ArcelorMittal Tailored Blanks gets $12.7M infusion from FedDev Ontario
by Canadian Manufacturing.com Staff
Woodstock, Ont. auto parts plant to supply Chrysler, Honda with new robotic laser-welded components
FedDev Ontario said the ArcelorMittal tailored blanks plant will supply parts to Chrysler’s assembly facility in Windsor. PHOTO FCA
WOODSTOCK, Ont.—ArcelorMittal’s tailored blanks plant in Woodstock, Ont. is getting a major boost from the federal government’s economic development fund for Ontario.
Looking to jump-start advanced manufacturing in the province, FedDev Ontario has announced it will invest $12.7 million in ArcelorMittal Tailored Blanks Americas Ltd. (AMTB). The auto parts company, which operates a 93,000 square-foot facility in Woodstock, will use the funds to adopt robotic laser-welding technology capable of producing lighter and stronger tailored blanks for vehicles.
The development agency said the funding will strengthen the province’s auto supply chain while improving vehicle fuel efficiency through lightweighting.
Todd Baker, president of the global steel firm’s Tailored Blanks wing, said the investment is a major win for the company.
“It positions our company to successfully service the Canadian automotive market with the most advanced laser welded blanks in the industry,” Baker said. “This in turn further strengthens Canadian automotive manufacturing and Canadian jobs in advanced manufacturing.”
Having already locked in numerous orders for the new products, AMTB will supply Chrysler Canada’s assembly plant in Windsor, as well as export parts to the U.S. for Honda.
