qui font gagner de l’argent et du temps. Ces ressources, crées en coordination avec les partenaires en emploi, en éducation et en industrie, ont pour but d’aider les demandeurs d’emploi, les employeurs, les élèves, les éducateurs, et la communauté, à prendre des décisions plus informées sur le marché du travail en utilisant des outils impartiaux, riches en données et adaptés aux besoins locaux. Pour apprendre d’avantage de Workforce WindsorEssex, et pour engager avec nos outils et ressources, visitez www.workforcewindsoressex.com.

25-03-20 – EV Impact Report NRDownload