Goodyear Canada Inc. has announced an investment of more than $575 million to modernize and expand its plant in Napanee, Ont. The project, which aims to bolster the company’s production capabilities for electric vehicle (EV) and all-terrain tires, is expected to create 200 new manufacturing jobs by 2027 and secure over 1,000 existing positions at the facility.
The announcement was made today during a joint event attended by Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, along with representatives from The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. The investment is part of a broader strategy to position Ontario as a hub for electric vehicle manufacturing, a sector that has seen over $46 billion in investments across Canada in the past four years.
“Goodyear Canada’s investment is another significant boost to Ontario’s growing electric vehicle sector,” said Premier Ford. He highlighted that Ontario’s skilled workforce, competitive business environment, and robust transportation infrastructure are key factors attracting major companies to the province. Ford also noted that the project will contribute to the province’s efforts to establish an end-to-end EV supply chain, from critical minerals extraction in Northern Ontario to advanced manufacturing in the south.
The modernization of the Napanee plant is also aligned with Canada’s environmental goals. The facility is expected to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, a milestone that supports Canada’s target of a net-zero economy by 2050. Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized the significance of the investment in advancing Canada’s clean economy, stating, “Today’s announcement that Goodyear is modernizing its Napanee plant will create manufacturing jobs, grow our EV industry, and use modern technology to keep our air clean.”
To support this expansion, Goodyear Canada Inc. will receive up to $44.3 million in federal funding from the Strategic Innovation Fund, while the Ontario government, through Invest Ontario, will contribute $20 million. The funds will assist in implementing innovative technologies and skills training programs essential for the plant’s modernization.
Mark Stewart, CEO and President of Goodyear, expressed appreciation for the support from federal, provincial, and local governments, as well as from the plant’s employees. “Today’s announcement reinforces our long-term commitment to Canada and enhances our agility and flexibility, positioning Goodyear to meet the evolving needs of our customers now and in the future,” Stewart said.
The Napanee plant, which has been a major employer in the region for over 35 years, will also benefit from local incentives, including support from the Town of Greater Napanee, the Township of Stone Mills, and the County of Lennox and Addington. The plant’s expansion is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10 per cent by 2030, with a goal of achieving a 100 per cent reduction by 2040.
Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade, Vic Fedeli, described the investment as a crucial addition to the province’s growing EV supply chain. “Goodyear’s investment in their Napanee production facility represents another essential link in our province’s growing and dynamic end-to-end EV supply chain,” Fedeli said.
François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of innovation in the automotive sector. “This investment represents a significant advancement toward innovation in tire technology, helping to modernize the industry,” Champagne noted.
Local officials, including Greater Napanee Mayor Terry Richardson, welcomed the investment, citing its potential to drive regional growth and sustain the community’s economic future. “Goodyear Canada is Greater Napanee’s largest employer and has been an exemplary corporate partner in our region for over 35 years,” Richardson said.
