Stellantis Plant Future Uncertain as Jeep Production Shifts to Illinois

UPDATE: The future of Stellantis’s Brampton assembly plant remains in doubt after the automaker confirmed it will not produce the new Jeep Compass at the facility. The announcement comes just days after Stellantis revealed a $13 billion U.S. manufacturing expansion, shifting production of the popular vehicle to Illinois.

Unifor, the union representing approximately 3,000 workers at the Brampton plant, stated it has yet to receive firm production plans from Stellantis. This uncertainty follows 18 months of idleness at the facility and a recent decision to halt retooling efforts that were expected to prep the plant for new vehicle production.

“Unifor has not been notified of any alternative plans for production at Brampton. There is no reason to treat these public statements as credible,” Unifor’s Stellantis Council declared, emphasizing their frustration over the lack of communication from the company. The union represents around 8,000 Stellantis workers across Canada.

Stellantis’s CEO, Anthony Filosa, assured both Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford that options for the Brampton plant are under consideration. However, Unifor insists that any discussions regarding the plant’s future must involve them directly.

On Tuesday, Stellantis announced that the new Jeep Compass will now be produced in Illinois, a choice that has left Brampton workers in limbo. The previous version of the Compass is currently manufactured in Mexico. Premier Ford mentioned a conversation with Filosa, where he indicated that Stellantis plans to postpone production for a year while seeking a new model for Brampton.

The situation raises significant concerns for the workforce, with Ford stating that as many as 1,500 jobs at Brampton could potentially transfer to Windsor, where Stellantis is constructing an electric vehicle (EV) factory.

In a statement, Stellantis reiterated its commitment to the Canadian market but did not confirm any specific plans for the Brampton facility. “Stellantis will continue working with our partners across federal and provincial governments, as well as with Unifor,” the company said, aiming to support investment and job security.

Unifor expressed outrage over Stellantis’s abrupt decision, calling it an “egregious violation” of collective agreement commitments. For months, company representatives had provided assurances that the Compass production would remain in Brampton, leading to heightened expectations among the workforce.

The union’s frustration intensified as they received only minutes’ notice regarding the production shift. “Stellantis’ actions are appalling. For 8 months, company representatives reassured us that the vehicle commitment to Brampton was unchanged,” Unifor remarked, highlighting the lack of transparency.

Further complicating the situation is the looming renewal of the USMCA, also known as CUSMA, which is set for next year. This trade agreement renewal raises questions about potential tariffs on Canadian automotive production, adding another layer of uncertainty for the Brampton plant’s future.

As the situation develops, workers and stakeholders are left waiting for clarity on Stellantis’s plans. For now, the future of the Brampton assembly plant hangs in the balance, with severe implications for thousands of workers and the local economy.

Stay tuned for updates as this urgent situation unfolds.