Ontario Construction News staff writer
Korean EV parts manufacturer Bobaek America Inc. has chosen to build a two-phase, $65-million plant project in Windsor.
Construction is underway on phase one of the project, a $35 million facility that will produce battery insulation panels and cell sheets for EVs. Bobaek’s investment marks the company’s first entry into the North American EV supply chain and will create 144 new jobs in the region.
“We are pleased to announce that Bobaek is establishing its first North American manufacturing hub in Windsor, Ontario,” Bobaek C&S Headquarters president Dongjo Seo said in a statement. “The plant’s output should be able to cover the entire North American market. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all the individuals who have provided much assistance in enabling us to settle in Windsor.”
The 71,000-square-foot plant being built near Windsor Airport. Construction is expected to be completed by June 2024 and will produce the insulation panels and cell sheets needed for EV batteries, including pressure moulding and sensor cutting machines, tape assembly, silicon pad cutting and packing automation lines, and 3D measuring equipment.
The provincial government is providing $1.5 million in funding through the Regional Development Program’s Southwestern Ontario Development Fund.
Through the Regional Development Program, Ontario has provided $120 million to more than 100 projects.
“We are thrilled to see another major supplier commit to our collective vision of creating an EV cluster in the City of Windsor,” said Mayor Drew Dilkens. “Significant investments like this one from Bobaek America Inc. are creating quality local jobs and helping to support an EV battery manufacturing and supply chain base that builds on previous investments to secure Windsor’s status as the Automotive and Automobility Capital of Canada.”