In a major boost for Canadian automotive manufacturing, Stellantis has announced the return of the third shift at its Windsor Assembly Plant, set to begin on February 17, 2026. This long-awaited move will add more than 1,700 workers back to the shop floor, pushing the facility's total workforce to nearly 6,000 employees.
Expanding Production Capacity
With the assembly plant returning to full capacity, Stellantis expects a new vehicle to roll off the production line approximately every minute. The third shift will operate as a midnight shift, complementing the existing afternoon and day shifts. This expansion covers all major areas of the plant, including body-in-white, paint, general assembly, and material handling.
"Launching the new third shift at the Windsor Assembly Plant is a proud and significant milestone for Stellantis and for our Canadian operations," said Stellantis president and CEO Trevor Longley. "With production of our next-generation, award-winning Dodge Charger lineup and No. 1-selling Chrysler minivans ramping up, we're creating jobs, expanding capacity and building real momentum."
Workforce Composition and Training
The newly added positions include a diverse range of roles such as:
- Assembly team members
- Team leaders and inspectors
- Material drivers and sub-assembly operators
- Trainers and skilled trades professionals
Skilled trades supporting the additional shift encompass electricians, industrial mechanics, pipefitters, and toolmakers. Most of the new employees are represented by Unifor Local 444 and have undergone comprehensive training to support full-scale production.
Strategic Transfers and Employee Support
Notably, the third shift includes nearly 250 employees who elected to transfer from the Brampton Assembly Plant during its current operational pause. Those who remain at the Brampton facility continue to receive 70 percent of their wages along with full health benefits, according to company statements.
For the Windsor-Essex region, this expansion represents one of the largest recent injections of manufacturing jobs, providing economic stability amid uncertainty at other Ontario automotive plants.
Meeting Market Demand
The additional production capacity will help meet growing demand for the Chrysler minivan lineup and the 2026 Dodge Charger models, which recently earned North American Car of the Year honors. The Dodge lineup includes both gas-powered Charger Scat Pack and R/T models, as well as the all-electric Charger Daytona Scat Pack variant.
Government Strategy Alignment
This development follows the release of the federal government's auto strategy, which rewards companies that maintain production within Canada. In their official announcement, Stellantis emphasized their commitment to "a strong Canadian footprint" and noted they are actively evaluating future production plans for the Brampton Assembly Plant.
The company stated their goal is to ensure that any investments made are sustainable, support long-term growth, and strengthen opportunities for Canadian workers and suppliers throughout the automotive supply chain.
This significant manufacturing expansion underscores Stellantis's continued investment in Canadian operations while addressing both current market demands and strategic workforce development in the automotive sector.
