Stellantis, the automaker, has recently announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Roshel, a Canadian armoured vehicle manufacturer, regarding a potential purchase of the Brampton assembly plant in Ontario. This move comes as contract negotiations between Stellantis and the Canadian union representing its workers have been halted due to disagreements over the future of the Brampton facility.
Trevor Longley, the Chairman, President, and CEO of Stellantis Canada, stated that the company explored various options for the idled Brampton plant, which has been inactive since 2023. Longley highlighted that Stellantis views Roshel as a viable solution to revive operations at the Brampton Assembly, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the site’s strategic significance in Canada’s advanced manufacturing sector.
Meanwhile, Unifor, the union representing Canadian workers, is currently assessing its next steps following the pause in contract talks. The union expressed concerns over the potential sale of the Brampton plant, stating that it obstructs the bargaining process and poses risks to the livelihoods and benefits of its members, while also impacting the industrial landscape of Canada, particularly in Ontario and the Brampton community.
The current collective agreement between Stellantis and Unifor is scheduled to expire on September 20. Negotiations commenced on September 1 in Toronto after Unifor successfully finalized new collective agreements with Ford Motor Co. and General Motors in Canada earlier in the year as part of its bargaining process with the Detroit Three automakers.
Unifor had set a deadline of September 11 to reach a new agreement with Stellantis. However, discussions broke down after ten days, with the union citing the company’s proposal to close and sell the Brampton plant as a major obstacle in the negotiations. Unifor underscored the detrimental impact of potential plant closure and sale on the automotive industry in Canada and emphasized the significance of automotive assembly for the country’s economy and job market.
The Brampton plant ceased operations in 2023, leading to over 2,000 workers being laid off. Subsequently, Stellantis considered retooling the facility for Jeep production, but the plan was paused in early 2025, followed by the relocation of Jeep Compass production to the U.S., prompting the plant to remain inactive.
Roshel’s CEO, Roman Shimonov, announced that the laid-off workers from the Brampton plant would receive priority consideration for job opportunities at the facility. Shimonov outlined Roshel’s plans to establish a Canadian Centre of Excellence for Defence Manufacturing in Brampton, in addition to its existing automotive production activities, aiming to create over 2,000 jobs and introduce new capabilities to Canada.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown expressed disappointment over the potential sale, criticizing Stellantis for what he perceived as broken commitments to the workers and the community. He urged the federal government to hold Stellantis accountable for its promises and called for transparency from Roshel regarding job prospects and investment timelines.
Unifor also raised concerns about the uncertain future of Stellantis’ Windsor assembly plant and Etobicoke casting plant, emphasizing the need for a resolution to the Brampton plant issue before finalizing any agreements. Stellantis refrained from providing further comments on the situation, respecting the ongoing bargaining process with Unifor.
In Windsor, James Stewart, President of Unifor Local 444, mentioned the union’s priorities in negotiations with Stellantis, including resolving the Brampton plant’s future, securing facility investments, and aligning bargaining patterns with previous agreements. Despite a mutual deadline set for September 11, discussions stalled after Stellantis revealed its intention to sell the Brampton plant, prompting the union to pause negotiations temporarily.
Stewart clarified that the pause in bargaining is not indefinite, and the union is exploring options and planning its next steps following discussions with the company. No firm deadline has been set by the union at this time.