The Manitoba government has announced that it is investing in the clean energy economy by supporting the creation of hundreds of new low-carbon, blue-collar jobs through NFI Group Inc.’s All-Canadian Build expansion in Winnipeg.
“This project is about putting a ‘Made in Canada’ stamp on the low-carbon economy,” said Premier Wab Kinew. “Here in Manitoba, blue-collar workers are part of the transition to a net zero future and it’s companies like NFI that are leading the charge. We’re pleased to partner with the federal government to get this All-Canadian Build facility done so we can continue to put Manitoba at the cutting edge of zero emission transportation technology.”
A leading provider of zero-emission buses and coaches, NFI’s global headquarters in Winnipeg employs nearly 3,000 Manitobans, noted the premier. The $23.4-million investment from the Manitoba government will support NFI’s plans to establish an All-Canadian Build facility while creating 250 direct jobs in Winnipeg and hundreds more indirect jobs. The facility will expand production capacity and have the ability to manufacture, finish and service zero-emissions buses for the Canadian market.
“NFI is the leader in North America’s evolution to zero-emission buses and coaches,” said Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources Minister Jamie Moses. “Investing in this new facility will create good jobs for Manitobans in electric transit manufacturing while reducing emissions.”
NFI will be co-investing in the project alongside the Manitoba government and the federal government through Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) Business Scale-up and Productivity program.
“This is a significant step forward by NFI Group,” said federal Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal, minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan). “Increasing manufacturing capacity in the zero-emission heavy-duty vehicle sector is good news for Canada and solidifies Manitoba’s leadership in this field. This project is an example of collaboration under the Green Prairie Economy Framework to deliver solutions to build a strong and sustainable economy across the Prairies.”
Demand for zero-emission transit buses in NFI’s core markets is at record levels, driven by the transition of transit fleets to battery-electric, fuel cell-electric and trolley-electric buses in Canada’s major cities to meet national emission reduction goals, noted the premier.
“Today’s announcement is a major milestone for NFI as it allows us to complete full buses in Canada for the first time in over twenty years,” said Paul Soubry, president and CEO, NFI. “I would like to thank our partners at the Province of Manitoba and PrairiesCan for their commitment and financial support that will help enhance Manitoba’s green economy. These funds will be strategically invested alongside our own capital to expand our production capacity and increase our zero-emissions transit bus offerings, which will create new jobs and help create more livable North American communities.”
Facility construction is expected to be complete by the end of 2025 with construction activities starting in 2024, added the premier.
