Ontario’s acquiring a new factory to build EV components

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Now there is a third – but much quieter – entry into the EV supply area. Linamar Corp., a homegrown car parts provider that operates globally but is dependent in Guelph, said it is constructing a facility in Welland, close to Niagara Falls, that will make huge structural components for EVs. The company produced the announcement in mid-Might all through its very first-quarter economic report, and mentioned the manufacturing facility need to be up and operating by February 2025.

The facility will use 6,100-ton high-force die-solid devices, identified as Giga presses. The presses can produce single big components from molten aluminum under large tension, these as a car underbody, in its place of the regular method of welding scaled-down parts collectively. The company explained the presses are “critical to successfully lightweighting and simplifying elaborate assemblies for electrified motor vehicles.”

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The manufacturing unit will have a few presses, with the very first slated for installation in January 2024 and with production to commence a yr later. Linamar CEO Linda Hasenfratz claimed it already has a deal for its initial merchandise. The plant will hire about 200 people.

Hasenfratz didn’t disclose which automakers it would be providing, but claimed it will be the 1st Tier 1 provider exterior of Asia to spend in the technology. Tier 1 suppliers make parts that go directly to automakers to use in their vehicle assembly plants.

“Giga castings are the next phase in the evolution of our high-stress die-casting method,” mentioned Linamar president Jim Jarrell. “The Welland Giga casting manufacturing unit will have abilities handful of providers in the globe possess. There is an raising development of solid aluminum currently being used in motor vehicle architectures, significantly (EVs).”

Giga presses have been pioneered by Tesla and had been formulated by Idra, an Italian-based mostly company, starting up in 2016. Tesla utilizes Giga presses in all its factories and recently requested a 9,000-ton push, the latest and biggest from Idra, which Elon Musk reported will be utilized to establish the Cybertruck.

Linamar was established in 1964 by Frank Hasenfratz, which began as a 1-person equipment store in his house basement. It now has facilities and partnerships in Canada, the U.S., Europe and South Asia, and will make parts for automobiles, farm and design gear, and health care units.