Ingersoll community reacts to GM CAMI Assembly plant’s imminent temporary closure and layoffs

CTV’s Heather Senoran is in Ingersoll as the town faces uncertainty among a production pause at a major employer.

People living in Ingersoll and the surrounding area say they are worried and disappointed following an announcement the GM CAMI Assembly plant will be temporarily shutting down.

The plant has been a major staple of the community since it opened in 1989 and employs approximately 1,200 people. The two million square foot facility is considered to be one of the area’s largest employers.

Layoffs are expected as early as Monday.

The union that represents workers at CAMI, Unifor, said employees are set to return in May, but production will be limited. After that, another temporary shutdown is expected from May until October.

“It’s not a good day for the town of Ingersoll and certainly the employees that are affected by this,” said Brian Petrie, Ingersoll’s mayor.

He admitted it is hard to sell what the plant is currently pushing out.

“Any vehicle that’s targeted towards the commercial market - companies just aren’t making investments because of the uncertainty in the world,” Petrie told CTV News, hours after the news broke.

CAMI is known for manufacturing BrightDrop Zevo EV vans.

Temporary shutdowns are not uncommon at the CAMI facility, but the union said the plant will be operating on a single shift when production resumes in October. They said the change will result in the indefinite layoffs of nearly 500 people.

The company cited market demand and high inventory for the BrightDrop vehicle as the reason behind the latest disruption. They said the decision is not related to U.S. tariffs.

Petrie said he’s still optimistic. He said GM has been a strong longstanding corporate citizen and he believes GM wants to stay in the community.

Community response

James Lamers, a longtime resident, said he is sad to hear the news.

“My neighbour works there. A couple of my neighbours work there,” Lamers said. “It’s going to affect the tax base if they close it? Like, look, a lot of spinoff jobs, too. That’s too bad.”

Others are worried about the impact it will have on the community.

“Less people are spending money here if they’re not making [vehicles],” said Lucas, another resident.

There is still hope among the community that the layoffs will be temporary, and the GM plant will stay operational in some capacity.