In the autumn of 2022, Brian Petrie reflected on the positive moments he experienced. Newly appointed as the mayor of Ingersoll, Ontario, he entered office with optimism for the upcoming years. During this time, General Motors confirmed plans to reconfigure the local assembly plant to manufacture the BrightDrop, an electric van tailored for last-mile delivery of goods. The BrightDrop was anticipated to garner significant demand from major companies like FedEx, Walmart, DHL, Verizon, and others. To support the plant’s conversion, both federal and provincial governments collectively contributed half a billion dollars, aiding in the transformation of the facility that had been operational for over three decades, previously producing the popular Chevy Equinox model.
Media representatives were given a firsthand look at the plant’s advanced robotic assembly processes, with discussions revolving around the BrightDrop shaping a promising future for electric vehicle production in Ontario. Mayor Petrie expressed his confidence in the local workforce shortly after learning of GM’s decision to cease BrightDrop production due to insufficient customer demand. Although the plant will remain open without a new vehicle lined up for production, the future remains uncertain for the 1,200 unionized employees.
The cessation of BrightDrop production delivered a significant blow to Ingersoll, given that CAMI is the town’s primary taxpayer, contributing about 12% to the municipal tax base and serving as the largest employer. Petrie highlighted the substantial ripple effect on local businesses, emphasizing the need for brighter days ahead amidst the challenging circumstances.
Despite the setback, Mayor Petrie and several Ingersoll residents remain hopeful that GM will find ways to sustain the plant’s operations. The fluctuating landscape of government policies regarding electric vehicles and ongoing trade disputes with the United States have presented challenges to the automotive industry.
In response to GM’s decision, federal Industry Minister Melanie Joly engaged with local Unifor representatives and Ontario Premier Doug Ford to establish a collaborative effort aimed at advocating for new production opportunities at the plant. The news of the plant’s fate in Ingersoll came shortly after Stellantis announced plans to relocate Jeep production from Brampton, Ontario, to the United States, adding to the industry’s shifting dynamics.