Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development is reacting to news that General Motors will shut down production at its Oshawa plant as of 2019.
The move, which is part of a global restructuring will affect close to 3,000 jobs in Oshawa alone and thousands more at six other plants across North America.
Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith says while the Oshawa plant is outside of our riding, the ripple effect will surely be felt locally, once it shuts its doors.
He says it’s still hard to say exactly how much impact the closures will have on the rest of the supply chain, including at auto parts plants in the Quinte Region.
He adds that about half of the affected employees in Oshawa are eligible for an early retirement and says the facility near Highway 401 will remain as the company’s Canadian headquarters.
Smith says if you’re looking for a silver lining, the company says it will continue to invest in other facilities across Ontario.
You can click here for more on the Oshawa GM plant closure and hear the full interview with Smith Tuesday morning on 800 CJBQ’s Lorne Brooker Show, starting at 9:00 a.m.
Belleville mayor-elect Mitch Panciuk spoke to Quinte News about concerns regarding how it might affect auto supply companies in Belleville.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Magna Auto Systems says it’s too early to tell what kind of impact the GM closures will have on auto parts makers here.
Magna Auto Systems and Hannon Systems both make car parts in Belleville and many predict negative consequences for businesses like theirs in the wake of GM’s global restructuring.
Magna Spokesperson Tracy Fuerst tells Quinte News the company “isn’t commenting on the at the moment” and that “with still so many moving pieces, it would be premature to do so.”
Representatives from Hannon Systems have not yet responded to our request for comment.
