Stellantis is reportedly considering the closure and potential sale of the Brampton Assembly Plant, as per a statement from a national union. Unifor’s national president, Lana Payne, disclosed that the union was informed by Stellantis this week about these deliberations. However, she mentioned that no formal written notice of closure has been provided to the union, as required by their collective agreement.
According to Payne, Stellantis is obligated to give the union a minimum of one year’s notice in case of a closure or sale, but discussions about a possible sale with another company have been hinted at by Stellantis. Payne expressed deep disappointment, emphasizing the impact on union members who have dedicated significant effort to the plant.
In response to inquiries, Stellantis stated that they are preparing for collective bargaining and have no announcements to make presently. The company reiterated its commitment to finding a sustainable manufacturing solution for the Brampton Assembly facility.
The Brampton plant was in the process of being retooled for Jeep Compass production but encountered a pause in February 2025 after commencing the process in January 2024. Subsequently, in October 2025, Stellantis informed the union of plans to relocate Jeep Compass production from Brampton to the U.S., potentially leading to a prolonged shutdown of the plant.
Unifor intends to address this issue during upcoming contract discussions with Stellantis. Payne stressed the irreplaceable nature of well-paying union jobs established over 80 years in the automotive sector.
Additionally, Unifor is advocating for government policies safeguarding Canada’s auto manufacturing industry, citing the historical significance of the Brampton Assembly plant and its economic contributions to the community.
As Unifor engages in negotiations with automakers, including General Motors and Stellantis, Vito Beato, president of Unifor Local 1285, affirmed the union’s commitment to preserving jobs at the Brampton plant. The union represents approximately 2,200 members at the facility, who are currently receiving income security during the plant’s idle period.
Bubel, representing Brampton mayor Patrick Brown, expressed the city’s solidarity with Unifor and the plant workers, highlighting measures taken to protect automotive production at the site. Meanwhile, the federal government is actively collaborating with stakeholders to safeguard jobs, production, and investments in Canada, as stated by Riyadh Nazerally from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
The situation at the Brampton Assembly Plant continues to evolve, with stakeholders working towards a resolution that secures the plant’s future and the well-being of its workforce.