From mining critical minerals to building cars and batteries, Canada is attracting historic investments to help secure and create jobs, grow our economy and keep our air clean. In the last four years, we’ve seen companies announce more than $46 billion in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing investments across Canada. They want a reliable partner with world-class talent and this is exactly what we have to offer.
On Monday, August 12, 2024, the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford and the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, joined representatives from The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company to announce the company’s more than $575 million project to modernize and expand its plant in Napanee, Ontario. This investment will help Goodyear create an energy-efficient, end-to-end manufacturing process and increase its production capacity, including EV and all-terrain tires.
The project will create 200 new, highly skilled manufacturing jobs by 2027 and secure more than 1,000 jobs in Napanee. This project will get the Goodyear Napanee plant to net-zero emissions by 2040, helping achieve Canada’s goal of a net-zero economy by 2050.
“Goodyear Canada’s investment is another significant boost to Ontario’s growing electric vehicle sector, building on the billions of dollars that have been invested in the sector over the past four years,” said Premier Ford. “Across Ontario, we’re seeing major investments and new jobs created as we build out our end-to-end EV supply chain, connecting critical minerals in Northern Ontario to world-class manufacturing across the province. Companies are choosing Ontario because of our transportation infrastructure, our competitive business environment and our skilled workforce.”
“Companies from across the world are choosing Canada,” said Prime Minister Trudeau. “Today’s announcement that Goodyear is modernizing its Napanee plant will create manufacturing jobs, grow our EV industry and use modern technology to keep our air clean. It’s another vote of confidence in Canada’s auto sector workers.”
Goodyear Canada Inc. will receive federal funding of up to $44.3 million from the Strategic Innovation Fund for this expansion project.
The Government of Ontario, through Invest Ontario, will contribute $20 million to support key components of the project, including the implementation of innovative technologies and skills training programs.
The company will leverage existing collaborative programs to help ensure Canada remains a world leader in the EV sector.
“Today’s announcement reinforces our long-term commitment to Canada and enhances our agility and flexibility, positioning Goodyear to meet the evolving needs of our customers now and in the future,” said Mark Stewart, Chief Executive Officer and President, Goodyear. “We are appreciative to the federal, provincial and local governments for their support and to our Napanee associates for their dedication to building the next generation of tires.”
Goodyear’s modernization project is another vote of confidence in Canada and today’s announcement highlights Canada’s growing and dynamic EV sector. This investment will generate high-quality jobs, boost our economy and continue to place the climate at the forefront of our economy. It is these investments in growth sectors that make Canada a trusted partner for international companies and allow us to remain a top destination for global investments.
Quick Facts
- Goodyear Canada’s modernized facility in Napanee, Ontario, is also supported by incentives from the Town of Greater Napanee, the Township of Stone Mills and the County of Lennox and Addington, as a result of a newly launched Community Improvement Plan.
- This project will take place on the same land as Goodyear Canada’s existing facility in Napanee.
- The modernized facility will reduce greenhouse gas emissions at Goodyear Canada’s Napanee facility by 10 per cent by 2030 and by 100 per cent by 2040.
- In addition to creating and maintaining jobs, this project will continue to support new co-op opportunities for students every year.
- Founded in 1898, Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. It employs about 71,000 people and manufactures its products in 54 facilities across 21 countries around the world.
- Canada’s automotive sector builds more than 1.5 million vehicles each year – one every 21 seconds. It supports nearly 550,000 direct and indirect jobs, contributed $18 billion to Canada’s gross domestic product in 2023 and is one of the country’s largest export industries.
- Investing in cleaner transportation is key to achieving our economic and environmental goals and delivering on Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Clean Air, Strong Economy.
- The Strategic Innovation Fund provides major investments in innovative projects that help grow Canada’s economy for the well-being of all Canadians.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
