The company is investing over $418 million ($575 million CAD) in the project, which includes construction and new equipment, and will add 200 manufacturing jobs, bringing the plant’s workforce to over 1,000 employees.
Construction began earlier this year and is expected to be completed by mid-2027. Goodyear stated that the new, advanced equipment and technology will make the Napanee plant a leading producer, meeting the future needs of the global market.
“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,” said Mark Stewart, CEO and President. “We are appreciative to the federal, provincial and local governments for their support and to our Napanee associates for their dedication to building the next generation of tires.”
The project is backed by partnerships and funding from various levels of government. The Government of Canada will contribute $44.3 million CAD through its Strategic Innovation Fund, while the Government of Ontario will provide $20 million CAD via Invest Ontario for technology and skills training. Local governments will contribute $2 million CAD over four years through an Industrial Community Improvement Plan.
Goodyear also emphasized its commitment to sustainability, noting that the Napanee site, already a net-zero waste-to-landfill facility, will implement environmental solutions to boost energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau highlighted that the modernization of the Napanee plant will create jobs, grow the EV industry, and use modern technology to keep the air clean, marking it as a vote of confidence in Canada’s auto sector workers.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford praised the investment as a significant boost to the province's expanding electric vehicle sector, building on the $43 billion invested in the industry over the past four years.
Source: MTD