Vehicle Manufacturer Stellantis sells Brampton Assembly plant to Canadian defence company
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Automaker Stellantis has signed an agreement to sell its inactive vehicle assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, to Canadian armoured vehicle manufacturer Roshel, in a development that could reshape the future of the city's automotive industry.
The agreement covers the factory and associated equipment, although the financial details have not been disclosed. Roshel says it intends to transform the facility into an advanced manufacturing centre supporting Canada's defence industry and potentially civilian vehicle production.
The sale follows years of uncertainty for workers after the plant stopped operations in 2023. Stellantis had initially planned to retool the facility for Jeep production but later moved its planned Jeep Compass manufacturing to Illinois, leaving thousands of employees affected by layoffs.
Roshel's chief executive Roman Shimonov has said the company could offer employment opportunities to some former Stellantis workers. The company is also exploring cooperation with other automakers to manufacture civilian vehicles at the site.
However, Canada's largest automotive union, Unifor, has strongly criticised the sale, arguing that Stellantis has failed to honour commitments to Canadian workers. Federal Industry Minister Mélanie Joly has also called for negotiations to protect employment and ensure the automaker fulfils its obligations.
The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to regulatory and other conditions.