Major expansion for Stackpole International

More signs of the turnaround in the North American Auto Industry, as an Ancaster-based international auto parts maker is reaping the rewards.

After just eight months of construction Stackpole International is celebrating a major expansion at one of its local facilities and with it, comes a boost in job creation in the area.

Stackpole International is celebrating an 85,000 square foot expansion of its manufacturing floor in Ancaster bringing it to 150,000 square feet in total.

It cost around $8 million and the company says it will create more jobs in the Hamilton-area.

“We have 300 in this facility, we have 700 in the park close to 500 in next 6 or 7 years,” says Vice President Robert Mooy.

The company manufacturers oil pumps for engines and transmissions.

Its employees in Ancaster say with the expanded facility comes hope for an even brighter future.

“I think it’s really exciting, a lot of new business coming here, the fact that we’re doubling in size now can’t be bad.”

The auto industry in Ontario is booming; Ford recently invested $700 million in its Oakville plant and Stackpole says it expects to see some benefits.

“The success of ford in Oakville will have a filter down effect on our operations.”