HAMILTON, ONT.—A global auto parts manufacturing plant, headquartered in Ancaster, Ont. is undertaking a major expansion, the second one in as many years.
The company, Stackpole International, manufactures power metal components and also has an engineering products division that makes oil pumps.
General Manager Paul Bartel said the current expansion will accommodate new components that are supplied to General Motors, Ford and various sub-suppliers.
"Car companies are phasing out four, five and six-speed transmissions and replacing them with eight, nine and 10-speed ones for fuel economy. We have won a lot of business with these platforms," said Bartel.
As car companies are concentrating on improving fuel efficiency, Stackpole needs to adapt to what they require, he added. The current $9-million expansion is on the back end of the main building on Cormorant Rd. in the Ancaster Business Park.
"With sales increasing, there is a need for additional floor space," said Bartel.
In 2013, Stackpole underwent a similar expansion at their facility directly across the street. That project consisted of 80,000 square feet at a cost of approximately $8-million.
This latest expansion will provide an additional 60,000 square feet of manufacturing space.
Both projects were awarded to Dundas-based Harding Construction.
"Construction is well on its way. The concrete is being poured right now," said Bartel.
Completion is forecast for January 2016 and will bring the total space of that facility to 215,000 square feet. The one across the street is now 150,000 square feet.
Currently, at the Ancaster facilities, there are approximately 700 employees and Bartel said, "We’re saving a lot of jobs and adding probably 50 to 100 more in the next two years."
The company has enjoyed economic success in the Ancaster Business Park for a decade, even through the 2008 recession, that especially took a toll on the automotive industry.
Founded in 1906, Stackpole International is a premier manufacturer of oil pumps and powder metal components, and includes 12 manufacturing facilities and technical centers in North America, Europe and Asia, employing over 2,000 people globally.
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