The Manitoba government is reportedly expanding its investment through NFI Group Inc.’s All-Canadian Build expansion Winnipeg to create hundreds of new low-carbon jobs to support the clean energy economy, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources Minister Jamie Moses have announced.
“This project is about putting a ‘Made in Canada’ stamp on the low-carbon economy…it’s companies like NFI that are leading the charge…get this All-Canadian Build facility done…Manitoba at the cutting edge of zero emission transportation technology,” Kinew reportedly has said.
Nearly 3,000 Manitobans are employed by the NFI’s global headquarters in Winnipeg, a leading provider of zero-emission buses and coaches, noted the premier.
NFI’s plans to establish an All-Canadian Build facility while creating 250 direct jobs in Winnipeg and hundreds more indirect jobs would be supported by the Manitoba government’s $23.4-million investment expanding facility’s production capacity enabling 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 Moses. “Investing in this new facility will create good jobs for Manitobans in electric transit manufacturing while reducing emissions.”
Co-investing in the project alongside the Manitoba government and the federal government NFI works through Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) Business Scale-up and Productivity program.
“This is a significant step forward by NFI Group increasing manufacturing capacity in the zero-emission heavy-duty vehicle sector…collaboration under the Green Prairie Economy Framework to deliver solutions to build a strong and sustainable economy across the Prairies,” ,” said federal Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal, minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) has said.
Premier noted that zero-emission transit buses in NFI’s core markets are in demand at record levels and is 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.
“Today’s announcement is a major milestone for NFI…commitment and financial support that will help enhance Manitoba’s green economy….to expand our production capacity and increase our zero-emissions transit bus offerings…new jobs and help create more livable North American communities,” said Paul Soubry, president and CEO, NFI.
With construction activities starting in 2024, added the premier, facility construction is expected to be complete by the end of 2025
