A global transport trailer manufacturer is setting up shop in Sarnia's former UBE plant on Highway 402.
CIMC Refrigerated Trailer Company is investing over $5 million with plans to create 90 assembly and light manufacturing jobs at the Ube Drive facility.
“We are pleased to be establishing our first Canadian manufacturing location in Sarnia,” said CIMC Plant Manager, Andy Wang in a news release. “The Sarnia-Lambton area’s highly skilled workforce, coupled with excellent proximity to major markets makes it an ideal location to manufacture commercial transport trailers for our Canadian customers.”
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) Board Chair Katherine Walker said the company contacted them a couple of years ago.
“CIMC Refrigerated Trailer Co. Ltd. contacted the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership in 2018 as a result of our online marketing,” said Walker. "The company was considering locations in Canada while still maintaining close proximity to its operations in Indiana, and recognized Sarnia-Lambton’s business case, including our skilled workforce, training and infrastructure.”
CEO Stephen Thompson said SLEP and community partners continue to guide the company on recruitment, administration, logistics and engineering.
He said landing the company is a tremendous success for the Sarnia-Lambton area.
"CIMC’s investment leads to the occupancy of our largest vacant industrial building, formerly home to an auto parts manufacturer. It will also help strengthen the business case for developers and investors considering new construction in other parts of the city and region," he said.
The plant’s initial hiring phase in early 2021 will focus on assembly job opportunities while a second phase will include positions for material handlers, forklift operators, shipping/receiving, millwrights, electrical technicians, machine maintenance, welders, health and safety, and office support.
Those interested in working at CIMC can call the Express Employment Professionals office at (519) 336-7962 or email jobs.sarniaon@expresspros.com.
The company expects to assemble 2,000 refrigerated trailers at the Sarnia facility in 2021.
Japanese-based UBE Automotive closed its wheel manufacturing plant in 2009 after buying the 72-acre site in 2002.
Since then, much of the 350,000 square foot facility has sat vacant.