Windsor is getting a giant electric vehicle battery plant. Here's what you need to know

Canada's first-ever electric vehicle battery gigafactory is set to open in Windsor, and officials could hardly hold back their glee when announcing the local benefits they say the plant will offer. 

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens was joined Wednesday by politicians from all levels of government and business executives — some coming as far as South Korea — announcing the lithium-ion electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing plant coming to the city. 

The plant is a joint venture between Stellantis and LG Energy Solution, and is being supported by the city, province and federal government through incentives and funding. 

"For generations, Windsor residents have worked in the automotive industry that first began along the banks of the Detroit River More than 100 years ago. They made their livings, they raised their families, and they invested in this community," Dilkens said, opening the announcement.

"They laid the foundation of our growth and our success. And now we are more sure today that future generations will be able to realize their dreams here as well."

So, what can Windsorites expect?

The plant will provide 2,500 new jobs in the region, making it one of the area's top employers. 

City and government officials spoke at length about what the injection of new jobs will mean for Windsor, especially after Stellantis' Windsor Assembly Plant cut its third shift, with plans to cut the second shift as well. 

"Today is a good day for Windsor-Essex," said Windsor–Tecumseh Liberal MP Irek Kusmierczyk, at the announcement. "This community has seen some valleys but we never lost faith in each other and ourselves."

"Our local roots are in manufacturing and automotive, and we're darn good at it," said Dilkens. 

"We've lived through the ups and downs of the global economy and we have lived through the ups and downs of he automotive industry. The men and women who work here never give up hope that there's better days ahead." 

Stellantis chief operating officer Mark Stewart said the companies hope to break ground on the site this year, to be fully operational by 2024.

The massive factory — being touted as Canada's first gigafactory — will be the size of about 112 NHL hockey rinks, said Stewart.

The new factory will be built at 9865 Twin Oaks Dr.