Perspective TM Windsor-Essex | 2022 Windsor-Essex is Canada’s Mobility Hub Canada’s fastest- growing EV supply chain Student Population in STEM education cultivates the workforce Welcome to WINDSOR-ESSEX… the AUTOMOBILITY Capital of Canada
Industry looking to improve their capability and capacity to compete in a global marketplace can find support and expertise at UWindsor, with access to talent, facilities, infrastructure, training, and connections in the automation sector.
uwindsor.ca/research-partnerships
The Automotive Industry is being disrupted by Connected, Autonomous, Secure/Shared and Electric [C.A.S.E.] technologies. The University of Windsor stands ready to lead with world-class researchers with a wide variety of expertise including electric vehicles, motors, batteries, 5G and the Internet of Vehicles, computer vision systems, smart sensors, automation, cybersecurity, light weighting, safety, policy and more.
R&D investments supporting collaborative research with UWindsor can qualify for additional funding opportunities. Both cash and in-kind contributions may be leveraged to access federal and provincial research funding programs.
University of Windsor 401 Sunset Ave Windsor, ON (519) 253-3000
Secure and Safe, Connected and Autonomous Eco-Mobility
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The car of The fuTure is connecTed, auTonomous, secured & elecTric (case)
Electric Mobility, Society and Climate Policy
Electric Vehicle Light weighting and Crash Safety
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The University of Windsor is home to some of the most innovative automotive research in Canada.
Energy Sources and Sustainable Battery Chemistries and Materials
We are committed to building bridges between industry, research, and education to transform ideas into products, competitive advantages, and a deeper understanding of our world.
Get in touch to learn more about partnership opportunities.
The region is served by a strong warehousing, transportation and logistics sector that is built around the proximity of two cities on each side of the border. Other sectors of strength include agriculture and food processing, robotics and automation, information and communications technologies, and life sciences. There is a growing tourism and hospitality sector, too.
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The United States market sits less than one mile away from Windsor, Ontario across the Detroit River.
The Windsor-Detroit border crossing is the busiest commercial crossing in Canada, handling a staggering one-third of all trade between Canada and the U.S. – about $1 billion per Windsorday.isalso home to an international airport, the third-deepest Great Lakes port and well-connected highways and rail corridors. The region is a true gateway to one of the continent’s largest markets. More than 200 million people live within a 13hour drive.
Built on manufacturing but driven by innovation, Windsor-Essex is the heart of automotive research that is leading into the connected, autonomous and electrified future.Itis clear that Windsor-Essex ticks all the boxes when it comes to what it takes to be a great place to live, work, do business and advance innovation.
The list of business advantages in Windsor-Essex is long.
Transformational projects are underway, including the new Gordie Howe International Bridge, a $6-billion megaproject scheduled to open in 2024 that will improve travel times and significantly heighten Windsor’s strategic geographic advantage, a $2-billion injection into Windsor’s regional hospital and new and expanded facilities at the University of Windsor and St. Clair College.
That is being matched by private-sector investment across the region, including the nation’s largest EV battery manufacturing plant, retail developments, hotel and
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The region is surrounded on three sides by 160 kilometres of shoreline, offering unrivaled recreational opportunities, and has an enviable number of parks, trails and gardens.Windsor-Essex also features a thriving arts and culture scene, an award-winning wine region, and affordable real estate, whether buyers are looking for an urban home, a revitalized small town, a heritage neighbourhood, a waterfront condo, a lakeside village or a country home.
The multibillion-dollar Gordie How International Bridge completion date 2024.
Windsor-Essex
Welcome to Windsor-Essex
has a wellearned reputation as a North American advanced manufacturing powerhouse.
hospitality expansion, and residential growth.People are drawn to the region’s climate. It is Canada’s southernmost community, located on the same latitude as northern California and southern Italy.
Not only is it Canada’s automobility capital, but Windsor-Essex is a place that builds the things that builds things.
Residents enjoy the best of both worlds: a small town vibe in a mid-sized city that offers a kinder attitude and a slower pace of life, combined with a 5-minute drive to Detroit, and all its amenities in shopping, dining, nightlife, entertainment and majorleague sports Windsor-Essex’steams.quality of life is gaining recognition. Every community in Essex County is ranked within the top 30 per cent of all communities in Canada in Maclean’s Best Communities Feature in 2019.
The city and surrounding municipalities offer a deep inventory of affordable industrial-commercial buildings and land ready for development and the cost of doing business, such as property taxes, leasing rates and development charges, are highly competitive in Windsor-Essex.
Windsor-Essex is also Canada’s fourthmost diverse community and ranks third in attracting immigrants. Residents speak more than 70 different languages, with 150 ethnic origins represented.
Led by Dr. Mitra Mirhassani and Dr. Ikjot Saini, SHIELD conducts research and testing, runs scenarios to develop defences and finds ways to defeat evermore sophisticated cyber-criminals.
“Windsor is a medium-sized city but feels like a small town. Having both institutions is so crucial to developing talent and research. It’s easy to build relationships.”Thetwoinstitutions have a collaborative relationship when it comes to research and program development and each are tackling workforce needs through degree and diploma programs and with upskilling and reskilling of existing workers through continuing education and microcredentials.
The CHARGE (Centre for Hybrid Automotive Research and Green Energy) Labs, led by Dr. Narayan Kar, a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Electrified Vehicles, has attracted millions in funding and developed deep partnerships with OEMs and major suppliers, including Ford, Magna International, Newark Corp. and D&V Electronics.“Wehave built significant capability in electric motor research. We consider ourselves, and I think others do too, the top in the country,” said Kar. “WindsorEssex is the perfect place for this. We are surrounded by automotive companies and manufacturers and the region has been an automotive centre for a long time. Now we are positioning ourselves for the future.”CHARGE is undergoing a major renovation and expansion to grow its work in improving the performance, reliability and durability of electric motors and propulsion controls.
“Windsor has the knowledge and experience to advance electrification.
“The university works more in fundamental, theoretical and earlystage research, where we are more about late-stage, proof of concept and prototypes. Both sides are extremely important and provide that continuum. There is a great willingness to work together,” he says.
The University of Windsor, the first university in the country to establish an automotive engineering program, builds on its strong track record in automotive
A large part of SHIELD’s mandate is education and it has launched its first microcredential course to address reskilling and upskilling needs, say Pratt.
“We are helping to develop costeffective components and lighter, smaller electric powertrain components, along
research in materials and light-weighting, crash safety, and alternative fuels with two pillars in the automobility realm: electric motors and cybersecurity.
Automotive is a big part of our city and our province. It’s a huge market in front of us with a huge opportunity. Everyone understands Windsor is the place to be. We will remain the automotive capital of Canada in a new electric vehicle world.”
with the talent and expertise to remain competitive in this industry,” says Kar.
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The SHIELD Automotive Cyber Security Centre of Excellence is the only centre of excellence at a university focused on automotive cybersecurity, says Heather Pratt, executive director of research and innovation at the University of Windsor.“It’snotjust about the security of the vehicles and network on the roads but about the OEMs and the supply chain. The supply chain is so integrated and based on just-in-time delivery that it is vulnerable to cyberattacks.”
Excellence in STEM education cultivates the workforce of the future
With the kind of disruption that is underway in the auto industry comes fast-emerging gaps in talent, says Schnekenburger.“Industryisstruggling to find people in so many areas like mechanical and electrical engineering, software development, networking, materials sciences. It’s incumbent on postsecondary institutions, especially the University of Windsor, to focus on critical skills and to align with where the industry is heading.”
University of Windsor, Ed Lumley Centre for Engineering Innovation
St. Clair College educates 14,000 fulltime students and offers more than 120 advanced diplomas, degrees and graduate certificates focused in technology and trades, business and IT, media arts, health and social institutionsWindsor’sservices.twopost-secondaryfullycomplementeach other, says Peter Wawrow, director of research and innovation at St. Clair.
Windsor-Essex is home to a widely diverse, skilled, educated and experienced workforce. Building on a strong presence in advanced manufacturing and automation, especially within the automotive sector, the region’s economy is thriving in other industries, including applied sciences, mobility and zeroemission vehicles, agri-tech and health sciences.More than 25 per cent of the region’s workforce is trained in applied sciences, technologies and trades and WindsorEssex is home to a number of major research facilities and two post-secondary institutions, as well as many facilities and programs dedicated to career-based training.TheUniversity of Windsor has a student population of 16,000 and ranks among Canada’s highest percentage of international students. The university offers 190 undergraduate programs, 65 graduate programs and six professional programs, in eight faculties including engineering and science.
Investment from upper levels of government in Windsor-Essex’s regional automobility strategy has catalyzed great engagement and partnerships between industry and academic organizations, says Tom Schnekenburger, data and mobility science project manager at the University of Windsor.“Thereis so much appetite for leveraging each other’s strengths. Everyone provided the resources that were needed and the results speak for themselves. We’ve seen an influx of investment and a focus on talent attraction and creation.”
Windsor’s
The company has two divisions: Reko Automation and Concorde Precision Manufacturing.“Wespecialize in machining of critical components at a unique and specialized level,” says CEO Diane
Steve Reko launched Reko Tool and Mold in Windsor in 1976 and the company went public in 1994. His daughter took over when Steve died in 2007.Throughout its history, Reko has invested in cutting-edge equipment and facilities, including a 49,000-square-foot new build in 2018. It has grown into a company of more than 200 employees.
tomorrow.tonowforandhasRekoRekoInnovationAutomationLeader:InternationalGroupInternationalGroupbeeninthemachiningmanufacturingbusinessalmost50yearsandit’sturningitsexpertisebuildingthefactoriesof
“It’s the responsibility of everyone – industry, governments, educational
“We can’t produce enough graduates. Our students are getting job offers heading into their final years.”
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Reko. “We are also focused on growth in the automation sector. So many of our customers simply can’t find the people they need for production. Our equipment helps bridge that gap.”
Dr. Ziad Kobti, director of the School of Computer Science, says the university has deep bench strength in cybersecurity, intelligent design, artificial intelligence, internet of vehicles, robotics, data science and mobile edge computing.
Reko provides turn-key automation solutions – design, engineering, manufacturing, installation and service – that work on multiple production platforms.“Weproduce flexible equipment that is in constant use. It doesn’t sit idle and take up floor space. That’s a very efficient way to operate. We have incredibly creative and talented people and there are very exciting opportunities on the Concordehorizon.”provides high-precision, custom machining of large-scale castings,
“Our 1,600 students are learning the critical skills for the automobility industry. They are needed everywhere – technology, e-commerce, health care, banking, telecommunications. Every industry requires software engineers and developers.”Experiential learning is built into all programs, says Kobti, and employment after graduation is 100 per cent.
“Many of the jobs we are training students for don’t exist right now. But we are preparing them for a new future,” says Pratt. “There is an unprecedented war for talent on right now and that means huge opportunities in the automobility cluster. We are building regional strength so that talent comes to and stays in Windsor.”
forgings and fabrications used in mining, transportation, oil and gas, power generation, and capital equipment.
The university is the lead organization on a proposed FuturE-Car program, a pan-Canadian consortium of 11 academic institutions, OEMs, supply chain companies, and industry associations. It has a $140 million budget request from the government – with a nearly $50 million commitment from industry – and Kar serves as scientific lead.“The reception from industry has been very positive and we have the top experts in the country involved,” says Pratt. “This is filling a national gap and will support the transition from the internal combustion engine to EV. The government’s mandate to end sales of ICE vehicles by 2035 requires a path to get there.”
institutions – to manage this huge transition,” says Kobti. “Talent has to be trained to answer the needs of where we
are headed. The transition that we are in is as disruptive as the introduction of the car itself.”
Windsor is the ideal location, says Reko. “Windsor’s machine, tool and die sector has spawned a sophisticated automation sector. There is great benefit to us in being part of the production cluster because it enhances our abilities to meet our customer demands and helps us attract talent.”The company prioritizes attracting women and young people to the skilled trades and is focused on ensuring the sustainability of domestic manufacturing.“Myfatheralways said that we don’t want to be the country that doesn’t make anything. The pandemic has highlighted the risks of not having domestic production of critical things.”
To fill the talent demand will require reskilling, too. Along with a range of microcredentials and other retraining programs, the university offers a computer science degree in 18 months to those with a degree in any field.
St. Clair College, Ford Centre for Excellence in Manufacturing
“In many cases, we are the only outsource for our customers who otherwise do everything in-house. That is a differentiator for us. We work on the critical parts that no one else does.”
Since the arrival of Ford in 1904 and bolstered by the arrival of Chrysler’s assembly plant in 1928, Windsor has been known as the automotive capital of Canada. Building on its rich history in advanced manufacturing, the region has always embraced innovation and technology advancement in the automotive sector. It has now emerged as the automobility capital of Canada: a leader in next-generation vehicle production.Windsor-Essex is home to more than 1,000 manufacturers, 450 automation firms, and 350 parts, machine, tool, die and mold companies that together fuel the auto production industry.
effect” to other industries because that model can used again.
Canada’s Automobility Capital: Windsor-Essex
But through the creation of a newly unveiled digital test track of the border crossing at the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel, innovators can test sensors and visioning systems and run scenarios.
“We will collect data and user experiences about its performance so that when it comes time to buy new vehicles, there will better understanding of Leavittneeds.” says he’s been impressed with AEG and with the collaboration that’s leading the Canadian Automobility Hub.
Wawrow says the approach to building an ecosystem to nurture and grow the automobility sector will result in a “spinoff
The utility intends to use its converted truck as a demonstrator for customers after consulting with fleet operators last year and finding concerns about the cost, maintenance, safety and reliability of an electrified fleet.
CAVE works in conjunction with smart traffic equipment along the trade corridor to test new technology and simulate operations.“Itisnot a simple process to test new technology at the border. In fact, safety, security and privacy concerns means physical testing may not happen very quickly,” says Dawson.
That sector strength has led to the region’s leadership in innovation and research in each of the four pillars that underpin automobility: connected, autonomous, secure and electrified vehicles.TheAutomobility and Innovation Centre was established in 2017 as one of five departments within IWE. It is tasked with supporting local industry in making the shift to next-generation mobility production.
Its first project is the conversion of an ENWIN Utilities fleet pickup truck to electricENWINpower.isthrilled to be an initial client at AEG, says Barry Leavitt, director of corporate operations and innovation.
The hub also provides companies access to the IWE VR CAVE, which offers a virtual testing and simulation environment for connected and autonomous vehicles (CAV).“It’sbuilt around state-of-the-art hardware and software,” says Ed Dawson, senior manager of automobility and innovation with IWE. “The CAVE has been a very important piece of the work that we do. It’s Canada’s largest publicly accessible VR environment for CAV technology development.”
Canadian Automobility Hub – Canada’s first EV ramp-up factory
With a $5 million grant from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) in 2019 came the founding of the Canadian Automobility Hub in late 2021, which is a network of partners, including the University of Windsor, St. Clair College, IWE, and private companies that provide wraparound services to companies that are scaling and growing production in Windsor-Essex.Thehubincludes a research centre at St. Clair College and a micro-production facility led by a private-sector partnership.
“It’s easy, safe and requires no government approvals. This work is a stepping-stone to providing a proof of concept with the hope of one day pitching to governments and border agencies to do a live pilot.”
Windsor-Essex
is leading the way in the historic shift from the production of vehicles powered by the internal combustion engine to the electric – and connected – vehicle of the future.The economic development team at Invest WindsorEssex (IWE) began work on an automobility strategy more than four years ago with partners from industry and post-secondary institutions.
“I’m not aware of any other region that has done something like this,” says Matthew Johnson, executive director of mobility partnerships and innovation with IWE. “It is true collaborative economic development that comes out of a strategic vision and a determination to lead the automotive transition as the automobility capital of Canada.”
As a binational region, Windsor-Essex’s research niche is the border. The VR
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The hub was founded on the recognition of Windsor’s deep experience and expertise in the auto sector. Government funding has leveraged about $12 million in investment in the hub from the private sector.
When a vital industry in a local economy faces disruptive change, there are two choices: lead the transformation or fall victim to it.
In late 2021, FedDev Ontario invested another $7.5 million to support the work of the partnerships within the Canadian Automobility Hub. The province has also invested $2.5 million since 2019.
A key partner in the hub is St. Clair College.“Isee a growing role for St. Clair,” says Peter Wawrow, director of research and innovation. “We are making connections with new players in the region, especially in the area of battery production. We are building new curriculum to support that industry. And our students are engaged in research and experiential learning.”
Another key player in the hub is Automobility Enterprises Group (AEG), a private-sector partnership led by Germany-based PEM Motion that is establishing an EV ramp-up manufacturing facility in Windsor.
“The need to redefine yourself as the market evolves is essential. That’s what this region is doing. As we address climate change and our dependence on fossil fuel, we need to turn to new technology to maintain the mobility we enjoy.”Formore information canadianautomobilityhub.comvisit
“That is a clear indication to us that industry sees the value in investing in this and working together to realize an automobility future,” says Johnson. “It’s difficult to accept change and disruption, but there is recognition that there are huge opportunities ahead.”
“Great ideas spin off great ideas. This will be a catalyst for sure.”
There were a number of factors in Windsor’s favour in choosing a production location, says Lee. The availability of technical expertise and skilled talent, the proximity to customers, the availability of supply chain resources, and the support of local governments and industry were standout reasons to choose Windsor.
Invest WindsorEssex team (centre) with representatives with LG Energy Solutions and government representatives at giga-factory announcement in Windsor, Ontario on March 23, 2022.
Another major announcement this year is Stellantis’ investment of $3.6 billion CAD into its two Ontario assembly plants that will see its Windsor operation return to three-shift production. The company is converting the plants to flexible vehicle assembly facilities ready to produce electric vehicles.Thatcomes with a $200-million investment – called a game-changer by industry experts – in the modernization and expansion of its Automotive Research and Development Centre in Windsor that will establish it as a major R&D hub for the company across all stages of production –from design to development.
NextStar Energy Inc. is a joint venture of automaker Stellantis N.V. and LG Energy Solution (LGES). The partners are making a $5.1-billion CAD investment in a 4.5-million-square-foot facility that
“We identified early on in our research that attracting a battery plant would be a key component of our automobility strategy. This is a major win of an OEM that will go on to establish its own supply chain.”
The plant will manufacture highly specialized aluminum casings for EV batteries and will employ approximately 300 people.“Together, these two initial battery plants will employ approximately 3,000 people,” says MacKenzie. “Conservative multipliers say one manufacturing job supports three jobs in the local economy, so these investments are huge boons to Windsor-Essex.”AddingtoWindsor-Essex’s growing battery technology cluster is the Flex-Ion Battery and Innovation Centre (a division of Flex-n-Gate). It will be the company’s lead R&D facility for battery design, development and testing. The company will invest $40 million into the facility and equipment to become a premier battery testingMacKenzielocation.says landing the NextStar investment demonstrates that Windsor-Essex is a value-added place to do business.
is expected to produce the lithiumion batteries for a significant portion of Stellantis’ North American market.
Perspective TM Windsor- E ss E x 7 vehicleleadercapitalaswillinvestmentbillionsWindsor-Essexsupplygrowingfastest-Canada’sWindsor-Essex:EVchainhasattractedofdollarsinthisyearthatsolidifyitspositionCanada’sautomobilityofthefutureandainnext-generationproduction.
That includes the establishment of Canada’s first full-scale battery production plant that will serve as an anchor for the electric vehicle (EV) sector, says Stephen MacKenzie, president and CEO of Invest WindsorEssex.
The facility is estimated to employ as many as 2,500 and produce 46 gigawatts of battery power annually, which is roughly enough for 400,000 vehicles. That will make it the single biggest factory in energy capability in North America, says Danies Lee, CEO of NextStar Energy.
The centre aims to provide major opportunities for local talent, universities, colleges, and start-ups to participate in the development of Ontario’s EV ecosystem. The expansion means the addition of more than 650 highly skilled engineering jobs to support Stellantis’ electrification targets.
Fast on the heels of the NextStar announcement came the deal to see South Korean manufacturer Dongshin Motech (operating in Canada as DS C&K Inc.) build a $90-million EV supply plant in Windsor, its first in North America.
The plant will produce core battery cells and modules beginning in 2025 and will also assemble batteries with components built elsewhere starting in 2024.
“This enormous deal opens doors for us. We are seen as a place of growth and opportunity. The message is out there: If you are looking to expand your business in the EV industry or in supporting this industry, you want to look at Windsor-Essex.”
“Battery manufacturing is unique. It combines chemistry, electronics and mechatronics. This is a $5-billion investment, so it’s a combination of a capital-intensive and a labour-intensive venture.”Ultimately, Windsor’s place as automotive capital of Canada was a differentiator, says Lee.“We will require a lot of skilled and highly trained personnel. Windsor has everything we need.”
Dongshin Motech executives pose with Stephen MacKenzie, president & CEO, Joe Goncalves, director of investment attraction with Invest WindsorEssex; Drew Dilkens, mayor and Kieran McKenzie, councillor with the City of Windsor and Andrew Dowie, MPP, Windsor–Tecumseh.
“Talent wants to live in places with a cultural scene, great food options, a vibrant downtown. That’s all created by small businesses.”
That includes training, mentorship, and networking and the help of advisors on business plans, marketing, financing and sales strategies. The centre works across all sectors and offers specialized programs for women, youth, creative entrepreneurs and for food and beverage entrepreneurs who are looking to scale.
The number of players in the start-up and entrepreneurship space in the region is growing, says DeMarco. That influx is fed by the college and university, the return of Windsor-Essex natives who want to settle down after time away to study or launch their careers, as well as the arrival of newcomers from other places in the province, country and world.
Collaboration is key, says Yvonne Pilon, president and CEO of Wetech Alliance.“Weare part of an ecosystem that brings all the players together to move as one. We strategize, collaborate and represent the region together. When a new company lands here, we address them as a collective and provide white glove treatment together.”
Students learn from experts about how to move an idea forward, make pitches, talk to investors, develop businesses plans and find markets. Specialized programs include a microcredential certificate in how to protect and leverage intellectual property and a future program focused on the automobility sector.
Bolstered by the work of privatesector accelerators, workforce development agencies, angel investors and the economic development work of Invest WindsorEssex, here are some major elements of the supportive ecosystem underpinning the region’s growth.
A thriving small business sector lays the groundwork for attracting major employers, says DeMarco.
but that skill set is so important within organizations, too,” says Wen Teoh, director and co-founder of EPICentre.
WEtech alliance
Thriving
One of 17 Regional Innovation Centres funded by the province, WEtech Alliance provides entrepreneurs with business services, training, intellectual property, and commercialization supports, mentorship and strategic connections to help them bring a new idea to market, scale to the next level and build a culture of innovation.Astheautomotive industry evolves, WEtech is seeing more clients in the automobility sector and an ever-growing number of clients in promising sectors such as agriculture, medical technology, and“Whatfinance.we are seeing – and this is happening around the globe – every company is in some way a technology company, whether they are tech-enabled or actually producing technology,” says Pilon.
regionalEssexecosystementrepreneurialinWindsor-strengthenedthroughpartnerships
Abroad and deep ecosystem supports the developedpartnershipsoftheroleCollegetheChamberCEOEssex,economicWindsorEssex.Centre,SmallDeMarco,acrossbettersupportstothisandstart-upssupportidentifyWindsor-Essex.drivingattractiondevelopment,workforceinvestmentandcompanyformationthegrowingeconomyof“Asaregionwehaveworkedtoandchannelresourcestoourlocalentrepreneursandbywayofmentorship,training,accesstoindustryexperts.ThroughcollaborativeapproachweareableofferarobustarrayofecosystemandaccesstonetworkstofostergrowthandinnovationWindsor-Essex”,saysSabrinaexecutivedirectoroftheBusinessandEntrepreneurshipadepartmentofInvestFewcitiesofitssizeboastallthekeyenablersfoundinWindsor-saysRakeshNaidu,presidentandoftheWindsor-EssexRegionalofCommerce.TheyincludeUniversityofWindsorandSt.Clairthatareeachplayingacriticalintalentproduction,reskillingofexistingworkforce,thedevelopmententrepreneurs,andresearchwithindustry.“Windsor-Essexhasbuiltaveryandevolvedecosystem
EPiCentre
“We encourage students to think about creative ways to solve problems. That can lead to launching your own company
Windsor-Essex is known for automotive, but strengths in manufacturing, mold, tool and die, and automation and robotics that have grown up around the auto industry are now being leveraged in other sectors, such as agriculture and food processing, construction, medical devices, pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, automation, logistics, and Windsor’s growing financial technology cluster.
that caters to all sizes and phases of businesses. Whether you are one person or employ 5,000, there are supports in place no matter the sector you work in.”
Another key element of the local support system is the EPICentre (Entrepreneurship, Practice and Innovation Centre) at the University of Windsor.
small business & Entrepreneurship Centre
EPICentre offers soft-landing space for start-ups and companies looking to establish a satellite location in Windsor and offers rentable offices for U.S. companies hiring students. It also has a fully equipped makerspace with 3D printers, laser cutters and other equipment needed for prototypes.
“These are innovative and talented people with ideas that can contribute to our local economy, so we do all we can to provide the supports they need to grow from ideation to proof of concept and from start-up to early-stage growth.”
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“Windsor is well-positioned in this way. We are among the top Canadian cities for tech degree completion and have a thriving IT, robotics, and automation sector in the region. Technology is colliding with almost every sector. It’s our mission to create as many collision opportunities between sectors as possible. That’s where the magic happens.”
For over 143 years, the Chamber has been the voice of business in Windsor-Essex, promoting the needs of members to all levels of government.
Matthew Johnson, executive director of mobility partnership innovation and Ed Dawson, senior manager of automobility and innovation with Invest WindsorEssex hosting a partner mobility event at the Invest WindsorEssex Automobility Innovation Centre
AAR is where you can find a career that feels like home
WEtech Alliance is a founding partner in MedHealth, a cross-border collaboration to grow the medical technology sectors in southwest Ontario and southeast Michigan, and offers specialized programming for women, including Women in Mobility, which encourages female entrepreneurs and talent to take their place in designing and building the next generation of mobility.
AAR is a global aerospace and defense aftermarket solutions company with operations in over 20 countries, including an airframe maintenance facility in Windsor, Canada. We offer a competitive total rewards package and have immediate openings for Aircraft Mechanics, M2, plus many other positions. Visit aarcorp.com/careers for more information or email windsorrecruiting@aarcorp.com with any questions. +1.630.227.2000 | aarcorp.com AOG 24/7 worldwide: +1.630.227.2470 | AOG@aarcorp.com
“We’re part of an army of people talking about all the opportunities here,” says Pilon. “We can grow anything and build anything in Windsor-Essex. This is our time to shine.”
iWE automobility and innovation Centre
culture of entrepreneurship by focusing on new and existing businesses supporting the advancement of next-generation automobility innovations.
manager of automobility and innovation with“WithIWE.the support of our in-house technical staff, we continue to provide the right tools and support for both start-ups and SMEs to scale their companies. As part of our regional technology ecosystem, the AIC team is proud to add complementary program offerings to our growing automobility cluster.”
Windsor-Essex regional Chamber of Commerce
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Its Automobility Membership Program is one initiative being funded to promote an entrepreneurial network and help diversify Windsor-Essex beyond a traditional auto manufacturing to nextgeneration mobility innovation.
“The team at AIC is excited to help both local and provincial companies working in the automobility sector to develop their technologies through a robust offering of services and expertise,” says Ed Dawson, senior
The Invest WindsorEssex Automobility and Innovation centre (AIC) aims to support new and existing businesses in automobility and advanced manufacturing by offering a variety of resources and programs that help companies achieve their goals. The department’s main focus is to foster a vibrant, innovative and competitive network that promotes a
more than two years of focusing mainly on pandemic-related issues, Windsor Regional Hospital’s Chief of Staff is delighted to discuss plans for a new, state-of-the-art hospital.
“We know when patients’ family members are with them, healing is improved,” said Saad. “So when you create comfortable spaces that make it easier for families to stay close to their loved ones in hospital, that makes a big difference.”
private bathrooms to help prevent infection spread and improve recovery.
Dr. Wassim Saad, Chief of Staff
Learn more and subscribe to the project email list at windsorhospitals.ca or visit the WRH Foundation website at wrh.on.ca/ WRHFoundation.
“This is going to transform hospital care for people in our community,” said Dr. Wassim Saad. “It’s very reassuring for people to know they’ll have access to toptier clinical care in a modern facility that is already generating interest from health professionals across the country.”
This would be a boon for students in the University’s Faculty of Science and School of Nursing as well as the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry - Windsor Campus.
New hospital to check off all the boxes
“Students, teachers and clinical leads have been invited to every discussion about what needs to be integrated into the building for the best education and training experience,” JacobsCommunitysaid. members are also invited to provide input throughout the planning process, which has been moving quickly since October 2021 when Premier Doug
The facility will accommodate a significant increase in learners from all health disciplines, and students have been at the table throughout the planning process.
With construction set to start in 2027, planning is well underway for the New Windsor/Essex Acute Care Hospital, which will replace two aging regional hospital campuses that serve about 400,000 residents.Saadsaid the new hospital will be constructed to meet modern infectioncontrol standards and equipped with cutting-edge technological capabilities. It is expected to attract medical students and professionals, as well as anyone considering a move to the Windsor-Essex region.“This area is already becoming a retirement hotspot because of its warm climate, lower cost of living and its proximity to Detroit,” he said. “By adding a world-class, acute care hospital, WindsorEssex checks off all the boxes for people thinking of moving here.”
After
Dr. Larry Jacobs, Associate Dean for the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry - Windsor Campus.
Ford announced $9.8 million to fund ongoing planning of the project.
Community engagement ensures the hospital stays true to its patient- and familycentred approach, which is evident in early design documents that incorporate plenty of private spaces with comfortable seating for loved ones and caregivers.
They will also have space in patient rooms, which will mostly be private, with
The $200 million provincially required local share towards the cost of “bricks and mortar” for the project has been secured thanks to political leaders and residents of the City of Windsor and County of Essex. In addition, generous community members eager to see the project become a reality continue to support the ongoing modernization of hospital equipment through the WRH Foundation.
“I love the talks we’ve been having. This new hospital will have space for learning, for teaching and for simulation activities, and that is very exciting for our students, residents and staff,” said Dr. Larry Jacobs, Associate Dean for the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry - Windsor Campus.
The new 600+ bed facility will include Emergency/Trauma Services, Cancer Centre, Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Regional Cardiac Services, Critical Care, Inpatient Units, Surgical Services and Outpatient Clinics.
Dr. Caroline Hamm, Academic and Research Committee Chair and Nicole Pilutti review details of a trial looking into treatment for COVID-19. The proposed Health Research Innovation Park could mean more space for research and opportunity for innovation.
Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH) is Ontario’s seventh largest community teaching hospital, and expects to recruit more top applicants in a modern, worldclass facility.
The project is already strengthening the community’s culture of education and research.Inpartnership with the University of Windsor, the hospital is exploring development of a new Health Innovation Park with research and training space as well as opportunities for innovative health startups and collaborations between government and private sector health service providers.
The future facility is expected to bolster the local economy with more than 12,000 full-time equivalent positions - direct and indirect - over the course of planning and construction with as many as 1,200 workers on site at peak construction.
Perspective TM Windsor- E ss E x 11
“St. Clair also complements what is happening at the University of Windsor, by working at different ends of the research continuum.”
real-world project experience and mentorship from industry leaders.
100,000-square-foot facility that has a 40,000-square-foot manufacturing space.
“They ensure everyone is happy and that the project is moving forward according to the plan that’s been set out.”The majority of St. Clair’s research is in automobility and advanced manufacturing, but social innovation and health sciences are areas of growing momentum.Thecollege’s Ford Centre for Excellence in Manufacturing is a
Perspective TM Windsor- E ss E x 12
Wawrow says the college research sector works together closely to leverage and grow its collective strengths.
“It is focused on Industry 4.0. It includes several research labs, including robotics and automation, additive manufacturing, and simulation, virtual reality and digital twinning.”
“College research has a large impact on industry and the community because a lot of what we do is very tangible and has a positive effect on economic development.”
St. Clair College works directly with 10 to 20 industry partners each year to develop research projects to solve problems.cutting-edge
“They come to us with an idea or a challenge and, if it matches with the research capacity, facilities and equipment of the college, our researchers and students help develop prototypes, proofs of concept and new processes,” says Peter Wawrow, director of research and innovation.It’sahighly collaborative process. The research team, led by a faculty member or hired researcher, meets with company representatives regularly. Students get
Major Research Happening at St. Clair College
“That means our students graduate with the skill sets that are needed by industry. They get to work on fun, emerging, leading-edge technology. This research often drives where curriculum is heading.”Projectmanagers within Wawrow’s department provide administration oversight, including budgets, timelines and applications for government grants.
College research is applied, practical and solutions-focused, while universities focus on early-stage, theoretical, and fundamental exploration.
St. Clair is also home to the research arm of the Canadian Automobility Hub, which is undertaking a pilot project to convert a Ford F150 internal combustion engine truck to electric battery power.
“We see a great opportunity to continue to contribute to the Automobility Hub.”
PEM Motion is a founding member of other similar hubs in California, Europe and Mexico. Plans are in place to roll out in Latin America, India, China and Africa.
“There is so much to celebrate and discover in Windsor-Essex and there is incredible pride of place here,” says Orr. “We really do have it all.”
Residents enjoying wine and pizza at Muscedere Vineyards in Essex County
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“We are convinced that we chose the right location in Canada and will do great things in Windsor-Essex,” says Lienemann.
The team of PEM Motion founded StreetScooter out of university research in 2010 and grew it into one of the largest electric fleets in Europe as it was acquired by Deutsche Post in 2014. With this experience the founders decided to form PEM Motion to help others to industrialize electric vehicles
advance technology for batteries, fuel cells and electric motors.
Windsor also boasts Canada’s best pizza – a regional specialty featuring canned
Perspective TM Windsor- E ss E x 13
and components with engineering and consulting services.
Shifting to an automobility lens is a natural progression for a region built on the auto industry, says Wendy Stark, director of business retention and expansion with Invest WindsorEssex. A key part of her role is to help existing automotive suppliers in the region transition to an electric future.
Micro EV manufacturing established in Windsor-Essex
“People have these Windsor-style pizzas shipped across the country and around the world.You can’t get it anywhere else,” says Orr.Windsor is also home to North America’s largest distillery in J.P. Wiser’s,
It offers white label manufacturing and a ramp-up factory that will produce electric vehicles in small batches.
In addition to all that Detroit offers in terms of sports, food, culture and nightlife, Windsor-Essex has plenty of amenities of its own.
mushrooms, shredded pepperoni, and locally made Galati mozzarella cheese.
Drive-in movie during the Windsor International Film Festival
thegoodthecanWorkingdifficultcompanies,America.MotiondirectorLienemann,ChristophmanagingofPEMNorth“Forlargerit’stobeagile.withushelpthembuildcapacitytomoveideasforward.”Lienemannsaysfocuscurrently
As Canada’s southern-most city, there are four extra weeks to enjoy outdoor festivals, golf, and parks, gardens and trails, and one of North America’s major metropolitan areas is a five-minute drive across the Detroit River through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.
Surrounded on three sides by water, Windsor is also an outdoor paradise.
founded by Hiram Walker in 1870. The surrounding Walkerville is now a lively district of unique boutiques, restaurants and heritage homes.
It’s time to visit Windsor-Essex
Kayakers at Point Pelee National Park
A five-kilometre stretch of green space meanders along the river and a waterfront sculpture park features more than 30 original pieces.
Windsor-Essex’s population of over 400,000 is the fourthmost diverse in the country.
What makes Windsor-Essex a fantastic place to visit also makes it a wonderful place to live.
is on building capacity, training people and optimizing partnerships with St. Clair College and the University of Windsor.
The region boasts the pristine beauty of Point Pelee National Park and many historical sites, including those that honour Windsor-Essex as the terminus of the Underground Railway.
Hotel and Casino has made a billion-dollar investment in its five-star hotel, gaming floor, and restaurants and features the renowned 5,000-seat Colosseum that attracts A-list stars.
“A start-up that has great ideas but little money and no prototype can come to us for the equipment and expertise to build something they can show to investors and then move into small series production,” says
It is home to an award-winning wine region of 20 wineries, art galleries, interesting restaurants and craft breweries, two professional sports teams, shops, artisans and public art within the city and the small towns, such as Amherstburg, Kingsville and Leamington.CaesarsWindsor
“The overall goal is to create a network of local ecosystems. In each community, the focus is driven by the local players. These aren’t PEM hubs, but local hubs that we are one partner in.”
“Automobility Enterprises has developed a program to work with companies seeking to connect with electric vehicle OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. There is tremendous interest in what they are offering.”
“We are so fortunate to be on the border with Detroit. We celebrate our geographic advantage. We really are a two-nation destination,” said Gordon Orr, CEO of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island.
Windsor International Airport is ideally situated on an downtownaandborderinternationalbetweenCanadatheUnitedStates;45-minutedrivefromDetroit.
Adding to the value proposition of YQG, is the presence of maintenance, repair and overhaul company AAR, which works in a 143,000-square-foot hangar at Windsor“That’sAirport.averyimportant aspect for the industry. When we are talking to prospective airline partners, it’s an attractive asset for us to have that kind of expertise and facility directly on site.”
“Our job is to provide a choice of airlines, destinations and models for our region. The more choices, the better.”
aviation airport, serving the communitiessurroundingof Essex and
business and general Kent County.
Expanding Routes and Service at The Windsor Airport
The impending arrival of a $5-billion electric vehicle battery plant to support Windsor-Essex’s booming automobility sector, along with a future mega-hospital and the opening of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge will result in growing demand for cargo and logistics that YQG is ready to answer, says Galvin.
Windsor Airport (YQG) is poised for growth in its passenger services and its cargo operations, says president and CEO Mark Galvin.
“We are serving the destinations Canadians want to fly and are finding ways to complement what is offered at the Detroit airport. We find that once Americans fly through Windsor once, they do so again.”
Windsor International Airport 3200 County Road 42 Unit #200 Windsor, ON Canada N8V 0A1 519-969-2430flyyqg.ca MoreLessConvenient.Hassle.LessCost.
both in Canada and the U.S. Six million people live within an hour’s drive of Windsor-Essex.”Theairportnow serves nine destinations through five airline partners – Air Canada, Porter, Flair and seasonal routes by WestJet and Sunwing. More than 380,000 passengers yearly flew in and out of the airport prior to the pandemic.
“We see great opportunities to grow.”
Perspective TM Windsor- E ss E x 14
Routes to Halifax, Montreal, Toronto and Calgary have been very successful, as are offerings to Cuba and Mexico.YQG will add a direct flight to Tucson, Ariz. via Flair in December.
As a key transportation City Region
asset, InternationalWindsorAirport is centrally located within the
“Our travellers find it is fast through security and an efficient, hassle-free experience overall.”
On the passenger side, the airport is working with new and existing airlines to add routes to YQG’s offerings, as it continues to rebuild from the effects of the pandemic.“Wehave a strong strategic location from which we can leverage markets
of Windsor, the 16th largest census metropolitan area in Canada and the
of Essex County with a population of approximately 420,000 people. It is the only
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