Halton is helping to drive electric vehicle technologies forward, thanks in part to a $12 million investment from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
The money is being split between six businesses, including Burlington’s B.S.B Manufacturing Ltd. which manufactures electric vehicle components and will modernize its facility with some of the funds.
“Essentially, it’s for the transition of the Jeep product line,” B.S.B president Narinder Bhogal said. “You’ve got the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, and Gladiator which will be hybrid. They have versions right now, but this is going to be a totally new evolution of the engine which is more efficient.”
Of the $12 million, B.S.B is set to receive $1.2 million, while Brampton's Can Art Aluminum Extrusion Canada Inc. gets $5 million. Concord's Clover Tool Manufacturing receives $750,000, Kitchener-based CMP Automation gets $499,532, Mississauga-based Electrovaya Inc. gets $2 million, and Tillsonburg-headquartered Marwood International receives $3 million.
Oakville North-Burlington MP Pam Damoff called southern Ontario a hub for auto manufacturing and innovation.
“The government of Canada has committed to supporting our manufacturers as they adopt green processes and technologies, increase their production capabilities, and create good jobs for Canadians,” Damoff said. “We know our people and our businesses contribute to a stronger, cleaner, and greener economy.”
Established in 1976 in Burlington, B.S.B is a CNC machine facility on John Lucas Drive. It's an automotive supplier to major customers such as Stellantis (Chrysler), Magna, Tesla, GM and Tesla. The parts manufactured by B.S.B are shipped around the world, with the upcoming Jeeps set to be built in the U.S.
“Companies around the world recognize Canada’s potential, and that’s why we’re seeing the unprecedented foreign direct investment, but we need to create that end-to-end supply chain, and that’s exactly what you’re doing here,” Filomena Tassi, minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario said.
Jeep is expected to launch a fully electric Wrangler in 2028, with an update to the hybrid model coming in 2025.