EV transition delayed at GM engine plant in St. Catharines by 16 months

Production of new electric vehicles at the General Motors engine plant in St. Catharines has been pushed back by more than a year, with work to now begin in 2027.

GM had planned to start production of EV motors next year but slower-than-hoped growth in the electric sector forced the automaker to pump the brakes on the program in Niagara Region by 16 months.

The delay affects about 1,000 workers who had hoped to get jobs in EV motor production, including some of the 600 workers now employed at the St. Catharines propulsion plant.

The company is still planning to fully transition to electric vehicles by 2035.

Ford has also pushed its plans to produce EVs at its Oakville plant several times before deciding to build internal combustion pickup trucks instead.

Unifor, which represents the workers at the St. Catharines plant, saw the writing on the wall early and launched a new labour action centre two weeks ago to assist Local 199 members at the factory and independent parts suppliers throughout the region who were laid off as a result of the delays.

“Far too many workers have been affected by this retooling delay,” said Unifor President Lana Payne on the opening of the Niagara Regional Action Centre. “Though our work is far from over to support our members, their families and protect their livelihoods, this action centre will go a long way to helping the most vulnerable with immediate assistance.”

The Niagara Action Centre will provide support for the laid off workers in finding new employment and retraining opportunities, as well as mental health support services, career counselling, resume building and other important resources.

Autoworkers at the GM Propulsion Plant continue to build Gen5 engines, and the C8 eight-speed dual-clutch transmission for the Chevrolet Corvette.