A new manufacturing facility in Ingersoll, Ont., is being cited as an example of the reshoring of production from the United States. The Ontario government’s $4.1 million commitment to the $70 million ArcelorMittal Tailored Blanks (AMTB) facility is expected to create as many as 35 new jobs and secure more than 140. It is welcome news in a community devastated by 1,200 layoffs at GM CAMI. “The job numbers [at AMTB] aren’t huge, but the investment is very significant,” said Curtis Tighe, director of economic development for the Town of Ingersoll. AMTB is already working to build the 154,000 square foot facility, located just off Highway 401. The firm makes steel safety components for the automotive industry. While some hiring has already occurred, a workforce of between 28 to 35 people is expected to be in place by this time next year. Ingersoll officials report the company hopes to start some pre-production next summer. AMTB already operates a facility in nearby Woodstock. Ingersoll offered breaks on development charges and taxes to lure the firm. “We’re not we’re not looking for the quick win. And so, we want to be able to have that long-term prosperity in our community,” said Mayor Brian Petrie. “So, I’d rather give up some funds in the short term for that long-term game.” Petrie adds the incentives, and Ingersoll’s proximity to other AMTB facilities, helped the community beat out dozens of other municipalities. “In this case, AMTB was looking at 41 different municipalities, and Ingersoll still came out on top,” he said “We’re within an hour’s commute of approximately three million working-aged people, and part of a talent cluster. So, I think that’s ultimately what made the decision,” added Tighe. In its release to the media this week, the Ford government said the new AMTB facility is an example of the reshoring of production from the United States. “The project is expected to reduce U.S. tariff exposure,” the release added. While a positive development for Ingersoll, the community has no choice but to remain focused on GM CAMI. Officials are confident it is just a question of when. “It’s going to be a bit of a longer term, before we get some positive news coming from that facility,” said Tighe. Petrie believes there is always the hope that more plants, like AMTB, are on the horizon to ease the impact. “There’s going to be more of that coming, I think,” he said.
