The union representing workers at Autoneum believes the company’s decision to close its London plant and consolidate Canadian operations in Tillsonburg is the result of U.S. tariffs slowing Ontario’s auto sector. “Frustrated because we almost feel helpless,” admitted Luis Domingues, London Area Director at Unifor. Unifor represents 118 of the 136 employees at Autoneum’s plant in northeast London. On Monday, the Swiss autoparts manufacturer announced it will close the facility at the corner of Huron Street and Clarke Road by the end of this year and consolidate its Canadian operations at a plant in Tillsonburg. “We hoped it wouldn’t come to this, but the company has consistently been reducing their employment levels. At one time, there were over 200 people at work there,” Domingues explained. In a written statement to CTV News, Autoneum doesn’t mention U.S. tariffs, but does point to slowing demand, “The ongoing decline in automotive industry volumes, combined with changes in customer production patterns, continues to have a significant impact on our Canadian operations.” Autoneum’s plant in London produces automotive carpets and wheel house liners for assembly plants. “The Cami facility, the Ford Edge facility in Oakville, they produce parts for the for them,” explained Domingues. He’s calling on the federal government to take a stronger stance with North American automakers— they must build here to sell here. “[Canadians] still buy two-and-a-half to three million cars a year. But other than Toyota and Honda this year, nobody else seems to be building here. So why should they be able to sell here?” Domingues argued. Autoneum said the consolidation in Tillsonburg is intended to, “offer the strongest foundation, with increased volumes and improved efficiency.” Unifor is in early negotiations with Autoneum about the potential to transfer some of the workers in London to the Tillsonburg plant. “For those who want to transfer, we’re hoping to see 40 per cent to 50 per cent of the work that’s done in London going to Tillsonburg and stays on Canadian shores,” Domingues said.
