Magna, the Canadian mobility technology company that produces components for automakers, has announced it will be producing battery enclosures for the Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck.
To facilitate this, Magna is expanding its operations into Chatham, as an extension of its current operations in St. Thomas to support the new business from Ford Motor Company.
At the start of the year, Ford announced that it would be doubling the number of F-150 Lightning electric cars it produces following its huge success.
The new all zero emissions pickup, which is the electric version of the most popular car in the USA, is produced at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Detroit, so the link to nearby Magna makes sense.
Mark Johnson, Magna Formet Industries General Manager, said: “With the hard work of our team members in our Formet, St. Thomas facility, we have been able to secure additional business that allows us to grow in two great communities.
“We are coming to Chatham with new job opportunities working on an exciting new technology that offers a lot of growth potential.”
This game-changing Magna innovation is the largest lightweight aluminium battery enclosure on the market and the first on a work truck.
The new 170,000 square foot facility is expected to create up to 150 new jobs. Battery enclosures, which all electric vehicles (EVs) require, house high-voltage batteries, electrical components, sensors and connectors, contributing to the structural and safety aspects of a vehicle’s frame and protecting critical components from potential impact, heat and water.
Darrin Canniff, Mayor Chatham-Kent, said: “As Chatham-Kent continues to grow, we’re thrilled that Magna has chosen our community to grow alongside. This investment is excellent news for the people of Chatham-Ken.
“It’s creating great jobs, in a rapidly growing industry, with a fantastic and very well-established company and goes to show our community’s commitment to supporting investment in innovative manufacturing.”
Stuart McFadden, Director of Economic Development Services Chatham-Kent, said: “Chatham-Kent has been taking an active role in encouraging investments in green, innovative, and future-thinking technologies, so Magna really is a perfect fit here.
“CK is an expanding community with a great history in the manufacturing sector and we look forward to supporting in their growth and success for years to come.”
