Chrysler’s impact on Windsor

By Kyle Rose

As the automotive industry continues growing, residents of Southern Ontario are feeling the impact on the job market and the economy.

Over the years, Chrysler has employed thousands of people throughout the region.

The city of Windsor has witnessed this change first hand, watching the increase in jobs at the plant.

In recent years, Chrysler has been one of the top five employer-based companies in Windsor and other parts of Ontario.

In 2014, the Chrysler factory recorded having roughly 2,700 employees. As of February 2016 the factory became the city’s largest employer with about 5,800 employees.

John Everson, a 56-year-old Windsorite has been an employee at Chrysler for 17 years and in the automotive business for the majority of his working life.

“I’ve seen the ups and downs of this business, but being here in Windsor we’ve had a shining example of automotive excellence across the border in Detroit,” said Everson. “I truly believe this industry is moving forward in the right direction.”

He also said he couldn’t imagine Chrysler leaving Windsor now, stating the city would crumble with unemployment.”

Detroit, the leader and mecca of the automotive industry has experienced some hardship in the past but has been on the verge of a major comeback.

The automotive industry crisis of 2008 to 2010 was part of a global financial downturn. The crisis affected European and Asian automobile manufacturers, but it was primarily felt in the American automobile manufacturing industry.

The downturn also affected Canada by virtue of the Automotive Products Trade Agreement. The Canadian auto industry is closely linked to the U.S. due to the Automotive Products Trade Agreement and later the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Even with the backlash from across the river, the city has been able to adapt and become Canada’s leader in automotive initiatives.

David Kayumba, a 20-year-old student at the University of Windsor, works the night shift at Chrysler.

“I enjoy working there. It’s a chill environment and I get to work the night shift so that it balances with school,” said Kayumba.

Windsor Assembly operates with three shifts and produces about 1,400 vehicles per day. With Detroit leading a comeback in the industry, Windsor looks to possibly continue a rich partnership in automotive excellence.