Unifor welcomes Ford Motor Company’s investment in a battery plant in Bécancour, Quebec.

Ford’s commitment to invest in a battery cathode plant in Bécancour, Quebec, alongside Korean businesses EcoProBM and SK On, is encouraging Unifor. As the union representing 37,000 auto workers nationwide, including Ford employees, Unifor applauds this additional commitment to revitalise Quebec’s car industry and anchor Canada’s electric vehicle transition. “Ford’s investment announcement in Bécancour is an important step towards the re-establishment of a stronger and more sustainable automotive industry in Quebec and Canada,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “Every job along the automotive supply chain has the potential to generate significant economic benefit not only for workers and their families but also for the region and our country.”

The project, which will be developed by the collaboration EcoPro CAM Canada, is scheduled to operate in 2026 and will create 300 new employees in the region. This investment complements a number of battery projects that have already been announced or are under construction in the area, including a GM factory.”Quebec has a long history in automobile construction, assembly and parts manufacturing, which is often overlooked today.” “The announcements made in the Bécancour region herald a true renaissance of this economic sector in Quebec,” stated Daniel Cloutier, Director of Unifor Quebec. On August 10, Unifor formally began contract discussions on behalf of union members at the Detroit Three with Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis.