General Electric breaks ground on new plant in Welland

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A boost for Niagara’s manufacturing sector as General Electric broke ground on its new engine factory in Welland this morning, which when complete is expected to employ over 200 people.

GE Canada will be up and running in southern Niagara within two years thanks in part to a $26 million infusion from the province.

“Governments do not create jobs we get that, but we also know that governments create conditions and work with businesses and partner with businesses.” said Premier Kathleen Wynne.

GE is investing over $200 million into the construction of the 450 000 square foot facility near East Main Street and Highway 140 in Welland. The gas-engine plant will employ 220 people.

Earlier this year the company said it would create 350 jobs but that was scaled back because of slow demand from the oil and gas industry. However the company says there is a possibility of expanding their work force.

“We are making gas reciprocating engines. These are large engines that are power plants that might be at a hospital or at at a pipe line.” said Elyse Allan.

Last year the company announced it would move production from its factory in Wisconsin to Ontario.

Regional chair Alan Caslin says the location is ideal – just minutes from the Welland Canal and a few kilometres from the U.S. border.

“In Niagara we have shovel ready manufacturing sites for any business to locate here. We have a workforce. We have secondary education institutions here that can provide workers that are well skilled in advanced manufacturing.” said Caslin

The Niagara area has been hit hard by closures over the years including farm manufacturer Deere & Co in 2008 and Powerblades Industries in 2015. Over 700 jobs were lost in those two closures alone.

But on top of the permanent jobs GE is generating, construction jobs will also be created.

“Skilled trades will be called in. We are able to create new apprenticeships for young people here that are looking into the construction trades, so it’s a big win for us.” said Mark Cherney from Local 303 Niagara.

GE says it will be working with Niagara College and Brock to start recruiting.

The facility is expected to be operational in 2018.